what is it?
how long does it take for Heartworm to mature
6-12 months
dogs
how many stages does the Heartworm cycle have?
5
Heartworm can effect...
the heart and lungs
in severe cases surgery may be needed to...
remove large amounts of heartworms from the heart and blood vessels
what insect spreads Heartworm?
mosquitos
the worms can cause small nodules in the lungs that are sometimes mistaken for...
cancer
how does a mosquito get infected with Heartworm?
by biting an infected animal
name 3 symptoms that humans with Heartworm get
chest pain, cough (with blood), fever & chills
if a dog has breathing difficulties they are provided with?
oxygen therapy
how long can heart worms get?
up to 12 inches long
how many species of mosquitos can transmit heartworms?
30+
what is stage 2 in the infection process?
name 4 advanced symptoms that dogs with Heartworm experience
persistant cough
rapid breathing
loss of appetite
rapid weight loss
what are 3 ways you can prevent your pets from getting infected?
keep pets indoors from dusk to dawn
have pets tested regularly
install and repair window screens to keep mosquitos out
what other 5 animals can get Heartworm?
cats, ferrets, coyotes, wolves, foxes
what are 2 diseases that dogs can get from Heartworm
pulmonary arterial disease, pulmonary hypertension, or congestive heart failure
what can heartworms do when they grow into adults?
damage blood vessels and prevent the heart from functioning properly
why is Heartworm so harmful?
they can grow up to 12 inches and get stuck in the heart and lungs and cause severe inflammation that leads to organ failure
what is the name of the medicine that can kill the adult heart worms?
melarsomine
what is the scientific name for Heartworm?
dirofilariasis immitis
in rare cases Heartworm can infect what 3 animals
sea lions
bears
racoons
what is the scientific name for the little worms before they turn into larvae?
Microfilaria
why are humans considered a "dead-end" host?
because the larvae can't complete their life cycle in human bodies
why is doxycycline given?
kill bacteria that lives inside of the heartworms and reduce complications