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Heartworm disease is transmitted to pets via mosquitoes. These worms
develop and lodge in an infected pet’s heart and pulmonary artery, where
they cause illness and even death. It is important to realize that even
though heartworms are more common in dogs, they are even more deadly to
cats. The good news is that the disease is 100% preventable. There are
safe, effective and easy-to-administer heartworm preventatives that
actually offer protection against other parasites as well. All pets need
protection, as infestations have been reported in all 50 states and the
numbers of incidences increase each year.
In dogs, the worms live in the heart and large blood vessels around the
heart and lungs, where they damage tissues and lead to heart failure and
pulmonary disease. In some cases, the worms can obstruct other large
blood vessels, leading to liver failure and kidney disease. In cats, the
worms are found in the heart, lungs or pulmonary arteries. While cats
are less susceptible to heartworm infection than dogs, their body’s
reaction to the worms can be more intense. Feline patients can become
severely ill or even die suddenly from just one or two worms.
Heartworm disease is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito carrying
the microscopic heartworm larvae. Mosquitoes become carriers by biting
an already infected animal and then subsequently biting other healthy
ones. As a result, heartworm disease is a problem virtually everywhere
there are mosquitoes. As you know mosquitoes easily get indoors so all
animals regardless of their age, size or breed are at risk.
Prevention is the Key
A simple blood test can detect whether or not your pet has been exposed
to heartworm infection. This test is necessary to ensure that your pet
is free of disease prior to beginning any preventative medications.
Although these medications are completely safe when given to a
disease-free animal, several complications could arise if given to an
infected animal. The heartworm preventatives offered are simple, easy to
administer monthly doses that not only protect your animal from
heartworm disease, but other parasites as well.
Treatment
Even though heartworm disease is treatable, it is costly and can produce
several side effects. For these reasons, prevention is a better approach
to the disease. Unfortunately, in cats the disease is much more
complicated to treat because the side effects, such as blood clots and
fluid in the lungs, are much more serious. Therefore, instead of
treatment supportive care, such as steroids and oxygen therapy, is
offered to help your cat cope with the disease.
Signs
In some dogs and cats with heartworm infection, there may be no clinical
abnormalities whatsoever. This is why periodic screening is so
important. Many cats that die suddenly from heartworm disease have been
seemingly healthy up until the time of death. It is also important to
realize that these symptoms are not specific to the disease and can be
signs of other illnesses.
In dogs signs include:
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Deep chest cough |
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Fatigue and lethargy |
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Abdominal distension or bloating |
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Labored respiration |
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Weight loss |
In cats signs include:
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Coughing or gagging |
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Breathing problems |
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Weight loss |
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Vomiting |
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Lethargy |
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Sudden death |
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