Disease
Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) are long, slender parasites than can reach 12 inches in length. The worms live in the right side of the heart and adjoining vessels of infected cats and dogs and are capable of causing substantial damage to the heart and lungs before the animal shows any signs of disease. Unfortunately, dogs and cats of all ages and all breeds are susceptible to heartworms. Fortunately, heartworm disease is entirely preventable.
Heartworms are transmitted only by mosquito bites. Outdoor dogs and cats are more likely to be infected with heartworms than those that stay inside. However, mosquitoes can slip through cracks around doors and in screens and every dog and cat may be at risk, whether indoors or out.
(Because Georgia has relatively mild winters, mosquitoes are present year ‘round. It is critical that your pet stay on preventative all the time.)
There are differences in the heartworm disease in cats and dogs: dogs may have as many as 100 worms that can live in the heart and vessels for up to seven years or as long as the dog can live with the worm burden. Cats usually have only two or three worms and the worms live only up to two years.
The general signs of heartworms, coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and weight loss, are common in dogs. In untreated dogs, heartworms will increasingly compromise the circulatory system over time and will eventually lead to death.
In cats the signs of heartworms can be vague and can mimic other feline diseases, making diagnosis difficult. Many cats are able to clear the infection before the worms reach the heart. Other cats can appear healthy and then suddenly die from heartworms.
Treatment of heartworms can be risky in dogs because of the potential for severe complications and even death when the worms die. There is no effective treatment for heartworms in cats.
The good news is that prevention of heartworms eliminates the need for a cure.
Prior to dispensing preventative medication, a blood test is necessary to determine whether your pet is already infected. This test must be repeated every 12 months.
NOTE: IF YOU FORGET TO GIVE A DOSE AND IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN 6 WEEKS SINCE THE LAST DOSE…… DO NOT GIVE THEM ANOTHER ONE. IF THEY HAVE BECOME INFECTED, YOU COULD MAKE THEM SERIOUSLY ILL.
