Heartworms photos
 The
parasitic heartworm over time will totally invade the heart muscle
and start to cause a multitude of life threatening problems.
This autopsy photo shows at least 45 - 60 heartworms that have
infested this canine heart, sadly it was too late for this dog and
its owner.
Heartworms symptoms
Symptoms of heartworm infestation are varied
and can often be mistaken for asthma or respiratory problems.
Typical symptoms may include weight loss, lethargy, coughing,
wheezing, hair loss, jaundice, loss of appetite, convulsions,
diarrhea, blindness, rapid heartbeat, poor condition of coat, and
vomiting. Heartworms are diagnosed by veterinarians by
checking blood samples for the presence of microfilaria (which are
the offspring of heartworms circulating in the bloodstream).
Heartworms treatment
Treating a heartworm infection is a complex and
high risk operation because usually at this point the chronic
infection has weakened the organs and immune system.
Treatments involve toxic chemicals that are injected to kill the
heartworms, but if the animal in not healthy enough it will not
survive the procedure. The success of treatment will depend on
the overall health of the pet and the extend of heartworm
infestation in the body. Check with your veterinarian
immediately if you suspect your pet may have heartworms. Be
prepared for an expensive series of vet visits!
Heartworms prevention
Several heartworm medications are now available
on the marketplace to provide preventative protection against
heartworm infections. These medications do have risks and side
effects so it is important that you read about them carefully.
Regular prevention can be achieved by administering 1 pill per month
- a small price to pay for your pets comfort and health, and a great
hedge against expensive vet visits.
Your best value is
to buy a 12 or 24 month supply from large internet wholesalers that
specialize in filling pet prescriptions in bulk. You can usually
save an extra 10% or more by filling an order over a prescribed
dollar amount.
Click on a
medication for more information on
usage, risks, combination treatment effectiveness and how to receive
discounts when ordering.
 Heartguard
plus: #1 Choice of Veterinarians for protection against
Heartworms. Also Treats And Controls Roundworms and
hookworms, and is given as a monthly oral medication.
 Sentinel:
prevents heartworms, flea
populations, adult hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms and
is given as a monthly oral medication. (kills flea
eggs but not adult fleas)
 Panacur
- C: (fenbendazole) is typically used to treat
hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms in dogs.
Powder form to be mixed with food.
[Available over-the-counter, no
prescription required]
 Iverhart
plus: prevents
heartworms, adult hookworms and roundworms and is given as a
monthly oral medication.
 Interceptor:
prevents heartworms, adult
hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms and is given as a
monthly oral medication.
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