Heartworm is
caused by a nematode worm Dirofilaria immitis which grows to inhabit the
right side of the heart and the connecting blood vessels. Because the
adult heartworm can grow to 35cm in length they can obstruct blood flow,
cause severe inflammation to tissues and weaken the heart leading to
chronic congestive heart failure. As the disease progresses, fluid
accumulates in areas such as the abdomen, lungs and limbs and eventually
if untreated the dog will die from complications. Symptoms seen late in
the disease include chronic coughing, laboured breathing, fatigue, loss of
body condition and a distended abdomen caused by the excess accumulated
fluid.
Transmission: The Dirofilaria immitis heartworm is transmitted by mosquitos that
carry the infective larvae. The mosquito deposits the larvae on the dog’s
skin where it penetrates through into the underlying tissue eventually
entering blood vessels to migrate to the heart to mature.
When mature the female heartworm releases the immature form called
microfilariae into the blood stream. If a mosquito then bites the dog it
can suck up microfilariae that undergo certain changes in the mosquito to
develop into infective larvae. When the mosquito next bites a dog it can
pass on the heartworm infection.
Diagnostic tests for the detection of
microfilariae in blood samples can be performed by veterinarians and
pathology laboratories and it is important to test for heartworm prior to
symptoms occurring and also before starting monthly preventatives in the
mature dog.
Life Cycle:It can take as short as two months for immatures to develop into
sexually mature heartworms. Once in the heart they can survive for several
years, with females continuing to release microfilariae into the blood
stream.
Monthly prevention is the best form of disease
control.
Monthly Dosing Instructions:
Aim at giving HeartGold Chewables to
your dog at monthly intervals. Because HeartGold acts by killing the
heartworm larvae it will destroy any larvae that have been acquired during
the month and before the larvae can grow into adult worms.
Because of the high palatability of HeartGold
Double Strength most dogs will take them when offered, but in a small
percentage of cases it may be necessary to mix with food or administer
directly. For dogs less that 22Kg the Chewable can be broken in half, and
for dogs greater than 44Kg, multiples of the Chewable are given
monthly.
Safety Margin:HeartGold Double Strength have a wide safety margin in male and
female dogs, including pregnant bitches.
Unusual Signs:If your dog exhibits unusual signs such as dilated pupils,
depression or a staggering gait following dosing with HeartGold, consult
your veterinarian.
