Symptoms & Treatment of Dog Heartworm Disease - Quick G
A dog suffering from heartworm disease has lost its ability to move freely.
One. Causes
This disease is primarily spread through mosquito bites, which is more common in tropical regions. In areas with tropical or subtropical climates, the infection rate is particularly high.
Two. Symptoms
Initial Stage: Symptoms are often subtle, with occasional signs of decreased energy or coughing.
Advanced Stage: Dogs may become completely immobile, exhibiting symptoms such as coughing and ascites (abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen).
Three. Treatment Methods
Treatment involves two main steps: first, the elimination of adult worms, followed by targeted treatment based on the dog's specific condition. This may include the use of anticoagulant and corticosteroid medications. After this initial phase, the adult worms are targeted with a drug called immiticide. Typically, this treatment is administered twice with an interval between each dose, and it can only be given twice. A month later, another dose is administered. If the dog is suffering from liver or kidney failure, it is crucial to prioritize treating these conditions first. Once the dog has stabilized to some extent, the focus can then shift back to eliminating the worms.
