Heartworm and Heart Health: Long-Term Impacts and Management
Responsible for up to 700,000 deaths around the world every year, mosquitoes have been coined the “world’s deadliest animal” by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite their teeny-weeny size, mosquitoes, at just 2.5 milligrams, can wreak havoc on human health. But they don’t stop there. Infamous as carriers of heartworm disease, mosquitoes can quietly transmit microscopic worms directly to a pet’s bloodstream. Together, we can take a stand against mosquitoes and vector-borne illness.
Blood-Borne Parasite
Dirofilaria immitis is the blood-borne parasite that leads to full-blown heartworm disease. Over 30 different kinds of mosquitoes can carry and transmit this blood-borne parasite. When bitten by an infected mosquito, a pet may not show signs of heartworm disease for numerous months. As the microscopic worms migrate to the major organs, grow, mature, and reproduce, a pet may experience breathing problems, organ damage, heart failure, and lung disease. Other symptoms of heartworm disease can include:
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Fatigue even after minimal exercise
- Swollen abdomen
- Breathing difficulties
- Persistent cough
Early Detection Matters
Blood tests help us diagnose heartworm disease. After 5 months of infection, we can see heartworm proteins released into the bloodstream. Due to the gap between date of infection and active proteins in the blood, we recommend that pets receive year-round parasite prevention medication. It can also be quite dangerous to administer heartworm prevention medication to a pet with an active infection. Consequently, heartworm testing is necessary to rule out infection prior to prescribing the prevention medication of your choice.
Treating Heartworm In Pets
Currently, there is no treatment to cure heartworm in cats. While they aren’t ideal hosts for heartworm, cats can still be infected by mosquitoes.
Dogs can be treated for heartworm disease but it can be expensive and challenging. Depending on the case, hospitalization, injections, and various types of medication may be necessary. Follow up diagnostics, including lab work, ultrasounds, and other tests, may be necessary to understand how the treatment is working.
The Importance of Prevention
There are oral and topical options to prevent heartworm disease, and we are happy to help you decide which is best for your pet. In addition to administering this medication all year long, annual blood tests are part of a preventive approach.
The bottom line is that preventing heartworm is easier and more cost-effective than treatment. Plus, if heartworm disease is allowed to progress, treatment may not even be possible.
As your partners in pet health, our staff at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital are always available to help you. Together, we can help your pet achieve vitality, longevity, and happiness.