Web Exclusive: Heartworm Disease
The American Heartworm Association has designated March as National Heartworm Disease Awareness Month to educate the pet owning public about this debilitating disease that is so prevalent among pets in the U.S. and around the world.
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Heartworm disease is caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a parasite worm of the heart carried from animal to animal by mosquitoes. The effects of this parasite on the host can be devastating, as we shall see.
It is believed that heartworms were initially brought into this country by military dogs returning from Southeast Asia. Since then the disease has rapidly spread from a few isolated pockets to what is now a nationwide endemic.
Adult heartworms can reach up to ten inches in length. They inhabit the right atrium of the heart and the pulmonary arteries (which carries blood from the heart to the lungs). Effects on the host vary depending on the number of heartworm present. Small numbers of worms can be asymptomatic, but moderate to severe infestations (sometimes 100 or more adult worms) can cause severe life threatening disease.
The most common symptoms of heartworms disease are coughing, lethargy, lack of exercise, tolerance and weight loss. Left untreated, these will eventually progress to organ failure, congestive heart disease and premature death of the animal.
Heartworm disease is treatable, but the treatment is dangerous for the pet and expensive for the owner. Fortunately, heartworm disease is easily and economically prevented. Several different medications are currently available and effective, ranging from monthly chewables and topical to a recently reintroduced injectable that is effective for six months.
Adult dogs must test negative for heartworm disease prior to initiation of preventatives. Your veterinarian will perform this test and discuss available preventatives with you at that time.
Remember:
- Inside pets are not safe from this disease…who hasn’t had a mosquito in their house?
- In this region of the U.S. heartworm disease is considered a year round threat to pets due to the prevalence of mosquitoes throughout the year.
- Cats, once thought immune to heartworm disease, are now being diagnosed with alarming frequency and should be placed on one of the available feline preventatives.
- Dogs with heartworm disease, diagnosed early and treated appropriately, can live a long, happy and healthy life.
- This is a preventable disease – start puppies and kittens on preventative medication at 8-10 weeks of age.
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By: Dr. Keith Ratcliff
