Dirofilariasis

One of the serious dangers but for the health that affects the dogs is the canine filaria. The filaria in the dogs is caused by the Dirofilaria parasite immitis, found generally in pulmonary arteries and the right ventricle of the heart.

The filaria in the adult females can measure 25 cm or more of length. The filaria can live up to 7 years and the females are able to produce million called young worms mierofilaria. The mierofilaria circulates in the sanguineous torrent, but it cannot develop adult worms without happening through an intermediary guest: the mosquito.

The cycle of the filaria begins when the mosquito pricks to an infected dog and mierofilaria ingestion with blood. The mosquito soon serves like place of change for the future development of the parasites. Within the 10 to 15 days, the mierofilaria enters the saliva of the mosquito guest. In this infectious stage ?larva? is called because it will mature as soon as reingresa in the animals.

When the mosquito pricks to another dog or cat, the larvae enter through the wound of pinchazo produced by the insect. After 3 or 4 months of development, they migrate to the heart where they are developed in sexually mature adults.

At the outset, the affected animal sample few signs of infestación. The signs depend on the severity of the infection, the location of the filaria, the time that are been present, and the amount of damages conducted to the heart, lungs, liver and other organs. By a period of time, the affected animal will less and less show tolerance the game and the exercise.

The most obvious plus signs are a dry and chronic cough, weak breathing, weakness, nervousness, restlessness and loss of weight. Without treatment, the final result is the death.

The Veterinary Doctor must carry out an analysis of blood to his dog to make sure that the mierofilaria is not present in the sanguineous torrent. If the blood analysis is negative, the professional will prescribe a daily or monthly prevention that will be administered as it prescribes itself to protect the dog of the infection. If the filaria analysis is positive, is necessary a treatment. The treated dogs must be monitoreados close by and must stay and prisoners quiet. At the moment an injectable drug is being used the dihidroclorhidrato of melarsomina.

A preventive program is the key to maintain the filaria dogs free. In areas where the dogs are exposed to mosquitos throughout the year, the preventive medication must be provided in that period.
If the problem of the mosquito is seasonal, the treatment must begin at the beginning of the season of mosquitos and continue after this one. In areas still parked, the veterinarians can recommend an annual treatment.

Since prevention is necessary to there be dew to control the insects and to drain the grounds where the mosquitos also grow up will help to reduce the incidence of the canine filaria. All the doors and windows in the perreras must have screens to help to prevent the entrance with mosquitos and other insects.

Bibliography

Author: MV Enrique L. Fernandez De Vanna

 

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