A survey in 2001 by the American Heartworm Society found that over 244,000 dogs and 3,000 cats in the United States tested positive for heartworms. Texas had the largest number of positive heartworm tests with Florida coming in second. Indiana, however, ranked 10th with over 8,000 dog and 100 cat positive heartworm tests. Heartworm disease is a major concern for all cats and dogs in Indiana.

Heartworms are parasites that live in the hearts and lungs of infectd dogs and cats. Heartworm disease can cause serious heart damage and lead to heart failure and death. Unfortunately sudden death may be the only sign of heartworm infection in cats.

Both cats and dogs are at risk for heartworm disease. Heartworms are passed by mosquitos when they take a blood meal from an infected animal then take a blood meal from an uninfected animal. Since heartworm disease is passed by mosquitos, all animals, even if they are inside 100% of the time, are at risk.

The Heartworm Cycle When a mosquito takes a blood meal from an infected dog, the mosquito swallows microfilariae (immature heartworms) which circulate in the dog's blood. The swallowed microfilariae enter the mosquito's tissues where they grow into infective larvae. As a mosquito feeds, the infective larvae escape from it's mouth and enter the dog's skin through the bite wound. Within 3 months the larvae begin their migration toward the heart. Within 6 months of the initial infection, if a dog is not on a heartworm prevention program, the larvae can invade the heart and pulmonary arteries. Heartworms accumulate in the right side of the heart and pulmonary arteries and cause severe pulmonary bascular disease which can lead to heart failure. Adult heartworms produce microfilariae which circulate in the blood stream. A blood test can be used to detect microfilariae in the blood stream. The heartworm life cycle repeats itself when the mosuito takes a blood meal from an infected dog and ingests microfilariae. The mosquito is the intermediate host required for development and transmission of the infective larvae.

Signs of Heartworms in Dogs Coughing Breathing Difficulty Sluggishness Reduced ability to Exercise Most dogs in the early stages of heartworm disease do not display outward signs. A blood test can determine if a dog has heartworm disease or not. Yearly blood tests in the spring are recommended even if the dog is on heartworm prevention year round. When the test is negative, heartworm preventative medication can be started. A dog that tests positive for heartworms can be treated to eliminate both the adult heartworms and the microfilariae. Your veterinarian can discuss recommend treatments with you. Once the dog is successfully treated heartworm preventative medication can be started.

Signs of Heartworms in Cats Coughing Vomiting Breathing Difficulty Sluggishness Sudden Death Feline heartworm disease can be difficult to detect and diagnose. There is no approved treatment for heartworm infetion in cats. Reliable prevention, however, is available.

Giving your pet their monthly heartworm preventative medication is important for their health. If you would like to receive monthly e-mail reminders please click on the calendar.

Click here to sign up for monthly e-mail reminders. Give us your name, your pet's name, your e-mail address, and whether you would like the reminder on the 1st or the 15th of the month. Reminders will be sent April through December.

Heartworm Preventative Medication Comparison Chart for Dogs

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Heartworm Preventative Medication Comparison Chart for Cats

CATS		HEARTGARD PLUS			REVOLUTION
Heartworm Prevention		Yes			Yes
Flea & Tick Control		None			Kills adult fleas and prevents their eggs from hatching. Also treats and controls ear mite infestation.
Intestinal Parasites		Remove and control infections of hookworm.			Treatment of intestinal hookworm and roundworm infections.
Administration		Chewable tablet			Topical solution applied between pet's shoulder blades directly onto the skin. Waterproof.
Frequency and Duration		Once a month			Once a month

Please call our office for pricing

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