Disease of the heart (canine filariasis) worm

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Disease of the heart (canine filariasis) worm

This article focuses on a disease that probably have heard full mascotero, without coming to know the severity of it. Well, therefore it is not for putting us alarmists, but is a serious disease that can be deadly.
It corresponds to a nematosis that mainly affects the dog, and sometimes cats, without forgetting that there is a risk of transmission to humans... Although this does not usually have gravity. It is transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes, moment in which they inject larvae of Dirofilaria immitis (worms) that are under the skin of the animal, where they develop. After a while, when they are already adults, worms move by the animal's body through the vena cava or pulmonary arteries, and finally reaching to its target: heart.
It is clear that, when the worms are adults, reproduce, deposit more larvae in the blood of the dog, and when another mosquito bites the animal, it carries with it, and can infect another copy with their bite. As you can see how easily it can play... Hence the importance of prevention through a regular worming and time.
Symptoms:
  • Lack of growth
  • weakness
  • Renal failure
  • Anorexia
  • Breath sounds
  • Respiratory failure
  • Heart failure
  • Liver failure
  • Increase in abdominal perimeter
  • Exercise intolerance
Diagnosis:
  • Will demonstrate microfilariae in blood
Treatment:
  • Ivermectin: it is the most effective. It allows to control the larvae.
  • Surgery: when the worms are already located in the heart. Removed.
Prevention:
  • Supply desparasitarías tablets to the animal
Now that we have known this disease, it is suitable to increase the precautions. Therefore, if we we saw mosquitoes near our pets, is recommended keep away them from the site to avoid bites with potentially fatal consequences.
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