Heartworm disease is a preventable but serious and potentially fatal parasitic disease that affects canines (dogs, wolves, coyotes), cats, horses, ferrets and occasionally even humans. Mosquitoes transmit heartworms. When a mosquito bites an infected animal it ingests some of the tiny immature heartworms (microfilariae) circulating in its blood. The microfilariae develop in the mosquito into infective heartworm larvae, which later are passed on to another animal. The maturing larvae move through the body and eventually enter the heart and blood vessels. Over the next several months, the growing heartworms reach adult size (females can reach up to 14 inches in length) and reproduce, if both male and female worms are present, . In time, they can injure the pulmonary vessels and the heart, which can lead to lung disease and eventually congestive heart failure. Adult heartworms can survive for years, 5-7 in dogs, fewer in cats. Since our mountain area is infested with mosquitoes all year round, animals not on preventative medication will likely become infected.
Heartworm infection can go undetected for some time, but as the disease progresses, your dog may cough, become lethargic, lose its appetite, have difficulty breathing, and may tire rapidly after only moderate exercise. Signs of possible heartworm infection in cats can include coughing, respiratory distress and vomiting. In some cases, sudden death may be the first and only sign.
Infected dogs can be treated with FDA-approved medications. Although there is some risk associated with treatment, serious complications are rare among dogs that are otherwise in good health, especially if the disease is detected early. While our facility is fully equipped to treat heartworm-infected dogs, treatment is expensive. As with most disease, prevention is the key to optimum health.
There is currently no FDA-approved medication to eliminate adult heartworm infection in cats, although our veterinarians may recommend medications to help limit the inflammatory response while the cat•s immune system eliminates the worms.
The good news is that heartworm is almost 100% preventable. There are several FDA-approved heartworm preventatives available in a variety of formulations, including pills, chew tabs and even topical solutions, which are especially useful in cats. We carry a variety of these preventatives, and in December and June there is discounted pricing for heartworm tests with the purchase of preventive medication.
Call our office and make your appointment today to arrange for testing and to begin prevention of this deadly disease.
