Heartworm

One never knows if the next mosquito that bites a dog is carrying a potentially fatal parasite looking for its next host: heartworm.

After being injected into a dog by a mosquito bite, the heartworm larva matures and migrates to the heart and the blood vessels of the lungs.  Mature female heartworms can then reproduce, creating a new reservoir of infection that is just another mosquito bite away.

Adult heartworms are about the size of a piece of spaghetti.  They obstruct blood flow, resulting in pooling of fluid in the lungs, abdomen, and tissues.  These symptoms mimic heart failure, and can be just as dangerous for a dog or cat.  Inflammation from an infection can also trigger organ failure.

Routine testing and medical prevention is the best way to protect a pet from heartworm disease.  The test requires a small blood sample for analysis and is required before starting routine prevention.  There are a few options available for heartworm prevention, most of which are given on a monthly basis.

Veterinarians stress the importance of prevention of heartworm rather than treatment after an infection.  When adult worms are killed, they could accumulate in the blood vessels and completely block blood flow.  Any animal undergoing treatment for heartworm disease is at risk of this fatal complication, and special precautions must be taken by the veterinarian and the owners.

Yearly testing is still recommended by veterinarians for all pets, as no preventative measure is 100% effective.  This testing can detect an infection in a pet that may not yet have symptoms of heartworm, allowing treatment while the pet is still feeling healthy and hopefully minimizing the chance of complications.

Heartworm disease is a year-round problem, and needs year-round attention.  Whether your pet needs to receive heartworm medication for the first time, or just needs a yearly heartworm test while on regular prevention, the veterinarians at Woodland Veterinary Hospital can help to meet your pet’s needs.