Canine Heartworm Disease is a serious parasitic disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, which mainly affects the heart and lungs of canines.
The following is a detailed introduction to canine nausea filariasis:
1. Pathogens:
Canine nausea filariasis: It is a large nematode with an adult length of 20-30 cm. It lives in the heart (right ventricle and pulmonary artery) of dogs. After male and female adult worms mate, the female worm produces microfilariae (larvae). ).
2. Life history and communication:
Mosquito-borne transmission: Microfilariae travel with the blood to the lower layer of the skin. When a mosquito bites a dog, it sucks the blood and inhales the microfilariae into the body. Microfilariae develop into infective larvae (L3 stage) in mosquitoes and are then transmitted to another dog through mosquito bites.
In vivo development: After the infective larvae enter the new host, it takes about 60-90 days to pass through the skin and enter the blood vessels, flow with the blood to the heart and lungs, further develop into adult worms and begin to reproduce.
3. Clinical symptoms:
Asymptomatic in the early stage: In the early stage of infection, dogs may have no obvious symptoms, but microfilariae and larvae are present in the body.
Chronic phase symptoms: As the number of adult worms increases, symptoms gradually appear, including: mild to severe cough, reduced exercise tolerance, dyspnea, fatigue, weight loss, ascites, hepatosplenomegaly, palpitations, fainting and even sudden death. .
Serious complications: Long-term infection may lead to serious complications such as heart valve damage, myocarditis, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, and right heart failure.
4. Diagnosis:
Blood testing: By detecting microfilariae (larvae) or canine heartworm antibodies and antigens in the blood, such as microfilariae flotation method, ELISA, IFA, etc.
Imaging examinations: X-rays and echocardiograms can show heart enlargement, thickening of lung texture, thickening of ventricular walls and other lesions.
Blood chemistry and electrocardiogram: assess heart function and degree of damage.
5. Treatment:
Drug treatment: Use adulticides (such as ivermectin combined with doramectin) and anti-inflammatory drugs. Treatment must be carried out under close supervision by veterinarians, because killing a large number of adult worms may lead to acute vascular obstruction and allergies. reaction.
Supportive care: Provided for cardiac pathological changes and complicationsSymptomatic treatment, such as diuresis, anticoagulation, cardiotonic, oxygen therapy, etc.
Surgical treatment: In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove adult worms from the heart and lungs.
6. Prevention:
Regular preventive medication: Use heartworm preventive medications (such as oral or topical products containing ingredients such as ivermectin and milbemycin) and administer them regularly according to veterinarian recommendations.
Mosquito protection: Reduce the time your dog is exposed to mosquitoes, use anti-mosquito products, keep the living environment clean, and reduce mosquito breeding.
Regular Screening: Dogs living in high-risk areas should be screened for heartworm at least once a year.
In short, canine nausea filariasis is a parasitic disease spread by mosquitoes that seriously affects the heart and lung health of dogs. Prevention mainly relies on regular use of preventive drugs and controlling mosquito exposure. Diagnosis relies on blood tests and imaging examinations. Treatment includes drug disinsection, supportive care and even surgery, and the treatment process must be closely monitored to deal with possible complications.