|
Heartworm disease is prevalent in NC as it is throughout a majority of the United States. Heartworms are parasites that live in the heart and lungs of dogs, and, less frequently, in cats, too. Any dog or cat that is not on heartworm prevention can be infected with this life-threatening disease. The adult worms look like spaghetti in the pet’s heart and blood vessels of the lungs. The adults produce offspring, microscopic larva (microfilaria), that float throughout the dog’s blood stream. Mosquitoes spread microfilaria from dog to dog (or to a cat). After the mosquito has infected a healthy animal with the heartworm larva, they migrate to the heart of the dog or cat and grow to maturity. It takes approximately 6 months from the time of the mosquito bite until the heartworm is capable of producing offspring of its own and will be detectable by the veterinarian. The adult worms can cause health problems or death for the animal they have infected. The worms make the heart work harder because they keep the heart from pumping blood properly. They also can cause problems in the lungs as well as interfering with the proper functioning of other body organs. Unfortunately, by the time the worms have caused enough damage for the owner to notice that their pet is sick, the disease is often quite advanced and serious.
Many dogs and cats have heartworms and go for month or years without showing signs until it is too late. Some of the signs include exercise intolerance, loss of weight, coughing, decreased appetite, and breathing difficulties. Cats have less distinct signs. They may just fall over dead, or have some vomiting and coughing. Early diagnosis can be made by blood tests.
The above problems can all be prevented, and in most cases with dogs, treated. All pets, whether inside or outside, should be put on heartworm prevention between 6-9 weeks of age. During the first 6 months of life an infection cannot be detected. After this a dog can be given a blood test to determine if it has heartworms, (a positive test) or is free of heartworms at that time (a negative test). Dogs 6 months of age or older usually should not be put on heartworm prevention without a blood test first. Some of the preventatives can cause a serious reaction or even death if given to a dog that already has a mature infection. Cats do not require a heartworm test prior to starting prevention as the heartworm life cycle is slightly different in felines.
Heartworm prevention should be a commitment for life; it must be given year round for the entire life of your pet.
The most common form for both dogs and cats are given monthly and 1 form for dogs that is an injection every 6 months. One of the monthly preventatives is topical, the rest of the monthly medications are monthly. Many of the preventatives do more than just prevent heartworms. The monthly products can help with flea control as well as intestinal worms. No matter which brand you chose, you need to give it regularly whether your pet stays inside or outside. The medication is based on weight, so if you have a growing dog it is essential to check its weight regularly to ensure the correct dose. For dogs it is recommended that a blood test be done yearly to ensure proper protection against this disease.
Diagnosis of heartworm disease in dogs is most commonly made by drawing a small sample of blood from the dog and examining it under the microscope for the microfilaria
|
