April Heartworm Awareness Month

More than a million pets in the United States have heartworms. Let that sink in, because it is one of the most horrible statistics regarding our furry friends. Heartworm affects an animal’s health and quality of life long after the heartworms are gone. These creatures are heartless in what they do. The American Heartworm Society (https://www.heartwormsociety.org) reports that, typically, most pet owners would not knowingly put their pet at risk to become infected with the deadly disease, but millions of these same owners fail to protect their pet from the infestation. For a disease that is easily prevented.

While the prevalence of heartworm disease historically has been high in the South, it is now on the rise throughout the rest of the United States, including regions that were once considered non-endemic. It is a sad state of affairs. To combat the continuing rise, and help raise the public’s awareness, April has been designated as National Heartworm Awareness Month, the perfect opportunity to emphasize the value of heartworm disease prevention.

In companion animals, heartworm is diagnosed mainly in dogs and, less frequently, in cats and ferrets. However, heartworms also live in other wild animal hosts such as wolves, coyotes, foxes, California gray seals, sea lions and raccoons. Be aware foxes and coyotes are quite common in our area and are considered important hosts of the disease. Also note, spring is here, and mosquitoes have already started their emergence. Besides being terribly annoying, mosquitoes can carry the nematode parasite known as Dirofilaria immitis, which causes heartworm. Mosquitoes acquire the parasite while feeding on an infected host. Once ingested by the mosquito, the parasite develops into mature infective larvae. These larvae then migrate to the “mouthpart” of the mosquito so that when it bites, they move into the wound created and deposit themselves into the bloodstream where they will then begin the harmful portion of their life cycle.

Heartworm is only conveyed through the bite of an infected mosquito, therefore an infected dog cannot transmit the disease to either people or other pets. It will take these deposited larvae approximately 6 months to mature into adult heartworms. If untreated, these adults will mate and produce progeny, constantly increasing their numbers. Adult heartworms can live for 5 – 7 years in dogs, thus each mosquito season can potentially increase the number of worms in an already infected pet. Because infected mosquitoes can come inside, be aware that indoor pets are also at risk.

As these heartworms move through the body, they cause extensive damage to many vital organs such as liver, lungs, kidneys, and heart. They can cause inflammation of the blood vessels, and too many of them can cause heart failure, resulting in the pet’s death. However, by giving a relatively inexpensive monthly oral medication, heartworm in dogs is preventable. One might wish to give the dog the chewable pill only during the typical mosquito season, but seriously reconsider that thought.

Micro-climates such as irrigated fields, ponds, and golf courses, can affect the severity and duration of the mosquito season. In addition, because many of these preventatives also include a control for roundworms, whipworms and tapeworms, it really is best to give the medication throughout the year. When initially choosing a method of prevention, discuss it with your veterinarian. They can make recommendations based on your pet’s requirements.

One of the first symptoms that the animal has heartworm is coughing. Coughing up bloody mucous and chest pain follow. Other symptoms are vomiting, weight loss, fatigue and difficulty breathing. Some dogs may not have any symptoms until the infection is in its later stages. Even though they may have a large number of worms present, symptoms may not be observed in inactive dogs until a dramatic increase in activity causes symptoms to manifest.

The best way to treat heartworms is, initially, to have x-rays and blood tests done to establish how serious the infection is. After this, a series of injections of drugs called adulticides is administered to the dog.

However, if you opt instead to use the common monthly preventative in a dog with the disease, you can expect the dog to remain heartworm positive for as long as two years. It is also important to remember that during and after treatment, for several months, the dog must remain quiet and calm. After the worms begin to die, they break into pieces that can cause blockage of vital blood vessels, which could also result in death. Keeping the dog quiet and calm allows his/her body time to absorb the dying worms.

Our pets depend on us to take care of them. Heartworm prevention is one of the best ways we can protect our faithful companions from disease and help ensure that they will be with us for many years.

-Ronnie Casey a volunteer with the Tehama County Animal Care Center since relocating in 2011. A retired R.N., she strives to help animals in need within Tehama county. She can be reached at rmcredbluff@gmail.com.