puppy question for dr doug
We are looking to adopt a boxer English bulldog mix puppy from a boxer rescue (credible rescue). The mom was a rescue and the pups birthed at the foster home. Mom is heartworm positive and was foun...
Forum Discussion
QUESTION-Can heartworm larvae in an infected mother dog spread to the puppies through her bloodstream?
ANSWER- Yes, however these infections are of little consequence to the puppies. The stage of heartworm circulating in the mother's blood are themicrofilaria, the first larval stage of heartworms. The microfilaria can not develop into adult heartworms until they first pass through the mosquito. Only through the mosquito bite can a pet become infected with heartworms. Any microfilaria transmitted to the unborn puppy will be eliminated when the puppy is placed on heartworm prevention.
(This information came from the American Heartworm Society's site: http://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/faqs.html)
ANSWER- Yes, however these infections are of little consequence to the puppies. The stage of heartworm circulating in the mother's blood are themicrofilaria, the first larval stage of heartworms. The microfilaria can not develop into adult heartworms until they first pass through the mosquito. Only through the mosquito bite can a pet become infected with heartworms. Any microfilaria transmitted to the unborn puppy will be eliminated when the puppy is placed on heartworm prevention.
(This information came from the American Heartworm Society's site: http://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/faqs.html)
