|
Heartworm disease
Heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect both dogs and cats. It is caused by a worm that lives in the heart and the major blood vessels in the lung leading to serious heart and lung disease.
Heartworm is transmitted from one animal to another via mosquito. The mosquito bites an infected dog and takes some of it’s blood which is then transmitted to the next dog that it bites, passing on the immature form of the parasite. The immature form of the parasite eventually migrates from the skin and develops into an adult heartworm which is found in the heart and lungs of the infected animal.
The mosquito mode of transmission means that all dogs and cats are at risk, even if they don’t mix with other animals. Heartworm disease is more common in the dog. Disease does occur in the cat but the incidence is far lower.
Dogs with heartworm disease can be treated with drugs to kill the parasite but the treatment itself is very risky and potentially fatal. Obviously, prevention of this disease is far better than a cure!!
The GOOD NEWS is that the disease is completely and easily preventable. Puppies and kittens are started on prevention from 8 weeks of age and MUST be kept on prevention for life. There are many choices of prevention available right here from the Hospital. Some examples are listed below.
Prevention for puppies and dogs:
There are several treatments available for heartworm prevention.
The most convenient is a yearly heartworm injection that is often given at the
same time as the annual vaccination.
The heartworm injection is given at 12 weeks of age (at the same time as vaccination), 6 months of age (at the same time as desexing) then just once a year with the annual check up and vaccination. There is no risk of lapsing with prevention as a reminder is sent out annually.
Most owners are happy that they no longer have to
remember to give monthly prevention!!!
Revolution is a liquid that is applied to the skin at the beck of the neck every month. It also provides protection against fleas.
Heartgard is a monthly meat flavoured chewable which many dogs regards as a treat.
Sentinel Spectrum is a flavoured tablet that is given once monthly which also protects against fleas and all four types of intestinal worms.
Prevention for kittens and cats:
Revolution is a liquid that is applied to the skin at the back of the neck every month. It also provides protection against fleas and both roundworm and hookworm in cats. Its ease of use makes it very popular amongst cat owners who have trouble orally worming their cats!!
|
.jpg)