Lebanon Small Animal Clinic News

The latest information about our small animal veterinary clinic and services

Medical Alert: Not all worms come from outside!

Some Common Facts:

In the Greater Cincinnati Area Heartworm disease occurs in dogs at a rate of 6-25 cases per clinic! The number of dogs in Ohio with heartworm disease is higher than in Florida! They are among the most damaging parasites but are completely preventable! Heartworm preventive medications are the only option for cats, as there is no approved treatment for feline heartworm disease! Almost 300,000 dogs in the US are infected with heartworm each year! Heartworms have been found in dogs and cats in all 50 states!

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes as microfilaria (baby heartworms, larva). Microfilaria migrate to invade almost any organ in the body so symptoms may be varied. It usually takes 2-3 months for microfilaria to mature and start reproducing. Once mature, they prefer to take residence in the heart, lungs, and large vessels. These mature heartworms can measure up to 16 inches! Symptoms may not be evident until adult heartworms are well established. The most common signs are shortness of breath, coughing or exercise intolerance however the microfilaria may cause vascular damage as well.

Heartworm disease treatments are available for dogs, but treating for heartworms is much more costly and dangerous to the animal than simply preventing it. Yet another reason to use year-round prevention is that many heartworm preventatives also have activity against other intestinal and common parasites, such as roundworms and fleas. Heartworm preventive medications are the only option for cats, as there is NOT a safe treatment for feline heartworm disease.

It is much easier and less expensive to prevent heartworms than to treat them let alone the sickness your pet may ensue. Prevention comes in many forms to make it easier on you and your pet. Concerned? Call us for more information.

Fleas?????

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