Heartworms, fleas and other parasites

Heartworms, Fleas and Parasites in Dogs

Posted on July 15, 2010 by: WayCoolDogs

Heartworms, fleas and other parasites in dogs need to be eliminated by using appropriate medications. Many new and safe products are now available in the commercial fields to protect the dogs from heartworms, fleas and other parasites —hook worms, whip worms, round worms, lice, ticks etc.

Among the heartworms, fleas and other parasites, the fleas produce the hyper sensitive reactions in the affected animals. Therefore, animals infested with fleas start severely scratching of body. Many times, the scratching is so severe that the skin becomes more hyperemic and dermatitis occurs in the affected areas.

Animals will not lie down or sleep comfortably due to the constant bites by the fleas. The animal begins to look as if affected by some severe skin disease. Also, if the animal is not properly attended a tick bite problem, there will be often secondary bacterial invasions in these sites and there may even be a bad smell emanating from the skin areas.

Close observation of the dog is highly essential to rule out the occurrence of fleas disturbing the animal to a greater extent. Similarly, the skin of the animal needs to be tested for the presence of ticks, lice etc. For this, the hair materials need to be separated and the close observation with patience is required for the proper diagnosis.

In many incidences, if anemia is present, blood protozoa needs to be ruled out in addition to hookworms. Clinical problems like anemia, loose motion, or pot belly might be recognized by the dog owners themselves. However, the dog needs to undergo a routine health related examination involving fecal examination, hematological examination and blood smear examination.

Many commercial products have come up in the market, which are useful in one single dose. Drugs like ivermectin are highly useful and are available in both injection and oral form, in addition to the solution form that can be applied on the skin.

Common questions about heart worm:

The common questions about heartworms are often related to the species that is being affected. In addition to dogs … the cat, fox, wolf, horse and sea lion can also be affected. Can this be cured or not? Not cured, but treated.

What is the drug used often for the prevention of heart worm in dogs?

Ivermectin is the drug used often to have preventive actions for these heart worms. Ivomectin is not the only drug, but the more popular.

What will be the size of the worms?

In the case of the females, it is about twenty-seven centimeters and in the case of males, it is about seventeen centimeters in length.

Is there any vector involve in the transmission of the disease?

Yes. Mosquitoes often get associated as vectors in which the early development of larvae of heart worms occur in them.

Is the prophylaxis meant only for heart worms or others also?

The prophylaxis is meant not only for the heart worms but also for the hook worms, whip worms, and round worms.

What is the infective type of larvae that is associated with the transmission of these heart worms?

The third stage larva that is transmitted by the mosquito bites. This occurs through out the world. In some areas, the incidences are less in colder months in which the mosquito breeding will not be there and may be dormant during these periods.

What is the name of the drug used for therapy and prevention?

Ivermectin and milbemycin oxime may be used for both purposes. Ivermectin is available in injection form and oral form.

Additionally, the forms for external application are also available. The cost factor needs to be worked out for all these treatments.

What is the frequency of drug used for prophylaxis?

One month before the mosquito season and up to two months after the mosquito season, ivermectin or milbemycin oxime may be given once monthly for the prophylaxis. Diethylcarbamazine may be used for therapy purpose.

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This is a guest post by Joachim Larsen.

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