Heartworm disease and your pet  

    As spring approaches we address the concern of heartworm infection. Heartworm is a parasitic disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. The life cycle of the heartworm begins when an infected dog carrying tiny immature heartworms (microfilariae) in its  circulatory system, is bitten by a mosquito. The mosquito ingests the microfilariae when it feeds. During the next 2-3 weeks, the microfilariae develop within the mosquito into an infective stage. When the mosquito feeds again on a healthy dog it can transmit this microfilariae, which then migrates through the tissues into the bloodstream where it can develop over the next few months, eventually reaching the dog’s heart. Once in the heart the microfilariae develop into adult heartworms growing as long as 14 inches and causing significant damage to the heart, lungs, and other vital organs. If left untreated, heartworm can result in death.

As spring approaches we address the concern of heartworm infection. Heartworm is a parasitic disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. The life cycle of the heartworm begins when an infected dog carrying tiny immature heartworms (microfilariae) in its  circulatory system, is bitten by a mosquito. The mosquito ingests the microfilariae when it feeds. During the next 2-3 weeks, the microfilariae develop within the mosquito into an infective stage. When the mosquito feeds again on a healthy dog it can transmit this microfilariae, which then migrates through the tissues into the bloodstream where it can develop over the next few months, eventually reaching the dog’s heart. Once in the heart the microfilariae develop into adult heartworms growing as long as 14 inches and causing significant damage to the heart, lungs, and other vital organs. If left untreated, heartworm can result in death.

Once a year, dogs are tested for heartworm and prescribed a once a-month oral medication to prevent the disease. The test is a simple blood test and results are reported to each owner. When a negative result is determined the dog is ready to begin taking medication. The medication is very effective against the immature heartworm of an infected dog. Once a dog shows signs of heartworm such as fatigue, chronic cough, loss of appetite the infection has advanced to a stage that is not treatable with the preventative. Dogs that contract heartworm can be cured, however, the treatments are risky and multiple visits are required. Preventative medication is the best and safest way to protect a dog from heartworm disease.

                            ~Be sure to have your dog tested once a year. Those pets that are given heartworm preventative year-round can have the test performed any time. Otherwise tests should be done prior to the mosquito season. At this visit we will  prepare the necessary prescription providing at least 9 months protection  for your dog from April through December.~

As more and more pets are traveling with their owners it can be recommended that heartworm preventative be given year-round. Not only does this eliminate the concern of pets changing geographical areas due to a vacation or move to an area that always harbors mosquitoes, but also helps to keep the owner consistent with giving the preventative each month. Furthermore, the heartworm preventative we dispense also helps control the most common intestinal worms which can be picked up by dogs any time of the year.

Recently it has come to the attention of veterinarians that heartworm may be a problem in the cat population. Ask your veterinarian about exposure risks to your cat.