One mosquito bite can result in heartworm infestation. Protection comes from tests and preventative treatment from 6-8 weeks of age.
Adult heartworms are found in the right hand side of the heart and impede the flow of blood to the lungs.
Symptoms of infestation include lack of appetite, loss of weight, laboured breathing, coughing, and reduced stamina during exercise. Death can result without preventative treatment. However, before such treatment, blood tests must be carried out otherwise death can follow administration.
A blood test can be carried out at the veterinary surgery and results are often available in 10 minutes.
Medication may be administered in tablet or syrup form, on a daily or monthly basis, or as an annual injection.
Controlling mosquito populations may reduce the risk of heartworm, but without a program of medication, the risk cannot be adequately minimized in any place where mosquitoes are common.
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