~Canine Heartworm
prevention~
Important for all dog owners
Heartworm disease in dogs is a slow chronic condition due to
infection with large roundworms called Dirofilaria immitis. The
infected animals do not show any signs of illness until the
condition is advanced and organ damage occurs.
Adult male and female heartworms live in the dog's heart and
adjacent large blood vessels. The female releases microfilariae
into the dog's circulating blood stream These larvae are ingested
by mosquitoes as they take a blood meal. They will infect another
dog when the mosquito takes another blood meal. They migrate from
the skin to various tissues until they reach the heart and develop
into the adult worms. This developmental period takes six
months.
Canine Heartworm Disease is very common in South East Asia.
Early detection is essential for early treatment and prevention by
a blood test.
VERY IMPORTANT - A blood test must be carried out BEFORE starting
heartworm prevention .
Most heartworm-infected dogs can be successfully treated if the
condition is diagnosed early.
PREVENTION AND CONTROL
a) Control mosquitoes by screening and spraying; avoid keeping
stagnant water and rubbish around
b) Preventative medications include once a month prevention
tablets, or once a year injection.
PLEASE CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN IF ANY FURTHER INFORMATION IS
NEEDED WITH REGARD TO YOUR DOG'S HEALTH
Blood test will cost 75 bucks..Heartgards tablets will cost between
50-60 bucks..depends on the size of yr pooches..