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Dog owners, and a growing number of cat owners understand that once -a-month heartworm preventives keep their pets safe from a very serious cardiovascular parasitic disease. Despite consistent use of preventive medications, a significant number of dogs are testing positive for heartworms, especially in the mosquito heavy Southeastern US. Are we seeing the beginnings of a resistance movement? In some cases, careful questioning of the clients reveals some monthly doses of medication were not given, opening the door for potential infection. In other cases, medical records and client compliance appear to be complete, yet the pet is positive on the annual heartworm blood test. Heartworm preventive works by killing immature heartworm larvae that are spread by mosquitoes. In theory, a pet who receives medication each month should be protected and never have a positive heartworm test. Why then, do some dogs test positive?
As unpopular as it sounds, pet owners and veterinarians may have to share the blame. A pet owner who fails to purchase enough preventative medication is putting their pet at risk. Also, research shows that nearly 50% of dog owners who buy heartworm prevention do not give the medication as directed. Likewise, a veterinary clinic that fails to remind their clients about the importance of year-round prevention is doing a disservice to the pet as well. In order to avoid conflict with pet owners, some veterinary staff might overlook the fact that the owner has not been consistently purchasing heartworm prevention. Even our pets are not entirely blameless. Pets that take oral medication and “bury” it or spit it out won’t benefit from its protection. Also, if your pet has an upset stomach the day you give the medication, the complete dose could be lost in a bout of vomiting or diarrhea. In all of this negativity, there is good news. Experts state that the heartworm preventive failure rate is less than 1 in a million; meaning that if your dog takes his medication routinely, the chances of developing heartworm disease is almost non-existent. Finally, all of the manufacturers of heartworm preventive medication guarantee their products. They will pay for heartworm disease treatments if your dog tests positive. Sometimes, it’s easier for people to blame the product rather than admit to a very common mistake, but the fact is pet owner compliance problems may be the biggest reason for more pets with what appears to be heartworm preventive failure. Regardless of the reason, follow your veterinarian’s advice about heartworm prevention. As always, your family veterinarian will have the best advice. Beware of Internet sites circulating unfounded rumors and opinions from dubious sources. To see a video explaining heartworm disease in our pets, visit www.MyVNN.com.
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Dr. Sara Lash runs Healthy Pets Mobile Vet and can be reached at 919-329-7387 (PETS) or www.drsaralash.com
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