Heartworm Disease July 2012

Heartworm disease is a serious condition caused by parasitic worms living in the arteries of the lungs, and sometimes in the right side of the animal's heart. Heartworms can affect any breed or age of cat or dog. Heartworms rely on different insect species to be transported from animal to animal. Once the cat or dog becomes infected with heartworms, they can then spread it once a mosquito bites them and then the mosquito becomes an intermediate host. Now that the mosquito is an intermediate hose, all it takes is one bite for it to then pass it on to another cat or dog. As of right now, there are no approved treatments for heartworm disease in cats, and for dogs, the treatment can have a high risk associated with it, as well as being a long process, and very financially straining. You may be saying to yourself, not in Washington though...WRONG! Heartworm positive cases are popping up here in Washington yearly. With the seriousness of the disease, and the treatment of the disease being difficult or nonexistent, it seems better and easier all around to PREVENT! When dealing with heartworms, prevention is key! There are some easy hassle-free options to try. Revolution is not only a topical monthly flea, parasite, and ear mite prevention, it also can be used as a monthly heartworm prevention for cats and dogs! If topical medications are not for you and your pet, there is a chewable flea and heartworm preventative called Trifexis for dogs. A treat form of heartworm prevention is also available for your pets. It is called Heartguard, and it is recommended as a monthly treat for prevention. Before preventing heartworms, it is best to establish a negative heartworm test to ensure that there is no infection. A test can be done with a simple blood draw and we can get results in as soon as 10 minutes. In the month of July, we are offering 10% off heartworm testing to our new and existing clients. To find out more, please don't hesitate to give us a call!