Pet Health by Dr. Scot Trefz, D.V.M.
Prevent Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a life-threatening parasitic infection, which sickens dogs, cats, and ferrets. It is much easier to prevent than to treat.
How Pets Get the Disease
Heartworm disease is transmitted when a mosquito bites an infected animal and then bites your pet. Heartworm larvae circulate through their bloodstreams. Months later, the larvae begin to grow into long, white worms that look like spaghetti. Those that reach the blood vessels of the heart and lungs cause the most damage. Male heartworms measure 4-6 inches in length, while females may be twice as long. Dogs can be infected with up to 250 worms. Each worm can live 5-7 years. Even immature worms can affect your cat’s health, causing serious breathing difficulties. In ferrets, one or two heartworms often settle in the pulmonary artery in the heart. As they grow, the heart becomes dangerously enlarged.
Symptoms of Heartworm Disease
Dogs may start to cough, or seem abnormally tired, eat less, lose weight and have trouble breathing. The infection can eventually cause a swollen abdomen, abnormal lung sounds, collapse and even death. Cats and ferrets infected with heartworms may develop Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease. When immature worms reach the small lung arteries, an inflammatory response occurs damaging the air sacs, arteries, and small airways. Infected cats may have difficulty breathing or breathe rapidly. Other signs include disinterest in food, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, gagging, and collapse.
Treatment varies. Dogs get medications that kill heartworms and reduce inflammation. Medications that kill heartworms aren’t safe for cats or ferrets. Cats get drugs to reduce inflammation, antibiotics, cardiovascular medication or oxygen if needed. Surgery may be needed. Even if heartworm surgery is successful, damage to your pet’s heart, lungs, and organs will be permanent.
How Can Heartworm Disease
Be Prevented? Oral, topical, and injectable heartworm medications reduce your pet’s heartworm risk. Your veterinarian can help. Give your pet heartworm medication year-round. Mosquito season may not always follow the same pattern every year.
If you enjoyed this article, visit Dr. Scot M. Trefz, DVM – Tierra Verde Resident and Medical Director at Bay Moorings Animal Hospital. Dr. Trefz, a 35-year experienced DVM, and his amazing team of veterinary professionals are located at 3695 50th Ave S., St Petersburg, FL 33711 (next to the Maximo Moorings Marina and Bay Pointe Plaza Publix) 727.867.0118