HEARTWORM DISEASE

HOW DID MY DOG GET HEARTWORM DISEASE?

• A mosquito will feed off of a infected dog, fox, coyote, or wolf
• These infected hosts contain microfilaria (baby worms)
• Then the mosquito will transfer the microfilaria to another animal
• Once they are inside the new host, in 6 months they will become adults
• Mature heartworm can live in a dogs heart or lungs for 5-7 years

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS FOR HEARTWORM DISEASE?

• In early stage, symptoms are few or show no signs at all
• The longer the disease progresses the more symptoms will appear
• Symptoms may consist of mild persistent cough, lack of energy
• Fatigued, loss of appetite and weight loss
• In late stages, animal may appear "bloated" and develop heart failure

HOW CAN I TEST TO KNOW IF MY PET HAS THIS?

• Heartworm disease is a serious, potential life threating disease
• The earlier this disease is detected, the better the out come
• Quickest way to test is with a SNAP test that only requires 3 drops of bood
• This test is processed in house and results will be processed quickly
• If the disease has progressed, a radiograph or a ECG may be performed

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT PROCESS?

• Fortunately, if this is caught in early stage, it can be treated
• Your dog will be injected with high levels of arsenic
• Toxic side effects ferquently occur during treatment
• In advanced stages, organ failure will be treated before heartworm disease
• Dogs this advanced are not likely to live a few weeks or months

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT HEARTWORM DISEASE?

• Thankfully!!! Heartworm disease is easily preventable
• Once your pet has been tested, start a monthly regiment of preventive
• Some preventives are Heartgard, Ivermectin, Sentinal, and Tri-Heart plus
• Heartgard can range in prices from $35.99--$54.99 for six months
• Veterinarians do suggest a 12 month regiment if traveling

SO WHAT ARE THE FIRST STEPS?

• Make an appointment with your veterinarian to test your pet
• Then start your pet on monthly preventitive
• Bring your dog back once a year in early spring to tested again
• Remember..... Prevention, prevention, prevention is key