Heartworm Disease Program

 

Treatment ∙ Recovery ∙ Prevention

 

The statistics are staggering and on the rise!  Heartworms are becoming more common.  With 6 out of 10 rescues suffering from heartworms, the road to recovery is long and extremely expensive!  Heartworm disease is caused by long slender parasites that can reach up to 12 inches in length.  These parasites are transmitted from one pet to another by mosquitoes.  The worms live in the right side of the heart and adjoining vessels of infected pets.  Substantial damage to the heart and lungs can occur before they show any signs of disease.  Symptoms of this disease include coughing, fainting, excessive panting, difficulty breathing and exercise intolerance.  A blood test is provided to screen for infection.  Additional testing is often required to determine the degree of infection and the damage that has been done.  This usually includes a complete blood count (CBC), organ function profile, ECG, X-rays and urinalysis.  The prognosis varies depending of the degree of infection.  Drug treatments are staggered to kill adult and immature worms.  Treatment can have side effects which require direct veterinarian supervision and monitoring.  Supportive therapy decreases inflammation, aids breathing, and decreases the risk of complications.  If an animal is fortunite enough to survive this disease, lifelong supportive medication and special diets may be required.  Believe it or not, this disease is entirely preventable!  Prevention of this disease is easily accomplished thru the monthly oral administration of a heartworm pill such as Interceptor or Sentinel.  The cost is less than $10 per month.  There is really no excuse!!
 

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