Heartworms are parasites that cause disease which is usually fatal
without proper diagnosis or treatment. Even when diagnosed,
treatment for heartworm can be dangerous. Heartworm infection is
present throughout mainland Australia and can affect dogs and cats.
How do heartworms look like?
Adult heartworms are long, thin worms that live in the major blood
vessels within the lungs and the heart. Some can reach 30 cm long.
How are they spread?
In infected dogs adult heartworm produce a large number of small
larvae, called microfilaria. These circulate within the animals
bloodstream. When the infected animal is bitten by a mosquito, the
mosquito ingests the larvae along with the rest of its meal. Within
the mosquito the larvae continue to grow, until they position
themselves around the mouth of the mosquito. When the mosquito bites
and feeds on the next dog, the larvae enter the skin via the
mosquito bite wound. About 12 infective larvae can be transmitted
per bite. From there, the larvae continue to grow and migrate
through the bloodstream until they reach the large blood vessels
around the heart and lungs. Here they reach adult size and produce
their own larvae 6 months after the first mosquito bite. The worms
interfere with the circulation of blood, damage delicate tissues and
cause heart failure. This can result in death.
Can this be treated?
Treating adult heartworm infections is both difficult and risky.
Because of the danger involved with treatment and the damage caused
by heartworm infection, prevention is much safer than treatment.
Can it be prevented?
Preventative medications are safe, tasty and there are several
different kinds available. Please ask our staff which one is most
beneficial to your pet.
