Risk FactorsAlthough camping and other outdoor activities in areas that have high mosquito counts, such as Southern Oregon, increase your pet's risk of coming into contact with disease-carrying mosquitoes, cases of heartworm are regularly reported throughout the state of Oregon. Mosquito populations are capable of rising rapidly if conditions are warm and wet. Dogs, cats, ferrets and wild canids, including coyotes, are potential reservoirs of infection. 
TransmissionMosquitoes carry the parasite that causes heartworm disease from animal to animal. The life cycle of a heartworm begins when a mosquito bites an infected animal carrying heartworm microfilariae in its blood. If that mosquito bites another cat or dog, it transmits the larvae to that animal. The larvae mature into adult worms in the heart and lungs of the host animal. The adult worms can reproduce, creating microfilariae about 6-9 months after the initial mosquito bite. DiagnosisYour veterinarian may perform a blood test to determine whether your pet has the disease. A blood sample is tested for the antigens (proteins) produced by adult heartworms. The sample may also be examined under a microscope for the presence of the heartworm larvae. More laboratory tests may be required to make a diagnosis. In most cases, preventative medication is not prescribed until the animal tests negative for current infection. Yearly testing is recommended by the American Heartworm Society. Heartworm in DogsSymptomsSigns of infection in dogs include a chronic cough (which is the most common symptom and a sign of advanced illness), lack of energy or endurance, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite or weight loss. TreatmentIf detected early enough, most dogs can be treated successfully. The goal of treatment is to kill both the adult heartworms and the larvae; it requires hospitalization and close supervision by a veterinarian. Currently there is only one drug approved by the FDA for the elimination of adult heartworms in dogs, an organic arsenical compound. In August 2011, Merial, the only manufacturer of heartworm treatment described above, reported manufacturing issues which has caused them to stop producing it. The shortage of this treatment drug is a good reason to make sure your dog is on a hearworm preventative. The American Heartworm Society has issued guidelines for veterinarians in dealing with the shortage of this drug in treating their heartworm positive canine patients. Heartworm in CatsSymptomsSigns of infection in cats include: cough, difficulty breathing, vomiting, sluggishness or weight loss. TreatmentCurrently, there is no approved product for the treatment of heartworm disease in cats. Most cats with heartworm infection that are not demonstrating clinical signs are allowed the time for a spontaneous cure to occur. Treatment is aimed at helping cats tolerate the disease, rather than eliminating it. PreventionWhen you protect your pet, you are helping to protect other pets in your community by reducing the number of reservoirs available for infection and transmission. A yearly examination coupled with preventative treatment is recommended. There are a variety of options for preventing heartworm infiction, including tablets, chewables, topicals and a six-month injectable product. Talk with your veterinarian about your pet's individual risk factors to determine how often your pet should be tested and if preventative care is appropriate and necessary. In previous Dr's Bags: • Emergency? Please Call - Don't Email! |
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