Pit Bulls and Heartworms: Pit Bulls and Heartworms

Pit Bulls and Heartworms

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Pit Bulls and Heartworms
By: je Dunn

It is surprising how many people are still confused about heartworms and the effects that a heartworm can have on
your pit bull dog.

First lets look at what heartworms are and how your dog can become infected.

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes into the dog's blood stream. The immature heartworms called microfilaria
travel through the blood stream.

The microfilaria settle into the heart chambers and major pulmonary blood vessels. This causes a blockage of the
blood flow and pathological changes to the surrounding tissues.

This blockage happens when the larvae grow into adult worms. An adult female heartworm can grow up to fourteen
inches and can live as long as five years.

A female heartworm can produce thousands of microfilariae, which is transmitted into a mosquito when it bites an

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infected dog, and subsequently injected into the next dog that that mosquito dines on.

What Are The Signs That A Dog May Have Heartworms'

Usually the first system is weight loss. The dogs' hair may become dull and brittle.

The infected dog also may tier easily.

A persistent coughs and or labored breathing.

'In more progressed cases victims may vomit blood from ruptured lungs.

If the disease is not prevented or caught in time the result will be a slow painful death from congestive heart
failure.

What Do I Do If My Pit Bulls Is Infected'

Treatment is available but it can cost hundreds of dollars, and may be ineffective depending on the degree of

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infestation.

The best defense against heartworms is routine checkups with your vet. Giving your dog heartworm medication once
a month easily prevents heartworms.

Warning: You Must Have Your Dog Tested For Heartworms Before Starting Heartworm Medication!

About the Author

je Dunn has published several books on dogs and has free information all about dog training, health, and care at: http://www.everything-pitbulls.com/dogs-health.html

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Recent News Articles About Pit Bulls and Heartworms

Knoxville veterinarians face heartworm medication shortage

The company that manufactures Immiticide says the drug will be unavailable for several months due to technical problems. Immiticide is the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug and Administration that can kill adult heartworms. ...

Donations for Buddy stream in

Buddy, the runaway beagle who was rescued near Kanopolis Lake on New Year's Eve, will soon begin treatment to rid his body of heartworms, thanks to the generosity of donors across Kansas. ...

Dogs from suspected hoarder's home ready for adoption

On Monday, Animal Control officers found 40 and 50 live cats, several dozen dead cats, six live dogs, and a dead lizard at a home on Murphy Road.Â Â Those animals are being treated at Young-Williams Animal Center. ...

Needing a home

Needing a home Helping Hands Humane Society Lovey is a 14-year-old Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix. She is a small lap dog that is very friendly. Lovey has heartworms, so she is considered a special needs dog. ...

Dogs, cats rescued in Baldwin County could be adopted in March

"Unfortunately right now, there are a lot of people who are saying that they have Summerdale and Robertsdale dogs," Deneen Balistere said. "People are trying to sell them, and that is just not the case." ...

Dr. Richard Palmquist: Confronting Pet Drug Shortages

As with all things, knowledge is power and so there are several proactive things you can do to find out if recent prescription drug shortages will affect you, your family or the animals in your life. ...

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