HERE COME THE HEARTWORMS

James R. Moebius, DVM

After a very interesting winter, it seems that we will all be a little more ready for spring this year.  As we enjoy the warmer temperatures, there are some things we may not welcome as much.  Following a very wet fall, winter and likely spring, our friend the mosquito may be in full swing.  The implication for our pets is that this will further increase risk for contracting heartworms.  This amazing little parasite is dependent on the mosquito to complete its lifecycle.  It changes in size from being microscopic and swimming through the mouthparts of the mosquito to being up to 13 inches long living in the heart of a dog.  The good news is that we have very effective, very easy to use heartworm preventatives available.  The bad news is that studies continue to show only 50 – 60% of dogs are given prevention. This year in particular is likely to be a very bad time to be on the wrong side of that statistic.

And don’t forget, this risk is not just for dogs.  Cats can also be infected by heartworms.  Although not as common as in dogs, in some ways it is a more troubling disease in cats.  It is difficult to diagnose, challenging to treat and sometimes doesn’t give us a chance as cats can succumb very quickly. The only reliable tool we have with cats is prevention. The easiest prevention to use for cats is Revolution by Pfizer, a topical product rather than oral.  Anybody who has ever had to give oral medication to a cat can appreciate that fact.

So remember, as you enjoy our warmer weather; don’t forget that our pets face a deadly parasite.  Make sure they get their heartworm prevention every month.  It’s one of the easiest ways to make sure your pets have a long, healthy life.