Heartworm, unfortunately, is a very common disease and may be found in dogs all over the world. Clinically known as Dirofilaria immitis, it is transmitted by mosquitoes through the injection of a microscopic larva during feeding. (Want to learn more about heartworm and other common diseases that can affect your pet? Visit our website:An Elkridge Veterinarian
These larva soon grow into an adult worms that can reach anywhere from six to eighteen inches in length and they take up residence in the heart of it's host, your pet.
The worms can cause mild symptoms, such as coughing, but with time, more severe symptoms such as congestive heart failure, weight loss, fluid build up in the abdomen, fainting spells, anemia, collapse, and death usually occur.
Needless to say, heartworms are a very serious parasite to afflict our four-legged friends.
How Do We Treat Heartworm?
There are several excellent medications which can prevent heartworm if given as directed. There are oral medications which can be given monthly, and they provide an added benefit by helping to protect against some intestinal parasites as well. There is also one topical monthly medication.
In addition, an injectable medication, ProHeart, is available. This affords a 6-month protection span.
Are These Heartworm Medications Foolproof?
Like all medications, there is no guarantee as to their effectiveness, it is still important to have annual checkups for heartworms with your veterinarian. The treatment for adult heartworms in dogs is expensive and potentially harmful to the dog. This makes the case for prevention in the first place.
Some people do not realize the importance of administering the medication in a timely fashion and thus run the risk of an adverse reaction from giving the preventative petmed late. These reactions sometimes turn deadly.
Can My Cat Develop Heartworm?
Once thought rare in cats, the incidence has been estimated to be from 10% to 50% of the canine rate, quite high actually.
The bigger problem is, cats usually test negative on the routine blood test done in the hospital, allowing the parasite to be overlooked at times. Your veterinarian has to do different tests in order to diagnose heartworms in cats.
Compounding the fact the feline version is difficult to detect, the symptoms are also different. Cats usually demonstrate asthmatic signs and/or coughing, sometimes with vomiting.
There is no treatment for adult heartworms in cats. Your best course of action is a monthly heartworms preventative for your cats as well as your dogs. Call us for more information: (443) 731-6602.
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