PET TALES
Newsletter from Countryside Veterinary Service
March 2007
I know as cold as it is, it is hard to imagine that spring is right around the corner. With spring weather comes the mosquitoes and the danger of heartworm returns. This month’s newsletter will focus on heartworm disease in cats and dogs and preventives we carry to help limit the danger in your pets. As always if you have any questions do not hesitate to call us at the clinic.
Heartworm Disease in Dogs
Heartworm is a parasite carried by mosquitoes that can cause heart and lung failure if left untreated. This parasite is transmitted by mosquitoes that drink the immature form of heartworm called microfilaria. The microfilaria continues to mature in the mosquito before being transferred to another dog. Once the microfilaria enters the dog’s blood stream they continue to mature until they are large enough to get trapped in the lungs or heart. At this time they are usually mature enough to start reproducing microfilaria which leads to more and more heartworms affecting the heart and lungs and also now (with a mosquito bite) this dog is now a source of infection for other dogs. Typically, most dogs show no symptoms of heartworm disease until the damage is severe and often permanent damage has been done to the heart and lungs. This damage is caused by both pressure damage, as the heart must work harder to move blood through the heartworms, and scarring in the lungs from the heartworm activity. Symptoms usually include, but not limited to, exercise intolerance, coughing, lethargy, and weight loss. Treatment for Heartworm includes 1-3 injections of a medication to kill the adult heartworms then year round treatment with a monthly preventative to remove the immature form. The risk of treatment, continued heart and lung abnormalities, and prognosis are discussed on a case by case basis.
Heartworm Guarantees:
The makers of Heartgard, Revolution, and Interceptor will pay for Heartworm treatment for your pet if found to be infected IF the following requirements are followed:
1. Preventative must be given monthly year round
2. A heartworm test must be preformed once a year
3. Preventative MUST be purchased through a licensed Veterinarian
*Other restrictions may apply*
FYI:
The average cost for monthly heartworm preventative for a 50 pound dog is $96 a year.
The average cost of treating a 50 pound heartworm positive dog is $600-700 *.
*this number does not include treatment of secondary heart or lung disease from the heartworm
What about My Cat and Heartworm Preventative?
There is always a question on why do most vets highly recommend monthly heartworm preventative for dogs but not for cats. One reason is that cats are not the primary host for heartworm. This means that although cats can become infected with heartworm, the parasite cannot flourish as well as in its normal environment the dog. If cats become infected, most of the time the heartworm cannot reproduce so the infection is usually limited to only a few heartworm. This is not to say that a few heartworm cannot do any damage, it is usually just less likely to cause any major health issues. Some cats can develop heart disease so heartworm tests may still be recommended for cats showing heart abnormalities. Monthly heartworm treatment is still a good idea for outdoor or indoor/outdoor cats as it can prevent and treat for intestinal worms.
Mail-in Rebates:
Both Heartgard and Interceptor offer a $5 mail-in rebate if you buy a year supply at one time. Ask Janet at the front desk for the coupon and an extra copy of your receipt to mail in for the rebate.
Heartworm Preventatives At-a-Glance for Cats and Dogs
Name: INTERCEPTOR
Dosage: Based on weight
How Given: Chewable tablet
How Often: Monthly
Other Parasites Affected:
1. Treats and controls roundworms
2. Controls one type of hookworms
3. Treats and controls whipworms
Name: HEARTGARD
Dosage: Based on weight
How Given: Chewable soft meaty treat
How Often: Monthly
Other Parasites Affected:
1. Treats and controls roundworms
2. Treats and controls all hookworms
Name: REVOLUTION
How Given: Topical placed between the shoulder blades
Dosage: Based on weight
How Often: Monthly
Other Parasites Affected:
1. Kills adult fleas and eggs
2. Kills the American Dog Tick (only labeled for one type of tick)
3. Treats and controls: Ear mites & one type of mange
4. In cats only – Treats and controls roundworms and hookworms
You're more likely to be a target for mosquitoes if you consume bananas. Source: Trivial Trivia Website