Chagas Disease

About Chagas Disease

Chagas disease is a possibly fatal ailment that affects most dogs. The protozoan parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi is responsible for spreading this disease, which mainly affects essential organ systems like the heart.

These protozoan parasites also called kissing insects, are typically found in areas where there are some readily available sources of blood. That includes places like dog kennels, human dwellings and woodrat nests, and others. The dogs will get this parasite when they either consume the bugs or are near the bug’s feces.

Symptoms of Chagas Disease

While Chagas disease is a severe disease, most dogs who have this parasite may not show the symptoms initially. However, when it develops, it can cause dangerous heart problems.

The acute symptoms may appear after some weeks or months of infection, while chronic symptoms may take years. Dogs below two years will develop the acute symptoms that include seizure, lethargy, diarrhea, fluid retention, heart failure, and inflamed lymph nodes. Meanwhile, the chronic symptoms include heart failure, a buildup of fluid in the lungs or abdomen, and elevated heart rate.

How to Manage Chagas Disease

Insect control is highly essential for managing and preventing Chagas disease. One way is to reduce your outdoor lighting during the night so that the kissing bugs aren’t attracted to your yard. Your dog’s kennel should also have a safety protective screen. Moreover, ensure your backyard is clean and free of brushy areas or woodpiles to avoid breeding the infected insects.

There are also several research programs about Chagas disease that aim to offer pet owners more protection for their pets. Some of these programs accept submissions of any kissing bugs that the public encounters across America. These bugs are collected and researched to help illustrate the cycle of transmission of Chagas disease and determine primary risk factors to avoid exposure.

Diagnosing Chagas Disease

The first step of this diagnosis will be to look at your dog’s complement medical history. Next, the veterinarian will conduct a full physical examination, blood profile, and specific tests like serology. These tests may show heart complications related to Chagas disease.

Treating Chagas Disease in Dogs

Even though several drugs can help to improve this condition in dogs in the earlier stages, there isn’t any definite clinical cure. That means dogs may likely end up progressing to the severe or chronic type of Chagas disease. In such cases, proper supportive care by a vet for your dog’s heart problems is critical.

References: Modern dog magazine, Petmd, Wedge wood pharmacy