INDUSTRY INSIGHT
PET HEALTH
SPONSORED CONTENT
PITTSBURGH VETERINARY SPECIALTY & EMERGENCY CENTER
HEARTWORM AWARENESS MONTH
April is heartworm awareness month and in preparation for summer and the reappearance of the mosquito , this is a good time to discuss this dreaded and completely preventable disease and review the importance of making sure your pet is protected from contracting a heartworm infection . Heartworm infections have been reported in all 50 states and the incidence is rising and spreading to new areas of the country every year .
Heartworm disease is caused by long thin worms called Dirofilaria immitis that reside in the blood vessels of the lungs of infected animals and , if left untreated , can lead to irreparable damage to the lungs , heart and other organs in the body . Although heartworms can reside in various mammalian species such as wolves , foxes , coyotes , and even cats , dogs are their natural and preferred hosts , and the most at risk . Dogs have the ideal environment for the heartworms to mature , reproduce , and become a source of infection for other unprotected dogs .
So just how does this transmission occur ?
Heartworm disease is not spread by direct contact between infected animals , but rather it requires the help of a mosquito . Mature female worms residing in infected animals will begin to produce “ baby ” worms called microfilaria , which circulate throughout the bloodstream . When a mosquito feeds on the infected animal , it picks up the microfilaria which will then mature into the infective stage larvae inside the mosquito over a period of ~ 2 weeks . When that mosquito bites another susceptible animal , the larvae enter via the mosquito bite and begin to mature over a period of about 6 months and the cycle begins again . The adult heartworms have a lifespan of approximately 5-7 years in the dog and with each mosquito season , unprotected and susceptible animals risk developing an increased worm burden with each new infection .
How do I know if my dog is infected ?
Early signs of heartworm infection in dogs can go relatively undetected . A veterinarian will perform a yearly blood test to look for a heartworm infection . Due to changing weather patterns , heartier mosquitos , and various wildlife carriers , the American Heartworm Society recommends that dogs remain
on heartworm preventive medications year-round and have a heartworm test performed yearly by a veterinarian .
As the heartworms grow and mature , they begin to cause increasing damage to the host , and signs such as coughing , listlessness , exercise intolerance , a decrease in appetite , and weight loss can occur . Dogs with very advanced disease can develop abdominal swelling caused by right-sided congestive heart failure . In its most severe form , heartworm disease can be fatal by causing cardiovascular collapse due to blockages of large blood vessels .
The good news is that the earlier a heartworm infection is detected , the better chance the animal can be successfully treated and make a full recovery .
When should my dog be tested ? All dogs should be tested yearly , regardless of the type or frequency of preventive medication they are receiving . Puppies under 7 months of age can begin heartworm preventive medications without a heartworm test , but should be tested 6 months after their initial visit , again 6 months later , and then yearly . Dogs over 7 months of age that have not been receiving medication should be tested prior to starting one and retested 6 and 12 months later .
What if the test is positive ?
Don ’ t panic , and remember that most infected dogs can be successfully treated and make a full recovery . Your veterinarian will first confirm the positive test with a different test to make sure that your pet is truly positive . If your pet is confirmed for a heartworm infection , your veterinarian will recommend exercise restriction and will make sure your pet is stable prior to treatment . Treatment for adult worms involves a series of injections and oral medication tailored to your pet ’ s condition , as outlined by the American Heartworm Society . Once your dog has been successfully treated for the infection it will be important to continue him / her on year-round heartworm preventives as recommended by your family veterinarian . Unless protected , your dog can be reinfected because a prior infection does NOT mean your dog is immune to heartworms . There are many heartworm preventives available for our pets , and your family veterinarian will help guide you as to the best choice for your pet based on his / her individual needs .
This Industry Insight was written by Eva K . Sikorska , DVM , DACVIM ( Cardiology )
Dr . Eva Sikorska is a board-certified veterinary cardiologist at Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center ( PVSEC ).
Dr . Sikorska enjoys both interventional cardiology and management of chronic cardiac disease and heart failure . She aims to better the life of her patients and provide clients with knowledge and understanding regarding the various disease processes .
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