Dirofilariasis in dogs

Dirofilariasis in dogs is a rather dangerous disease that is caused by worms , and can equally damage both animals and humans. Such pathology can damage not only internal organs and systems, but also the brain or eyes. Intermediate carriers of parasites are mosquitoes, and infection occurs directly with the bite. Also, the causative agents of dirofilariasis can be carried by mites, fleas, lice or horseflies.

The main places of congestion of parasites in the body are: heart, pulmonary arteries, thoracic cavity, hollow vein and bronchi. However, the larvae of the pathogen can migrate freely through the blood vessels, infecting other systems and organs.

Symptoms of dirofilariasis in dogs

The signs of this disease are fundamentally different because of what kind of parasite was its cause. So, for example, in animals that have become infected with a pathogen of type D. Immitis, the following symptoms are observed:

• general exhaustion;
• cough;
• malfunctions in the heart;
• thrombosis;
• lameness and soreness of the muscles of the skeleton;
• seizures of epilepsy and seizures, with which nothing precedes;
• allergy in the form of pruritus, conjunctivitis or dermatitis;
• vomiting ;
• swelling in the lower part of the breast;
• icterus of the eyeball and oral mucosa.

The causative agent of type H. Smith provokes the following changes in the animal's body:

• changes in the state of the heart and lungs;
• parasites of the arteries of the lungs and their branches;
• venous congestion;
• ascites and liver cirrhosis;
• on the skin of the dog there are pustular eruptions and sores that heal for a long time;
• there are pruritus, pigmentation and alopecia.

This condition of the pet is typical for the final stages of the disease, whereas its onset is without clear symptoms. This is why the diagnosis of dirofilariasis in dogs is somewhat complicated. Veterinarians should be consulted if you notice lethargy, fast fatigue, cough with exercise and temperature , which does not go down even after taking medication. To clarify the diagnosis, appropriate blood tests will be done.

Treatment of dirofilariasis in dogs

In practice, curing this disease is quite an expensive and time consuming activity. That's why most owners of infected animals need to put their pets to sleep. However, the treatment exists, although it is expensive. In the course of taking radical measures to get rid of parasites, several stages must be overcome:

1. Eradicate the category of pathogens that have reached puberty and accumulate in the heart, lungs, subcutaneous tissue or pulmonary vessels.
2. Destroy several thousand of their offspring, which constantly circulate through the circulatory system.
3. Reduce the signs of poisoning the body with the products of drug decay and the vital activity of parasites.
4. A moderate reduction in the severity of side effects from taking medications and intensive treatment.

It is with these tasks and will fight numerous drugs, such as: Levamizol, Fuadin, Arsenamid, Filarsen, Diethylcarbamazine and others. They are taken in the form of tablets and powders, and in the form of injections. It is very important that the treatment is conducted by an experienced veterinarian, since the massive and simultaneous death of parasites can provoke the death of the dog.

Prevention of dirofilariasis in dogs

If in the area of ​​your residence you have encountered similar cases of infection, or you just want to protect your pet, then you need to treat the dog with special means that repel mosquitoes. This should begin 5 months before the beginning of their mass summer, then the treatment is repeated every week for 45 days, while the insects show the greatest activity.