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Biological Description
Heartworms are small thread-like worms that can grow up to 14 inches in length and are normally
found in the Arteries, Veins, Lungs and the Heart of their host. Heartworms are spread from hosts to hosts
through vectors such as mosquitoes. The incubation stage of the heartworm developing to an adult is 6 months.
This means that from the time your pet receives a mosquito bite, six months later, your pet runs the risk of
having heartworm disease. The adult heartworms produce larvae called microfilaria and migrate to the surface
of the skin where they are picked up by mosquitoes.
Distribution
Heartworms are commonly distributed throughout the tropics where mosquitoes are highly common.
However, where there are mosquitoes, your pet still may be in risk of heartworm disease.
Clinical Signs of Infection
There are no immediate indications of heartworm infection until 6 months later or when the
infection becomes severe. Large dogs may show classical signs of heartworm infection such as coughing,
labored breathing and extreme lameness which leads to loss of appetite and weight loss. In some severe
heartworm cases, the abdomen becomes extremely bloated as a result of the heartworms clogging the
bloodstream to the heart.
How to find out if your pets have heartworms.
A simple heartworm test can be done at Wise Owl Animal Hospital.
When we can test for heartworm disease.
Since the development of heartworm larvae to adult is 6 months, a test can be done only if the dog is greater than 6 months.
Prevention
Preventing heartworms can be easily done by giving your dog a once a month tablet called interceptor or
applying revolution on your cat. An injection of Proheart can prevent heartworms for a year. All products are
sold here at Wise Owl Animal Hospital.
Can Humans get them?
Humans cannot get Heartworms from their pets or mosquitoes. However, humans are able to get Malaria
which is closely related to heartworms.
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