Heartworm in Dogs – Some Questions & Answers

The common questions about
heartworm in dogs are often related to the other species
affected by heartworms in addition to dogs. One

should know that in
addition to dogs, cats, foxes, wolfs, horses, sea lions etc. are also
affected. Can this be cured or not? Yes. This can be treated.

Let’s dive right in.

Questions
& Answers About Heartworm in Dogs

What
drug is used most often to prevent heartworm in dogs?

Ivermectin is the drug
used most often to provide a preventive action against this disease.
Infected dogs exhibit constant coughing, panting and dullness in
their eyes.

What
is the size of the worms?

In the case of females,
they are about twenty-seven centimeters in length and in the case of
males, they are about seventeen centimeters in length.

Is
there any vector involved in the transmission of the disease?

Yes. Mosquitoes often get
associated as vectors of heartworm in dogs in which the early
development of larvae of heartworms occur in them.

Is
prevention meant only for heartworms or others also?

Yes. Prevention is meant
not only for heartworms but also for hook worms, whip worms, and
round worms.

What
stage of of larvae is associated with the transmission of these
heartworms?

It is the third stage
larva that is transmitted by mosquito bites.

This occurs throughout the
world. In some areas, the incidences

of heartworm in dogs
are less in colder months. Due to the absence of mosquito breeding
and may be dormant during these periods.

What
is the name of the drugs used for therapy and prevention of heartworm
in dogs?

Ivermectin and milbemycin
oxime may be used for both purposes. Ivermectin is available in
injection form and oral form.

Additionally, there are
other forms of drugs for external application that are also available
to treat heartworm in dogs. The cost factor needs to be worked
out for all these treatments.

What
is the frequency of the drug used for prevention of heartworm in
dogs?

One month before the
mosquito season and up to two months after the mosquito season
begins. Ivermectin or milbemycin oxime may be given once monthly for
continued prevention.

Diethylcarbamazine may
also be used for prevention and therapy purposes.

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