A deadly disease can be transmitted by mosquitoes to pets

Fleas and ticks are not the only ones that cause discomfort and transmit disease to pets. Like mosquitoes, they also transmit serious diseases to pets and humans, reports Vininha F. Carvalho, editor-in-chief of Ecotour News (www.revistaecotour.news).

Several species of mosquitoes can transmit. heartworm, particularly those of the family Culicidae (Diptera) in lake or coastal areas. The disease is transmitted by mosquito bites, including Aedes aegypti. The treatment is difficult and can last up to 10 months.

"The worm Dirofilaria immitis lodges in the heart muscle and pulmonary arteries of dogs, cats, canines and wild cats, and can develop a spontaneous cycle in humans," warns Vinicola F. Carvalho

The prevalence rate of heartworm disease in dogs is highly variable, but it is higher in tropical coastal areas. The larvae enter the skin and blood of dogs by the bite of the infected mosquito, and then permanently lodge in the heart or pulmonary arteries of the animal, up to 35 cm. This hinders the pbadage of blood by intensifying the work of the heart. Breathing difficulties, weight loss, prostration, fatigue, coughing and enlarged abdomen are symptoms to identify a more advanced stage of the disease and, depending on the severity of the disease,

"The dog can remain with the worm in his body for years without presenting any symptoms.In order to get an idea, after having been bitten by a contaminated mosquito, after 6 months

Precipitation favors the breeding of mosquito transmitters because moisture, heat and still water provide ideal conditions for such proliferation.

Coastal animals need treatment monthly prevention of this worm Heartworm disease is serious, can be fatal for dogs, and may pose a health risk for the guardians Diagnosis may be made by blood tests, chest X-ray an echocardiogram, antigenic tests and research on microfilariae. but the phase of the disease can make its identification difficult

The treatment of heartworm disease is complicated, however, prevention is possible in a simple and effective way. The drugs used prevent the development of the larvae from the initial stage after the mosquito bite, so that the cycle of the disease is not complete. Prevention can only be done in animals older than 6 weeks, because before this age, it can be harmful for the puppy.