The health and well-being of your pet is a priority, so it’s important to be informed about the risks your companion may face. One common problem, heartworm disease, can affect even the healthiest animals. The following guide answers the most frequently held questions from pet owners about detection and heartworm treatments.

4 FAQ About Heartworm Disease

What is heartworm disease?

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms that invade the heart, lungs, and connected blood vessels.

The disease is not contagious and can only spread through mosquito bites. Heartworms can cause heart failure, severe lung disease, and organ damage. Although dogs are their primary hosts, these parasites can also infect cats.

What are the symptoms?

The severity of symptoms depends on many factors, including the number of worms, the duration of the infection, and the health and activity levels of a pet. In the earliest stages, your pet may not display any signs.

Mild symptoms in dogs include cough and fatigue after moderate activity. As the infection progresses, your dog may have trouble breathing and develop heart failure.

Caval syndrome, caused by a large mass of worms blocking blood flow to the heart, can result in cardiovascular collapse. This severe condition is accompanied by difficulty breathing, pale gums, and dark-colored urine.

In cats, symptoms vary significantly between a subtle cough and asthma-like attacks. Rare cases may result in fainting, seizures, swollen abdomens from fluid accumulation, or even sudden death.

Can heartworm disease be treated?

There are treatments for heartworm disease, and as long as you bring your pet to the veterinarian at the first sign of infection, successful recovery is possible. After the vet confirms the diagnosis, they will stabilize your pet’s condition, administer heartworm treatment, and test for any remaining parasites. This is a long process that can result in complications, so your veterinarian will make certain that treatment is the best and only option.

For cats, there is currently no approved drug therapy, so the primary goal is to stabilize and monitor your pet. Your vet may recommend hospitalization to administer IV fluids or antibiotics. Surgical removal may also be an option. Because cats are not ideal hosts, the infection may resolve on its own over time, but it can still result in respiratory damage.

How can I prevent infection in my pet?

Although heartworm treatment is possible, the best protection for your pet is prevention. There are many FDA-approved heartworm preventatives available for both cats and dogs. Annual pet health exams will allow your vet to screen for heartworms, detect infections early, and prescribe a year-round preventative.

Keep your pet safe from heartworm disease with routine checkups at Kokua Pet Clinic of Honolulu. Serving pet families throughout the Aloha State, this locally owned and operated veterinary clinic provides comprehensive health services for cats and dogs of all sizes. From pet preventative medicine and dentistry to surgeries and heartworm treatments, their experienced team will offer the best solutions for your pet’s unique needs. Call (808) 843-8382 today to schedule an appointment. For more information about their services, visit them online.