Heartworm Disease and Prevention Jennifer Hohle

Table of contents What are heartworms? Life cycle of the heartworm Symptoms of heartworm disease Diagnosis of heartworm disease Other disease processes secondary to heartworms Treatment Prevention References

Heartworms Heartworm disease is still a worldwide problem. This postmortem heart specimen contained nearly 100 adult heartworms ( dirofilaria immitus). (Schaer, 2008, p. 70) Heartworms affect many species worldwide but here it mainly affects canines, felines, and Ferrets.

Life cycle of the heartworm

Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Dogs Coughing exercise intolerance Anorexia weight-loss Tachypnea distended abdomen ascites

Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Cats Open mouth breathing Sudden death

Diagnosis In most cases, one or more simple blood tests will diagnose heartworm disease. For example serological tests for antigens to adult heartworms A direct sample of blood can be viewed with a microscope to look for microfilariae A modified Knott’s test (rarely used) Heartworm disease affect liver and kidney function so a bloodwork panel checking organ function should be performed as well Prior to treatment thoracic radiography should be taken to classify the level of the disease process

Secondary complications Caval syndrome - obstruction of blood flow from the vena cava caused by heavy heartworm infestation Ascites -fluid in abdominal cavity Embolism - a blockage of vessel by a foreign object Right-sided congestive heart failure - insufficient cardiac output to meet the body's needs

Secondary complications continued Renal failure - inability of the kidneys to function Hepatic failure -inability of the liver to function

Treatment An injectable drug to kill adult heartworms is given. (adulticide) The injections may be given thirty days apart Many dogs are also treated with antibiotic and steroid therapy (doxycycline and prednisone) There is currently no way to treat heartworm disease in cats(prevention is key) During treatment complete confinement and rest is essential to prevent complications secondary to worms that are dying off Dogs with severe heartworm disease may require lifetime treatment for heart failure Many dogs display renewed vigor and vitality after completing treatment

Post Treatment Requirements To minimize development of clinical pulmonary thromboembolism, it is important to restrict activity for 3-4 weeks after completion of adulticide therapy. (Bassert, 2010, p. 700)

Prevention You can prevent your dog or cat from getting heartworms by using a monthly heartworm preventive With the safe and affordable preventives available today, no pet should ever get heartworms There are oral medications as well as topical that can be administered once a month for dogs Revolution seems the be the best product for cats

Prevalence of heartworms

References Bassert, J. (2010). Small Animal Medical Nursing. In McCurnin's clinical textbook for veterinary technicians (7th ed., p. 700). St. Louis, Mo.: Elsevier Saunders. Schaer, M. (2008). Cardiovascular Disorders. In Clinical signs in small animal medicine (p. 70). London: Manson Pub./The Veterinary Press.

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