Canine Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes and can be a potentially deadly disease. A mosquito bites an infected dog, ingests the blood meal, and in turn bites another dog. The immature (non infective) stages of the heartworm migrate from the skin into the bloodstream and go to the heart and lungs to mature. The mature worms cause congestive heart failure, and oftentimes, sudden death. All dogs should be tested annually and placed on a monthly year round medication to prevent the immature stages from maturing to the adult worms. In addition to controlling heartworm disease, the monthly medication protects dogs against intestinal parasites that can cause disease in people. Heartworm disease is very easy to prevent, but can be difficult to treat.
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