HEARTWORM Meaning and
Definition
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Heartworm is a parasitic infection predominantly found in dogs, but also affecting other mammals, caused by the roundworm Dirofilaria immitis. It is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites, making it prevalent in areas where mosquitoes are abundant. The name "heartworm" is derived from the location of the adult worms within the host's heart, lungs, and nearby blood vessels.
The life cycle of heartworm begins when an infected mosquito bites a host animal. The mosquito ingests microscopic larvae present in the bloodstream of the infected animal. Over the next two weeks, these larvae develop into infective forms within the mosquito. Upon biting another animal, the mosquito injects these larvae, which then mature into adult worms over several months.
Once inside the host, the adult heartworms predominantly reside within the pulmonary arteries and heart chambers. These long, thin worms can grow up to 12 inches in length and can disrupt normal blood flow, causing severe damage to the cardiovascular system. Symptoms of heartworm disease in dogs may include cough, fatigue, difficulty breathing, weight loss, and potentially heart failure.
Prevention and treatment for heartworm involve the use of preventive medications that can kill the larvae before they mature into adult worms. However, treatment for dogs already infected with heartworms can be complex and challenging, requiring multiple steps and careful management to minimize the risk of complications.
Overall, heartworm is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of animals and understanding its prevention and treatment is crucial for pet owners.
Common Misspellings for HEARTWORM
Etymology of HEARTWORM
The word "heartworm" has a straightforward etymology. It is a compound of two English words: "heart" and "worm".
The term "heart" originated from the Old English word "heorte", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "herza". The word "heart" refers to the muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.
The word "worm" comes from the Old English word "wyrm", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "wurmaz". In general, "worm" refers to a long, slender, legless invertebrate creature.
When these two words are combined, "heartworm" specifically refers to a type of parasitic worm that can infect the heart and lungs of animals, primarily dogs.
Similar spelling words for HEARTWORM
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