Heartworms in Dogs

Dogs and cats are often infested with different kinds of parasites. One of them is heartworms. Its scientific name is Dirofilaria immitis. These worms are parasitic worms transmitted to a host through mosquito bites. Maturity of heartworms takes several months after infestation.

Heartworms, a kind of filaria, looks like a spaghetti noodle. This worm does not only infect animals such as dogs, cats, foxes and sea lions but also human beings. The heartworm got its name because at the last stage of its life cycle, it travels and lodges itself in the heart of its host. The presence of heartworms in the heart may cause congestive heart failure.

One medication used to treat and prevent heartworms is Revolution. It is a topical parasiticide manufactured by Pfizer Animal Health.

Pfizer is considered the biggest research-based pharmaceutical company in the world. Based in New York, USA, the company is known for many of its pharmaceutical products including oral antifungal medication Difulcan and Zithromax, a long-acting antibiotic.

Selamectin is the generic name of Revolution. Selamectin may also be used to control fleas and other kinds of worms including hookworms and roundworms.
A parasite exposed to selamectin gets paralyzed and dies in the long run because selamectin interferes with the nerve transmission of the parasite. A prescription from a licensed veterinarian is needed in order to purchase selamectin.

Revolution is lathered on the backside of the neck of cats and dogs. Massaging the
parasiticide is not needed in order to be effective. The amount of Revolution applied is based on the weight of the animal. The medication may be applied a month before the heartworm transmission seasons for better prevention.

Some of the side effects experienced by animals given the topical parasiticide are loss of appetite, drooling, vomiting, rapid breathing, increased heart rate and muscle tremors.
 
Revolution should not be given to animals allergic to it. It is also advised not to apply Revolution on puppies below six weeks of age and kitten under eight weeks because selamectin may still get to the brain due to undeveloped blood-brain barrier. Before administering the medication, dogs should be tested first for the presence of heartworms.

In cases of overdose, animals should be brought to a licensed veterinarian or to an emergency medical facility.

Revolution should be stored at room temperature and should be kept away from reach of children and animals. Outdated medication should not be used but thrown away.

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