Prevent Heartworm Disease Today and Tomorrow
Estimated Read Time 3-4 mins
Notorious for spreading viruses like Zika or West Nile to people, mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting heartworm disease to our companion animals. Fortunately, there are helpful strategies to prevent heartworm disease, and with National Heartworm Awareness Month this April, there’s never been a better time to get your guard up.
WHY IT MATTERS
Mosquitoes are parasites that suck blood from their prey. Because all vertebrates are equally appetizing to them, mosquitoes do not discriminate when it comes to their next blood meal. As a result, they may end up unwittingly picking up microscopic heartworm larvae from an infected animal. In turn, they deposit the same larvae into the bloodstream of their next victim. Common hosts include mammals, like you and your pet, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
Only some hosts are ideal for the proliferation of heartworm larvae, however, dogs are among them. Cats aren’t ideal hosts, but if they do get infected with the disease, it is untreatable and often fatal. Dogs can be treated for heartworm disease, but it isn’t an easy or inexpensive task.
Found in all 50 states, it continues to be an important priority to prevent heartworm disease in our pets.
The Dangers of Heartworms
Once deposited in the bloodstream, microscopic heartworm larvae move to the heart, lungs, and the blood vessels surrounding these major organs. Within 6 months, they can grow up to 12 inches in length. As adults, they can mate and produce offspring inside their host. Heartworms cause immense, irreversible damage to the organs.
Diagnostics and Treatment
If left alone, heartworm disease can cause early mortality in pets. Symptoms of heartworm disease include:
Respiratory challenges
Seizures
Vomiting
Weight loss
Decreased activity and mobility
Collapse
Life-saving emergency care is often required to help pets with heartworm disease. It is possible to surgically remove large heartworms. Treatment can also include:
Anti-inflammatory medications
Antihistamines
Antibiotics
Hospitalization
Rest
Blood tests can typically reveal a heartworm infection. A negative or a weak positive should be followed up with another test for microscopic worms. Other diagnostic tests, such as echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, and digital X-rays can help us understand the size and location of adult heartworms.
If a pet experiences a lapse in their parasite prevention medication for any reason, a negative result must be obtained prior to getting them started on a medication. This is due to the possibility of anaphylactic shock caused by the killing off of any worms by a heartworm medication.
Prevent Heartworm Disease
It is relatively easy and cost-effective to prevent heartworm disease as part of a proactive approach to parasite prevention. Monthly oral administration of an easy-to-disguise pill can reduce the risks associated with fleas, intestinal worms, ticks, mites, and heartworm-carrying mosquitoes. There are also topical medications and/or a quick injection given every 6-12 months if your pet doesn’t like to swallow pills.
Our team can help you find the right product for your pet, and help you with timely reminders when they are due. Give us a call at (913) 681-2818 with any questions or concerns about the ways to prevent heartworm disease.