Heartworm Infection
Heartworm Infection Heartworms may accumulate gradually over years, or quickly when conditions allow exposure to high numbers of mosquitoes carrying infective heartworm larvae. Transmission and Life Cycle 4 In dogs, the In 10 to 14 days, the microfilariae Infected Mosquitoes become infected Cycle mosquito bites worms may repeats as mosquito bites another dog. with microfilariae live for up while taking mature to the infective larval another to 7 years. dog, cat or other susceptible animal, and larvae enter blood meal from the stage within the mosquito. infected animal. Heart with heart- worm infestation through the bite wound. Adult heartworms reside in the pulmonary arterial system (lung arteries) and migrate to Microfilariae the heart and the great veins in heavy infections. Normal heart Cycle repeats Heartworm Incidence (2010) Average number of cases per reporting clinic Less than 1 1-5 cases 6- 25 cases Signs of heartworm disease may include: • Mild persistent cough 26 - 50 cases 51 - 99 cases Reluctance to exercise • Fatigue after moderate activity • Decreased appetite and weight loss 100+ cases Map courtesy of American Heartworm Society Source: www.heartwormsociety.org vet R. TORO / © DEPOT.com SOURCE: AMERICAN HEARTWORM SOCIETY
Heartworm Infection
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