Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Heartworm Treatment and Info
Heartworm Treatment and Info
Heartworm Treatment
Listed below are the preferred clinics for heartworm treatment. If you are
not located near any of these, please let us know so we can find an
appropriate facility.
19
SHENANDOAH SHEPHERD RESCUE
Because Every Dog Deserves a Home
*What is heartworm disease and how did my dog acquire this disease?
Heartworm disease is caused by infestation with Dirofilaria immitis, a parasite that
primarily infects dogs and other canids. Adult worms live in the vessels of the lungs
surrounding the heart and can cause severe disease in the lungs leading to coughing,
exercise intolerance, weight loss, collapse, or congestive heart failure. The parasite is
transmitted by mosquitoes and is not directly contagious between dogs.
*What are the risks associated with treatment? Can they be reduced?
The risks associated with treatment are minimal compared to the risks associated with
the disease. Risks include inflammation of the lungs and worm fragments blocking
vessels within the lungs. Most risks can be greatly diminished with exercise restriction. It
is important to follow your vet recommendations and to restrict activity for 4-6 weeks
following injections.
http://harrisonburg.anicira.org/services-2/heartworm-treatment
20