Where do heartworms come from?

The bite of an infected mosquito will place multiple heartworm larvae into the blood system of your pet. The heartworm larvae then migrate to the heart where they mature into worms reaching a length of about fourteen inches. Multiple worms in the heart make the heart chambers look like they are stuffed full of spaghetti. This mass of worms restricts blood flow through and to the heart as well as to the body. Lack of adequate blood flow results in multiple organs, such as the liver and kidney, being damaged. Heartworms have been identified in every county of the four state area.

How can I tell if my pet has heartworms?

Initially there are not any signs. Signs appear when the heartworms have been present long enough to cause damage to the heart and associated blood vessels. This takes several months. It is after this time that pets begin showing symptoms.

Dogs- Owners notice a lack of energy or cough. Eventually, these progress until congestive heart failure develops. The kidney and liver also are affected because the heartworms and congestive heart failure reduces blood flow.

Cats and ferrets- These pets often developt chronic intermittent vomiting. Respiratory problems, which are suspect of being asthma or allergies, may result from heartworm disease. In some cases, cats and ferrets will simply die without clinical evidence of being sick.

What is involved in treatment?

Dogs can be treated if heartworm disease is found. Early detection is important before any damage to the heart is permanent. Treatment will kill the heartworms, but will not reverse all organ damage. Ferrets and cats are difficult to treat. The drugs used to kill the adult heartworms can cause death. The key is to put the pet on a preventative medication.

How do I prevent heartworms?

Prevention is very simple. A small blood sample for all pets six months of age and older is tested in the office. If the test is negative, a preventative medication will be prescribed. The preventative is a flavored tablet, given monthly, that eliminates the development of heartworm larvae into adults. Prevention should be given year round in the four state area.