How are Heartworms spread?
Initially, adult female heartworms in an already infected animal release their young, known as “microfilaria”, into the animal’s bloodstream. Next, mosquitoes ingest the microfilaria while feeding on the infected animal. Inside the mosquito, the microfilaria matures into an infective larval stage and the infective larvae are then transmitted to another susceptible animal (i.e. cat or dog) when the mosquito feeds again. In about six months, the infective larvae develop into adult worms within the animal. The life span of an adult worm in dogs can be up to seven years. It is a common misconception that indoor only pets and pets living in areas with minimal exposure to mosquitoes do not need protection against heartworm disease. Heartworm positive animals have been diagnosed in all 50 states. Remember this: If you can receive a mosquito bite within your home, then so can your pet(s).
Signs of Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease not only causes damage to the lungs and heart, but can also cause liver and kidney damage as well. Clinical signs in dogs can include a moderate, persistent cough, exercise intolerance, decreased appetite and weight loss. Signs in cats often involve respiratory difficulty which can mimic other feline diseases, such as feline asthma, and chronic clinical signs include vomiting, gagging, lethargy and weight loss.
Prevention: The Best Protection
Although treatment for heartworm disease is successful in most dogs, treatment can be expensive for the owner and stressful and taxing for the pet. Because it is safer and more economical by far, prevention is always the preferred choice. Since effective treatment for heartworm positive cats is poor, heartworm prevention is very critical. There is a wide selection of heartworm preventatives available for both dogs and cats with various methods of administration. These include daily and monthly tablets and chewables and monthly topical applications. These methods are very effective and can help to prevent heartworm infection when given as directed. Prior to any preventative program, animals should first be tested for heartworms by your veterinarian and then tested annually thereafter to ensure a heartworm free status is maintained.
Treatment
In pets diagnosed with heartworm disease, advanced treatment can be implemented to clear the infection. While this treatment can be performed on an outpatient basis, it is recommended that your pet be hospitalized for a period of time. During the recovery period, your dog’s exercise should be strictly limited to short leash walks. This reduces the chances of partial or complete blockage of blood flow through the lungs by dead or dying worms.
Zoonotic diseases are diseases that can be transmitted directly or indirectly from animals to humans. Some worms, for example, can be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated soil or from direct contact of fecal matter from an infected animal. Vector-borne diseases are those transmitted by fleas and ticks, among other parasites, that can, in turn, infect people. In North America, ticks can transmit diseases including Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountian Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, and Tularemia.
WHAT CAN YOU DO??
Responsible parasite control for your pets can reduce the risks associated with the transmission of parasitic diseases from pets to people. By following a few simple guidelines, pet owners can better protect all members of the family.
Use quality veterinary-approved flea and tick preventatives year-round per labeled instructions. Avoid over-the-counter products which are often ineffective and carry greater risks of adverse reactions that often require veterinary attention.
DO NOT feed pets raw meats.
Minimize your exposure, as well as your pets’ exposure to high-traffic pet areas such as a public park, dog parks or pet stores.
Clean up pet feces and remove from yards regularly!
Vistit your veterinarian for annual testing and routine physical examination.
Administer deworming medications as recommended and directed by your veterinarin. Refrain from purchasing over-the-counter deworming medications which may be less effective or inappropriate for your pet’s parasite control needs.
Ask your veterinarian about parasite infection risks and monthly preventative control measures to keep your pets and family better protected year-round.
{extended} ]]>