Heartworm Disease:  Removal of Adult Heartworms

        -----------------------------------------------

                      General Information



Heartworm disease is becoming more common in many parts of the

United States.  It is caused by the heartworm, Dirofilaria

immitis.  This parasite lives in the right side of the dog's

heart and the nearby large vessels (pulmonary arteries).  The

female worm produces large numbers of microscopic, immature

heartworms that circulate in the blood.  These immature worms

(microfilariae) are taken up with the blood by a mosquito feeding

on an infected dog.  After living in the mosquito for 10-14 days,

the microfilariae can then infect another dog that the mosquito

feeds on.  The feeding mosquito deposits infective microfilariae

on the skin of another dog, and these enter the body through the

mosquito bite wound.  The microfilariae eventually travel to the

heart where they develop into adult heartworms.  The adult

heartworms produce new microfilariae within 3 months.  It takes

at least 190 days from the time the dog is bitten by an infected

mosquito until the dog becomes a new source of infective

microfilariae.  Most cases of heartworm are diagnosed by finding

the microfilariae in the blood.  Sometimes, however, no

microfilariae are found in the blood (occult heartworm disease).

These cases are diagnosed by a combination of blood tests and

chest radiographs (x-rays).  Failure to treat heartworm disease

may result in heart failure and/or serious disease of the liver

and kidneys.  Untreated heartworm disease is usually fatal. 



                 Important Points in Treatment 



1.  Treatment for heartworms consists of 2 phases:  destruction

    of the adult heartworms, followed by elimination of

    microfilariae from the blood. 



2.  Before treatment, a thorough physical examination,

    including blood tests, chest radiographs (x-rays) and an

    electrocardiogram, is advised.  An underlying liver or kidney

    disease is usually treated first. 



3.  Heartworm disease is very serious, and complications may

    arise during and after treatment.  The doctor will discuss

    the risks involved in your pet's treatment. 



4.  Give all medication as directed.  Call the doctor if you

    cannot give the medication. 



5.  Activity:  Your pet's activity must be severely restricted

    for 8 weeks after treatment.  Do not allow unrestricted

    running. Short on-leash walks are the only exercise allowed

    until both phases of treatment have been completed.  Also,

    prevent your pet from engaging in vigorous or extended

    barking, rough play or other excitement. 



6.  Diet:  Follow the instructions checked. 



    ____Feed the normal diet. 



    ____A special diet is required.  Feed as follows:





       Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet refuses to eat.



    * Your pet has diarrhea or vomiting, or seems in pain.



    * Your pet coughs frequently or has trouble breathing.



    * There is a change in your pet's general health.