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→Life Cycle
Once matured, L3 in the mosquito migrate to the labium of the vector, from which they erupt onto the host's skin as the mosquito feeds. Larvae then migrate into the bite wound and as most dogs are highly susceptible to heartworm disease, most L3 do establish infection. It takes 2-3 days for L3 to moult to L4, which remain in the subcutaneous tissues for up to two months before becoming young adults (L5) and migrating to the pulmonary arteries.
Once matured, L3 in the mosquito migrate to the labium of the vector, from which they erupt onto the host's skin as the mosquito feeds. Larvae then migrate into the bite wound and as most dogs are highly susceptible to heartworm disease, most L3 do establish infection. It takes 2-3 days for L3 to moult to L4, which remain in the subcutaneous tissues for up to two months before becoming young adults (L5) and migrating to the pulmonary arteries.
Cats differ from dogs in that they are more resistant to infection with Dirofilaria immitis. A lower percentage of exposed cats develop adult infections, and when this does occur the burden is usually low<sup>merck</sup>. L5 in the pulmonary arteries also have a relatively short (2 year) survival time in cats. however, migration into different organs has been described in this species.
Cats differ from dogs in that they are more resistant to infection with Dirofilaria immitis. A lower percentage of exposed cats develop adult infections, and when this does occur the burden is usually low<sup>merck</sup>. L5 in the pulmonary arteries also have a relatively short (2 year) survival time in cats.
==Pathogenesis==
==Pathogenesis==