Heartworms are a very common blood parasite in both dogs and cats. Mosquitoes transfer tiny larvae from one animal to the next. As the worms mature, they damage the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.
Symptoms include a soft moist cough, weight loss, lack of energy and intolerance of exercise. Cats may breathe rapidly, cough or vomit. Early in the disease there may be no signs at all.
Treatment in dogs consists of a period of hospitalization and several follow-up visits. Cats require long-term oral medications.
Prevention is much less traumatic and much less expensive than treatment. Since infected mosquitoes can be present indoors or out, even animals who live inside should receive monthly preventatives. In the South, year-long preventatives are necessary. There are some newer prescription flea preventatives which also protect against heartworms.
Preventatives should be started in puppies and kittens at a young age. Adults require a blood test before starting preventatives. Test once a year and give preventatives once a month. Doing that will help to ensure that your pet will not have to suffer from heartworm disease. |
