Heartworm Medication Toronto
Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) in dogs is the name for a potentially fatal parasite afflicting many throughout North America and every other continent in the world, with the exception of Antarctica. Because the parasite is transferred by mosquitoes, it is a particular concern for inhabitants of warmer and humid climates where mosquitoes flourish. Heartworm medication Toronto can save your dog's life!
Dogs are the preferred host of these parasitic worms, which make their primary home in the area of the heart and its adjacent blood vessels. They can also infest the vessels of the lungs and liver. Once a dog is infected by heartworm, it may take up to 7 months for the parasite to reproduce. However, once reproduction begins, infestation spreads rapidly as females can bear thousands of live young in a single day. The young, called microfilaria, remain travelling the blood stream for 2 to 3 years, waiting to be sucked out by a mosquito so they can be transferred to another host. This transferral is typical to begin the aging process so they can become adults. That's why heartworm medication Toronto is administered to your dog to stop reproduction and infestation.
Testing for Heartworm in Dogs
If you notice your dog has a soft cough which becomes more apparent with exercise, is lethargic and weak, these signs could be an indication of a heartworm infestation. Take your dog to the vet for a simple blood test. As it is fatal, regular tests should be performed on a yearly basis so that dogs can be treated before it is too late.
Heartworm Medication Toronto
Once the parasitic worm is detected in a dog, which takes up to 6 months after infection, it can be treated with heartworm medication prescribed by your Toronto vet, if it is not too late. Heartworm medication is normally some type of arsenic compound. Surgery can also be performed in the event medication does not remedy the problem.
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