Heartworm Awareness - Dog Edition
Did you know that heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can be transmitted through a single mosquito bite? True story, friends.
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis (heartworms). Dogs who are not on or up to date with heartworm prevention can become infected with heartworm larvae when an infected mosquito bites them. During a bite the mosquito does a small trade. Your pet’s blood in exchange for a few larvae. Once the larvae enter your pet’s skin they slowly enter the blood vessels and then make their way to their perfect home- your pet’s lungs and heart. There, they multiply and reproduce. Their growing numbers eventually make it so difficult to circulate blood that the host animal can die.
Also, once an animal is infected they can transmit heartworms to other animals. This is done when a mosquito bites a heartworm positive animal. That mosquito then becomes infected and will eventually bite another animal where they will transmit heartworm larvae. The cycle is endless but can be prevented. Which is why heartworm testing, prevention, and treatment education are important.
Heartworm Facts:
Within 6 months of infection worms can grow to be 12 inches long
Worms can mate and reproduce within the host animal
Heartworm infection has been found in all 50 states and around the world.
Heartworm transmission is possible at any time of the year, including winter.
It is possible for an animal to become infected if prevention is not given correctly (example: missed or delayed doses)
Heartworm testing must be done prior to starting heartworm prevention due to the life threatening complications caused by a large parasite die off in the cardiovascular system.
Prevention and Testing:
The American Heartworm Society (AHS) recommends testing for heartworms in all dogs over the age of 7 months and once annually for the rest of their lives in conjunction with year-round heartworm prevention with a FDA approved medication. These tests can be done at most veterinary clinics and involve taking a small sample of your pet’s blood.
There are a variety of heartworm prevention medications on the market. Please speak to your primary veterinarian to discuss what medication is the right choice for your pet.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Heartworm treatment can be invasive, complicated, and painful. The AHS recommends treating heartworm disease with a combination of specifically timed oral medications and injections. This results in removal of worms in a slow and controlled fashion to avoid risks to the cardiovascular system. During the treatment course dogs are required to maintain strict exercise restrictions. Some severe heartworm disease cases require surgical removal of the worms.
Here at Island Pet Urgent Care we are able to diagnose, stage, initiate appropriate care and discuss definitive treatment options. If you are concerned about your pet’s heartworm status or have any questions- we are here to help!
Want to know more about heartworm disease and prevention? Please visit the American Heartworm Society’s page for some awesome information https://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources
Author: Maria Van Swol, CVT
