Heartworm symptoms

Heartworm symptoms may vary depending on the stage the dog is classified in. Symptoms such as anorexia, depression, lethargy, activity intolerance, loss of weight, hyperthermia or fever, difficulty of breathing, coughing, weakness and bleeding can be manifested by a dog infested with heartworm.

At its earliest stage a dog may not experience any heartworm symptoms and as it progresses, symptoms at its severe state follows. Therefore, when a dog experiences classic heartworm symptoms it is safe to say that the dog is in the advanced stage. In severe cases,  heartworm symptoms including lack of energy, dyspnea, coughing, fainting, activity intolerance abnormal breath and heart sounds, edema or fluid accumulation, and coughing out of blood is indicative of congestive heart failure. Enlargement of liver and heart can also be experienced which shuts down mentioned vital organs.  From the symptoms presented, we can really say that heartworm is not a mild illness but a serious one and pet owners must do precautionary or preventive measures to prevent their dogs from having heartworm disease.

Heartworm in dogs has been one leading cause of mortality among all states. Although it is common to dogs, this can actually happen to different animals such as foxes, cats and animals found in the wild. This can also occur to sealions and humans.

Heartworm is dangerous to a dog so as the treatment accompanied by the illness. Dead worms can stay in small blood vessels impairing good circulation. Dogs suffering from heartworm symptoms are usually confined in a hospital. Aged, ill and pregnant animals manifesting heartworm symptoms may not sustain the conventional treatment for heartworms and so they are sent home, die without interventions as they may die during the course of treatment.

It is said that the longer the dog has heartworm and shows heartworm symptoms, the more it is at rick for damaging its vital organs. Vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and blood vessels can be affected.

Changing Behaviors indicative of Heartworm Symptoms

Few of the animals are lazy playing, running and lounging around a favorite spot. However, most of the dogs are fond of doing these activities. If a dog shifts from a graceful active dog to a lazy one and shows no interest on the activities which it normally does, this may be a clue that the dog is experiencing something inside its body. A trip to a veterinarian is needed. Maybe, the dog is having heartworm symptoms.

Animals also cough for a lot of causes just like humans do. Coughing can be a sign that the dog ingested something too fast or an object is obstructing its airway. However, coughing can also be a heartworm symptom. This may mean that the parasite is now around the lungs, irritating its flora. A soft deep cough is an early heartworm symptom. This should not be overlooked.

Heartworm Symptoms Diagnostics

A number of tests are done to diagnose canine heartworm. The most accurate test is what we call the heartworm antigen test. This is a chemical produced by an adult female heartworm. False positives occur in very rare cases. False negative happens in dogs with early invasion as the worms are not yet mature to excrete the antigen.

When chest x-ray is performed, pulmonary arteries show right ventricle and pulmonary vessels enlargement. X-ray is also performed to know the severity of the infection.

Electrocardiogram can show cardiac arrhythmias and enlargement. Meanwhile, an echocardiogram may present worms in the pulmonary artery or in the right ventricle.

To conclude, pet owners must be very vigilant about the feline heartworm symptoms and should take necessary actions to prevent the illness and a sound decision if treatment will be pursued for their pet’s health.