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Home > Heartworm Disease & Prevention
Heartworm Disease & Prevention
Between 2009 and 2010 we have diagnosed 12 cases of heartworm disease!
What is heartworm disease? Heartworm disease is a parasite infection of the heart, transmitted by mosquitos. When an infected mosquito bites an animal, it passes along an immature form of a heartworm. The adult worms live in the heart and surrounding blood vessels. Heartworm disease can be fatal. It primarily affects dogs, but cats can also be affected.
What are the signs of heartworm disease? If your dog has been recently infected or has a mild infection, it may show no signs of the illness. As the disease progresses your dog may show signs of lethargy, coughing, exercise intolerance, loss of appetite or difficulty breathing. In cats the signs are vomiting, coughing, diarrhea or difficulty breathing.
How is heartworm disease diagnosed? In dogs a small amount of blood is drawn and sent to an outside laboratory for testing. The test results are available within 24 hours. If your dog is heartworm positive, further diagnostics are recommended. Testing in cats is more difficult, two tests are done with a small amount of blood, but these test results can be inconclusive.
Can heartworm disease be treated? Heartworm disease is treatable with a series of injections, with a short hospital stay and crate rest. For cats there is currently no effective and safe treatment.
How is heartworm disease prevented? Heartworm disease and infection is 99% preventable in cats and dogs. There are several heartworm preventions available, given once monthly.
Prevention and Compliance are the key. Please have your pet tested and protected!