heartworm

heartworm
/hahrt"werrm'/, n.
1. a parasitic nematode, Dirofilaria immitis, transmitted by mosquito and invading the heart and pulmonary arteries of dogs, wolves, and foxes throughout its range in tropical, subtropical and, more recently, temperate regions around the world.
2. the disease caused by infection with heartworm.
[1885-90; HEART + WORM]

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Species (Dirofilaria immitis) of filarial worm that parasitizes mammals, especially dogs.

Up to 500 adult heartworms, which can grow to 6–12 in. (15–30 cm) long, live in the dog's heart, and the microfilariae (embryonic larvae) pass into the blood. Mosquitoes transfer infested blood from dog to dog. Both adult and larval heartworms tax the heart and restrict blood flow to the lungs, kidneys, and liver. By the time visible symptoms (chronic cough, labored breathing, listlessness, heart failure) develop, it may be too late for treatment. Preventive medicines and treatments, including surgery, exist.

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Universalium. 2010.

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  • heartworm — n. type of parasite found in the heart and pulmonary artery of dogs …   English contemporary dictionary

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