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Commonly seen in animal hospitals, heartworm disease is a prevalent and life-threatening infection that all pet owners should be aware of. This condition occurs when heartworm—a parasite—infects an animal and begins reproducing. Over time, this growth will damage internal organs and trigger a variety of unpleasant and deadly effects. To help you protect your companion from these risks, here’s what you should know about this parasite and how to address it.

Introductory Guide to Heartworm Disease

How does heartworm spread & what animals are at risk?

When a cat or dog is bitten by a mosquito, the insect can transmit heartworm larvae into the animal’s bloodstream. Thriving on the animal’s nutrients, the larvae will eventually grow and reproduce within the heart and lungs. Although dogs are more likely to contract the parasite, cats are also at risk—including those that remain indoors.  Infection risk is not just limited to hot and humid environments where mosquitoes thrive. In fact, infections have been reported in all regions of the United States at various times of the year.

What are the symptoms of heartworm disease?

animal hospitalIn the early stages, a heartworm infection tends to cause a persistent cough and fatigue. Decreased appetite is also often followed by weight loss. In advanced cases, pets will often develop abdominal swelling, heart failure, and dangerous blood vessel blockages.

Can heartworm disease be treated?

In general, animal hospitals can only treat early heartworm disease in cats. When the infection advances, it’s almost always fatal.

When dogs test positive for the infection, they can sometimes benefit from a treatment that takes about two months to complete and requires several injections. However, when this treatment is successful, the medicine—or damage from the infection—can leave behind long-lasting consequences that can impair an animal’s life.

Since there are many risks associated with treatment, veterinarians heavily encourage pet owners to focus on prevention.

What are the best steps to prevent heartworm infection?

Your pet should receive heartworm prevention medications every month. Usually delivered in the form of a chewy treat, these medications are designed to kill heartworm larva before they turn into adults. While preventive medication is effective, there is always a limited risk that larva may still advance into adults. For this reason, your four-legged friend should be tested for the infection during annual pet exams at an animal hospital.

 

When you want to simplify your pet’s heartworm prevention, turn to the professionals at Tender Care Animal Clinic. Based in Prairie du Chien, WI, this animal hospital will help you explore the best preventive products for your cat or dog, as well as provide routine testing to catch potential problems early. Beyond heartworm care, this veterinarian also offers many other services to keep your small companion happy and healthy—including vaccinations and pet dental cleanings. Visit this veterinary clinic online to learn more about their services, or call (608) 326-7101 to schedule a convenient pet exam.

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