~Canine Heartworm prevention~
Important for all dog owners
Heartworm disease in dogs is a slow chronic condition due to infection with large roundworms called Dirofilaria immitis. The infected animals do not show any signs of illness until the condition is advanced and organ damage occurs.
Adult male and female heartworms live in the dog's heart and adjacent large blood vessels. The female releases microfilariae into the dog's circulating blood stream These larvae are ingested by mosquitoes as they take a blood meal. They will infect another dog when the mosquito takes another blood meal. They migrate from the skin to various tissues until they reach the heart and develop into the adult worms. This developmental period takes six months.
Canine Heartworm Disease is very common in South East Asia.
Early detection is essential for early treatment and prevention by a blood test.
VERY IMPORTANT - A blood test must be carried out BEFORE starting heartworm prevention .
Most heartworm-infected dogs can be successfully treated if the condition is diagnosed early.
PREVENTION AND CONTROL
a) Control mosquitoes by screening and spraying; avoid keeping stagnant water and rubbish around
b) Preventative medications include once a month prevention tablets, or once a year injection.
PLEASE CONSULT YOUR VETERINARIAN IF ANY FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED WITH REGARD TO YOUR DOG'S HEALTH
Blood test will cost 75 bucks..Heartgards tablets will cost between 50-60 bucks..depends on the size of yr pooches..