Also known as: دودة القلب
ينجم داء دودة القلب عن الدودة الطفيلية Dirofilaria immitis التي ينقلها البعوض. تعيش الديدان البالغة في الشرايين الرئوية والقلب، مسببة التهاباً وتضرراً وعائياً وأخيراً فشلاً قلبياً ورئوياً. تتطور الأعراض ببطء وتشمل السعال وعدم تحمل الجهد، وفي الحالات المتقدمة تراكم السوائل والانهيار. المرض قابل للوقاية بأدوية روتينية لكنه خطير ومكلف العلاج بعد ترسخه.
Canine heartworm disease is a potentially fatal parasitic infection caused by Dirofilaria immitis and spread by mosquitoes.
A mosquito bite deposits immature worms that migrate and mature into foot-long adults in the heart and pulmonary arteries over several months.
Early infection is silent. As worm burden grows, dogs develop a soft cough, fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, weight loss, and in severe cases fluid accumulation, collapse, or sudden caval syndrome.
Antigen blood tests and microscopic detection of microfilariae confirm infection, while radiographs and echocardiography assess severity.
Treatment uses a staged protocol of melarsomine injections to kill adult worms, plus strict exercise restriction and supportive medications. The process is lengthy and carries risk.
Monthly or long-acting preventives reliably stop infection and are far safer than treatment; annual testing is recommended.
This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you are worried about your pet, contact your veterinarian.
