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Heartworm Disease

Animal Radio
Let’s look at heartworm disease one more time. Canine heartworm disease is a dangerous and potentially deadly disease occurring in both dogs and cats. Long white worms are the cause.

Adult worms can reach a length of 6 to 14 inches. They live in the right side of the heart and in the adjacent large blood vessels. A dog may have several hundred of them in their system. Larger accumulations of adult worms impair circulation of the blood, which can cause damage to the dog’s heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.

The important thing for dog owners to remember is that a great deal of damage can occur before any outwards signs of heartworm disease are noticed. In advanced stages, the disease may cause its victim to have difficulty breathing, cough, tire easily, become listless, lose weight or faint. If not detected and controlled with proper treatment, the disease can lead to congestive heart failure and death.

Until recently, canine heartworm disease was considered to b e a problem only in warm climates. But in the past few years, it’s been found in Canada and many regions in the United States.

Infected dogs can carry heartworm disease for several years. Heartworm disease may be a problem anywhere in the nation. Although no vaccine is available for heartworm disease, veterinarians have developed an easy method for preventing infection. A monthly chewable tablet is all that’s needed.