24/05/2024
CANINE HEARTWORM ANTIGEN TEST KIT IS NOW AVAILABLE!
Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal, but preventable, infection caused by a worm parasite, Dirofilaria immitis. The organism is transmitted by mosquitoes, which carry the heartworm larvae (called microfilariae) from an infected animal host to a new animal host.
Common signs of heartworm infection include coughing, exercise intolerance, failure to grow, labored breathing, a blue or purplish discoloration of the skin and gums, spitting up blood, fainting, nose bleeding, and the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. The severity of the signs is often related to the amount of lung damage and the dog’s activity level.
Heartworm infection is preventable. Several medications that are both safe and effective at preventing infection are available from your veterinarian. Preventive treatment in dogs is recommended beginning at 6 to 8 weeks of age. No pretesting is necessary at this age. When beginning preventive treatment in dogs 7 months of age or older, an antigen test (to make sure the dog is not already infected) is recommended, followed by an additional negative test 6–7 months later (due to the 6-month development period of the worms) to ensure that the dog is not infected. Year-round preventive treatment is recommended for most dogs; however, you should check with your veterinarian about the best schedule for your pet.
Reference: MSD Veterinary Manual
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