At Mullins Veterinary Hospital, we understand the importance of keeping your beloved pets healthy and happy. One of the most significant threats to your pet’s health, particularly in dogs, is heartworm disease—a severe and potentially fatal condition. This comprehensive guide will explore what heartworm disease is, how it spreads, and what you can do to protect your pet.
What is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. These worms are spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and can grow and multiply within the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of an affected host, causing severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to other organs in the body.
How Do Pets Get Heartworms?
The only way for your pet to get heartworms is through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes pick up microfilariae, or baby worms, by biting an infected animal, and these microfilariae mature into larvae within the mosquito. Then, when the infected mosquito bites another pet, the larvae are deposited onto the surface of the animal’s skin and enter the new host through the mosquito’s bite wound.
The Impact of Heartworm Disease
In dogs, heartworms can live for 5 to 7 years, and an infected dog can have as many as 250 worms in its system. Cats are atypical hosts for heartworms, and most worms in cats do not survive to the adult stage. However, even immature worms can cause significant damage in the form of a condition known as heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD).
Prevention and Treatment
Preventing heartworm disease is more effective, safer, and less expensive than treating the full-blown disease. A variety of options including monthly tablets, injections, and topical liquids are available, and your veterinarian can recommend the best preventative measure based on your pet’s risk factors and lifestyle.
Q&A on Heartworm Disease
Q1: Is heartworm disease contagious between pets?
A: No, the disease cannot be passed directly from one pet to another. Transmission requires a mosquito as an intermediary vector.
Q2: What are the symptoms of heartworm disease in pets?
A: In dogs, signs can range from no symptoms at all to persistent cough, fatigue, decreased appetite, weight loss, and a swollen abdomen. Cats may exhibit coughing, asthma-like attacks, periodic vomiting, lack of appetite, or weight loss.
Q3: How is heartworm disease diagnosed?
A: Heartworm disease is diagnosed through blood tests that detect specific proteins, known as antigens, which are released by adult female heartworms into the bloodstream.
Q4: Can heartworm disease be treated?
A: Yes, there are treatments available for heartworm disease, but they can be costly and risky. The preferred approach is always prevention.
Q5: How often should I test my pet for heartworm?
A: We recommend that dogs be tested annually for heartworms, even if they are on preventative medicine. Cats can be tested as part of their routine check-up, although it’s less common.
Q6: When is the best time to start heartworm prevention?
A: Puppies and kittens can start on heartworm prevention as early as their veterinary guidelines recommend, which is typically around 6 to 8 weeks of age.
At Mullins Veterinary Hospital, we are committed to providing your pets with the best care possible. If you have any further questions about heartworm disease or need to schedule a consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Your pet’s health is our top priority.