Asian Tiger mosquito threatens dogs

In view of this new parasite, Vivian Corporation through its brand of in-house analysis equipment from IDEXX laboratories and in collaboration with Blue Cross Veterinary Clinic have will be hosting a survey to determine the level of prevalence of the heartworm infection in dogs.

“The Asian tiger mosquito is a carrier of the so-called heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis). This mosquito predominantly breeds wherever there is stagnant water and deposits heartworm larvae in the animal’s bloodstream spreading through the whole body and ending up in the pulmonary arteries where bloodstream can be obstructed and detrimental changes in the vessels are induced,” explains veterinary Dr Martin Debattista from Blue Cross Veterinary Clinic.

“As such, since the incubation time is a number of months, the best time to check one’s dog would be between the months of April and June. This test is usually carried out using SNAP testing, a test that can be carried out at the veterinary’s clinic. Due to the seriousness of this disease,heartworm is best detected early, before the dog becomes symptomatic”

Debattista added that using a large test sample of dogs from a variety of locations and lifestyles would enhance the survey. He also stated that tests should be conducted in April, May and June as it takes a few months for heartworm to develop.

IDEXX labratories brand specialises in veterinary equipment such as SNAP in-house tests enabling rapid and reliable tests for a number of infectious diseases.

Kirsty Young from Vivian Corporations said, “This brand has been present in Malta for around two and a half years and thanks to its specialized in-house equipment, a number of advancements have taken place in the way local veterinaries test their animal patients such as blood testing which before used to take place by sending blood samples to be tested in non-specialised animal laboratories and took days before results were known.”

SNAP heartworm kits are being offered to vets at reduced prices and data is to be collected from all local vets and sent to IDEXX labroatories in the Netherlands to be processed. A prevalence map will then show the occurence of disease in Malta and allow pet-owners to take preventative measures.

Young appeals to dog owners to take their dogs to a vet to have the dog tested and be part of the survey.

Prevention methods will depend of the type of dog, its lifestyle, the location and the type of Heartworm and will be discussed with owners at the veterinary consultation.

Heartworm, the disease

There is period of about six months when the god is stung by an infected mosquito and when the mature worms migrate to the pulmonary arteries and the heart. During this time the roundworm would be going through various larval stages until it reaches maturity. Fertilised females would then produce larvae which would circulate in the blood stream waiting to be picked up by the new sting of a mosquito. This in turn would further develop and wait to infect another dog and continue the cycle.

Diagnosis is not easy, especially in the initial stages. This can be further complicated by the certain treatments which could camouflage the circulating larvae and also by the presence of Dirofilaria repens  (the skin form) which has occasionally been recorded in Malta. Treatment of heartworm also needs to be taken very seriously as the death of large worms in the bloodstream may cause major problems.

Symptoms may include weight loss, intolerance to exercise and a cough, however these symptoms may not be apparent until later stages. Early detection is key for effective and safe treatment before a large number of adult worms affect the blood stream.

Heartworm may also affect cats.