The common questions about heartworm are often related to the species affected by heartworms in addition to the dogs. One should know that in addition to dogs, the cat, fox, wolf, horse, sea lion etc. are also affected. Can this be cured or not? Yes. This can be treated.

What is the drug used often for the prevention of heartworm in dogs? Ivermectin is the drug used often to have preventive actions for these heartworms. Dogs affected reveal constant coughing, panting and dullness in many occasions.

What will be the size of the worms? In the case of the females, it is about twenty-seven centimetres and in the case of males, it is about seventeen centimetres in length. Is there any vector involved in the transmission of the disease? Yes. Mosquitoes often get associated as vectors in which the early development of larvae of heartworms occur in them.

Is the prophylaxis meant only for heartworms or others also? The prophylaxis is meant not only for the heartworms but also for the hookworms, whipworms, and roundworms. What is the infective type of larvae that is associated with the transmission of these heartworms? The third stage larva that is transmitted by
the mosquito bites.

This occurs throughout the world. In some areas, the incidences are less in colder months in which the mosquito breeding will not be there and maybe dormant during these periods. What is the name of the drug used for therapy and prevention? Ivermectin and milbemycin oxime may be used for both purposes. Ivermectin is available in injection form and oral form.

Additionally, the forms for external application are also available. The cost factor needs to be worked out for all these treatments. What is the frequency of drug used for prophylaxis? One month before the mosquito season and up to two months after the mosquito season, ivermectin or milbemycin oxime may be given
once monthly for the prophylaxis. Diethylcarbamazine may be used for therapy purpose. 

Photo by Alvan Nee on Unsplash

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