our advice: ASK DR. CATE
Vet Rap by
Dr. Ryan Cate
Three Important Facts
About Heartworms
Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes.
Heartworms are long, spaghetti-like parasites that
live in the heart or pulmonary arteries. These
worms cause disease by clogging the heart and
major blood vessels, resulting in reduced blood
supply to other organs, such as the liver, kidney
and lungs.
But how do they get into the heart? When an
infected mosquito bites a dog or cat, it depos-
its heartworm larvae into the body. The larvae
migrate for several months before arriving in the
heart or pulmonary arteries. Once the larvae
mature, they begin to release immature heart-
worms, known as microfilaria. Microfilaria live in
the pet’s blood for about one month and may, in
turn, be ingested by mosquitoes feeding on the
pet.
Because of this life cycle, it is necessary for a
dog or cat to be bitten by a mosquito to be infect-
ed with heartworms. Heartworms cannot be trans-
mitted directly from one pet to another.
she spends time outdoors or not—is to use monthly
heartworm prevention.
Heartworms are 100 percent preventable.
Heartworm infection is a serious and potentially
fatal disease. Treatment is possible in dogs, but can
carry some degree of risk, depending on the severity
of the infection. There is no approved treatment avail-
able for cats. Fortunately, this disease can be easily
avoided.
We recommend Sentinel for heartworm preven-
tion in dogs. This oral medication also protects against
fleas and intestinal parasites such as roundworms,
hookworms and whipworms. In addition, we recom-
mend annual heartworm testing for all dogs. A simple
blood test will ensure your dog is not infected. This
is especially important before starting or restarting
monthly heartworm medication.
For heartworm prevention in cats, we recommend
Revolution. In addition to heartworms, this topical
medication also protects against fleas and intestinal
parasites. Unfortunately, oral heartworm prevention
for cats is not available at this time.
Remember, it is much easier to prevent heartworm
disease than it is to treat it! For more information
about heartworm disease in dogs and cats, contact us
today.
New clients get a discounted exam and free nail trim and
returning clients get a free koozie with code PCT5.
Heartworms are everywhere.
Heartworm infection in pets occurs all over the
world, particularly in areas where mosquitoes are
prevalent. In the United States, this disease was
once limited to the South and Southeast regions;
however, it is now found in most areas around the
U.S.
Indoor pets can get heartworms, too. While
pets that go outdoors are more likely to be
exposed to heartworm disease, keep in mind that
indoor pets are not immune. In fact, about 25 per
cent of cats diagnosed with heartworms are report-
ed by their owners to be indoor-only!
The best way to protect your pet—whether he/
Dr. Ryan Cate
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