Heartworm disease

Where?

Southern Europe, USA, Australia, Japan, Southern Canada, Southeast Asia and Africa

Seasons

Generally from April till October

Humans

It doesn't spread to man

What is it?

It's a parasitic disease (Dirofilaria Immitis) transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitos

How?

The infective larvae grow adult and live in the right cardiac ventricle and pulmonary arteries of dogs. The female worms produce embryos (microfilariae) that crowding the blood are easily ingested by mosquitos. This is necessary for their further developement to infective larvae which can be spread by mosquito bite to other dogs 

Incubation

Clinical signs can be apparent after several years

Signs

First signs are related to a mild cardiopulmonary distress: fatigue and lethargy, syncope due to exercise or excitement, anorexia and cough

Treatment

It's closely related to dog conditions, in case of severe signs complications may be triggered

Protocol

Arsenic derivatives to eliminate the adult worms followed by ivermectin to eliminate microfilariae are usually employed

Prevention

Blood tests

oral or injectable HWD medicinals