Heartworms are a serious and potentially life-threatening condition for dogs. While there are treatments available, it is important to understand the risks and what can happen if the condition is left untreated. The good news is that with prompt and proper treatment, most dogs can live a normal life with heartworm disease. However, if left untreated, it can be fatal.
What Are Heartworms?
Heartworms are parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of an infected dog. They are transmitted by mosquitoes, which bite and inject immature larvae into the dog’s bloodstream. The larvae then migrate to the heart, lungs and other organs, where they grow and mature into adult worms.
What Are the Symptoms of Heartworm Disease?
The most common symptom of heartworm disease is a persistent cough. Other symptoms include difficulty breathing, tiredness, weight loss, and a decreased appetite. In advanced cases, the dog may show signs of congestive heart failure, such as an enlarged abdomen, a pot-bellied appearance, and pale gums.
How Is Heartworm Disease Diagnosed?
Heartworm disease should be diagnosed as soon as possible. This can be done with a combination of tests. The most common is a blood test to look for heartworm antigen. Other tests include chest X-rays, ultrasound, and an echocardiogram.
How Is Heartworm Disease Treated?
The treatment for heartworm disease involves killing the adult worms in the heart and lungs. This is done with a combination of medications, including an adulticide and a heartworm preventive. In some cases, the dog may also require surgery to remove the worms.
What Happens if Heartworm Disease is Left Untreated?
If heartworm disease is left untreated, the worms can cause serious damage to the heart and lungs. This can lead to heart failure, lung disease, and even death. In addition, the worms can block the airways, leading to difficulty breathing.
How Long Can a Dog Live With Heartworms Untreated?
Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict how long a dog can live with heartworms untreated. The severity of the disease and the size of the worm population will determine the prognosis. In general, if left untreated, most dogs will die within 6 months to 2 years.
Can Heartworm Disease Be Prevented?
Fortunately, heartworm disease can be prevented with regular use of a heartworm preventive. This medication kills the larvae before they can develop into adult worms. It is important to give the medication to your dog on a regular basis, as recommended by your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is heartworm disease?
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition for dogs. It is caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of an infected dog. The worms are transmitted by mosquitoes, which bite and inject immature larvae into the dog's bloodstream.
What are the symptoms of heartworm disease?
The most common symptom of heartworm disease is a persistent cough. Other symptoms include difficulty breathing, tiredness, weight loss, and a decreased appetite. In advanced cases, the dog may show signs of congestive heart failure, such as an enlarged abdomen, a pot-bellied appearance, and pale gums.
How is heartworm disease diagnosed?
Heartworm disease should be diagnosed as soon as possible. This can be done with a combination of tests. The most common is a blood test to look for heartworm antigen. Other tests include chest X-rays, ultrasound, and an echocardiogram.
How is heartworm disease treated?
The treatment for heartworm disease involves killing the adult worms in the heart and lungs. This is done with a combination of medications, including an adulticide and a heartworm preventive. In some cases, the dog may also require surgery to remove the worms.
What happens if heartworm disease is left untreated?
If heartworm disease is left untreated, the worms can cause serious damage to the heart and lungs. This can lead to heart failure, lung disease, and even death. In addition, the worms can block the airways, leading to difficulty breathing.
How long can a dog live with heartworms untreated?
Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict how long a dog can live with heartworms untreated. The severity of the disease and the size of the worm population will determine the prognosis. In general, if left untreated, most dogs will die within 6 months to 2 years.
Can heartworm disease be prevented?
Fortunately, heartworm disease can be prevented with regular use of a heartworm preventive. This medication kills the larvae before they can develop into adult worms. It is important to give the medication to your dog on a regular basis, as recommended by your veterinarian.
What is the best way to treat heartworm disease?
The best way to treat heartworm disease is with a combination of medications, including an adulticide and a heartworm preventive. In some cases, the dog may also require surgery to remove the worms. It is important to follow your veterinarian's instructions and give your dog the medication as recommended.
What should I do if I think my dog has heartworm disease?
If you think your dog has heartworm disease, you should take them to your veterinarian as soon as possible for testing and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the severity of the disease and help your dog live a longer and healthier life.
What are the risks of not treating heartworm disease?
If heartworm disease is left untreated, the worms can cause serious damage to the heart and lungs. This can lead to heart failure, lung disease, and even death. In addition, the worms can block the airways, leading to difficulty breathing.
Can heartworm disease be cured?
Yes, heartworm disease can be cured with prompt and proper treatment. This involves killing the adult worms in the heart and lungs with a combination of medications, including an adulticide and a heartworm preventive. In some cases, the dog may also require surgery to remove the worms.
Is there a vaccine for heartworm disease?
No, there is no vaccine for heartworm disease. The best way to prevent it is to give your dog a monthly heartworm preventive medication as recommended by your veterinarian. This medication kills the larvae before they can develop into adult worms.
Can heartworm disease cause paralysis in dogs?
Yes, in some cases, heartworm disease can cause paralysis in dogs. This is due to the adult worms blocking the airways, leading to difficulty breathing. If your dog is showing signs of paralysis, it is important to take them to the veterinarian right away for testing and treatment.