. 
Date of birth:
30/03/2017
Size:
MEDIUM
Arrival to the shelter:
20/04/2023
Adult size:
15Kgs
Sex:
FEMALE
Compatible with:
Dogs, adults and kids. Not tested with cats.
Character:
Affectionate.
Diseases, medication and operations:
HEARTWORM DISEASE
My story:
Mila…another rescued dog…a female hound who knows how many hunters she has gone through without being suitable for “her job.” Mila arrived a few weeks ago and is currently in a foster home because she was in a very weakened state. After the veterinary tests, we have obtained the answer to why she was like that.
She tested positive for heartworm disease, also known as dirofilaria, for those who are unfamiliar with it. Although not very common in Málaga, unfortunately, it is becoming more prevalent.
This disease causes a parasite to thrive in the heart and spread throughout the bloodstream, posing a risk of thrombosis at any moment in the animal’s life.
The initial blood test and echocardiogram revealed that we must be cautious when administering the first specific treatment because there is a high likelihood of blood clots due to the number of worms present in her bloodstream.
Treating dirofilaria is a lengthy and expensive process. It begins with antibiotics and then several intramuscular injections under veterinary hospitalization due to the risk of thrombosis. These injections need to be repeated three times with a one-month interval between each.
Despite knowing the long road ahead, we must face it and help Mila because this disease can cause pulmonary problems, heart failure, and can affect other organs.
