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Pit
Bulls and Heartworms |
by:
je
Dunn |
Pit
Bulls and Heartworms
By: je Dunn
It is surprising how many people are still
confused about heartworms and the effects
that a heartworm can have on
your pit bull dog.
First lets look at what heartworms are and
how your dog can become infected.
Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes
into the dog's blood stream. The immature
heartworms called microfilaria
travel through the blood stream.
The microfilaria settle into the heart chambers
and major pulmonary blood vessels. This
causes a blockage of the
blood flow and pathological changes to the
surrounding tissues.
This blockage happens when the larvae grow
into adult worms. An adult female heartworm
can grow up to fourteen
inches and can live as long as five years.
A female heartworm can produce thousands
of microfilariae, which is transmitted into
a mosquito when it bites an
infected dog, and subsequently injected
into the next dog that that mosquito dines
on.
What Are The Signs That A Dog May Have Heartworms?
Usually the first system is weight loss.
The dogs' hair may become dull and brittle.
The infected dog also may tier easily.
A persistent coughs and or labored breathing.
In more progressed cases victims may vomit
blood from ruptured lungs.
If the disease is not prevented or caught
in time the result will be a slow painful
death from congestive heart
failure.
What Do I Do If My Pit Bulls Is Infected?
Treatment is available but it can cost hundreds
of dollars, and may be ineffective depending
on the degree of
infestation.
The best defense against heartworms is routine
checkups with your vet. Giving your dog
heartworm medication once
a month easily prevents heartworms.
Warning: You Must Have Your Dog Tested For
Heartworms Before Starting Heartworm Medication!
About the Author
je Dunn has published several books on
dogs and has free information all about
dog training, health, and care at: Pit
Bulls
Health Tips |
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