Heartworm Disease: Still a
Concern in ALL Pets
Every year owners are shocked to find out
their pet has been diagnosed with heartworm disease, a life threatening disease
that is preventable with monthly heartworm prevention. Dogs and cats must be given heartworm
prevention every month. Prior to
starting prevention a heartworm test has to be evaluated; this test ensures that your pet doesnt already have heartworm disease. A pet treated with heartworm prevention can cause severe fatal reactions in patients already
infected with the disease.
Heartworm disease is a
life threatening condition that affects dogs and cats, as well as many other
species of wildlife. It is caused by a
parasitic worm that lives in the major blood vessels of the lungs and
heart. These microscopic larvae of the
parasite are passed by the bite of a mosquito.
Though some patients never show any clinical signs here are some symptoms to watch out for in your pet:
- Coughing
- inappetance or anorexia
- excercise intolerance
- lethargy (tired all the time)
When caught early heartworm disease can be treatable. However, in long term infections the trauma caused to the vessels, lungs and heart can be life threatening.
http://www.houstoncollierescue.org/collie_health_articles/heartwormdisease.html
Treatment of heartworm disease involves a series of intramuscular injections to kill the heartworms. In some cases treatment requires surgical removal of heartworms. Untreated heartworm disease can be fatal.
The key to preventing this disease is monthly heartworm prevention that can be bought at your local veterinary office. Whichever method of prevention is chosen, it far out ways the cost and risk of treating heartworm disease.
Further resources for information:
http://www.vetstreet.com/care/heartworm-disease-in-dogs
http://www.vetstreet.com/care/heartworm-disease-in-cats
