Heartworm Prevention

Heartworms 

Heartworm is a serious, potentially fatal parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes to many animals, including dogs and cats. Symptoms in dogs include coughing, fatigue, and weight loss, while cats may show more subtle signs like coughing or vomiting. Treatment for heartworm-positive dogs is possible but costly and requires restricted exercise. Fortunately, the disease is also easily preventable! Prevention is possible through monthly medication that you can get right here from Lewis Veterinary Clinic. 

What is heartworm? 

• Heartworm is a parasitic roundworm, Dirofilaria immitis, that lives in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of infected animals. 
• It is transmitted from one animal to another by mosquito bites. 

How is it transmitted? 

1. A mosquito bites an infected animal and ingests the microfilariae (baby heartworms). 
2. The microfilariae develop into infective larvae inside the mosquito. 
3. When the mosquito bites another animal, it transmits the infective larvae, which mature into adult heartworms in about six months. 

What are the symptoms? 

• Dogs: Coughing, exercise intolerance, fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty breathing are common. In advanced cases, heart failure and a distended abdomen can occur. 
• Cats: Symptoms are often more subtle and can include coughing, vomiting, weight loss, and decreased appetite. Even a single heartworm can be dangerous for a cat due to their smaller body size. 

How is it diagnosed and treated? 

• Diagnosis: A veterinarian will use blood tests to check for heartworm proteins (antigens). The animal will test either positive or negative in about 8 minutes. 
• Treatment: 
• Dogs: Treatment is possible but can be expensive and requires a series of injections. During treatment, the dog must have restricted exercise to prevent damage from dying worms. 
• Cats: There is no approved treatment for heartworms in cats in the U.S. Veterinarians may provide supportive care for severe cases, and cats can sometimes clear the infection on their own. 



How can it be prevented? 

• The most effective way to prevent heartworm is to give pets a monthly heartworm preventative medication. 
• This medication kills the heartworm larvae before they can mature into adult worms. 

Prevention is Key! 

Heartworm is an increasingly common disease, especially where mosquitoes are prevalent, and the best way to treat heartworms is to prevent them from happening to your pet! From oral medications like Heartgard to topical applications such as Revolution and injections like Proheart, we offer a variety of alternatives to keep your dogs and cats safe. Many options are dual-purpose to protect your pet from fleas, ticks, and other worms and parasites as well. All heartworm preventative measures require a veterinarian's prescription, so contact us today to schedule your appointment!