Heartworm
Heartworm disease or dirofilariasis is a serious and potentially fatal disease. It is caused by a blood-borne parasite known as Dirofilaria immitis. Transmission requires the mosquito as the parasites first host. The disease is NOT spread from animal to animal, it is transferred from a direct bite from an infected mosquito. The number of animals infected and the length of mosquito season is directly connected with the number of cases in any given area.
Adult heartworms are found in the heart and nearby large blood vessels of infected animals. One dog may have up to 300 worms present when diagnosed. Adult heartworms may live up to 5 years, and during this time, a female produces millions of offspring called microfilaria. These microfilariae live mainly in the small vessels of the bloodstream.
In most cases, one or more simple blood test will diagnose heartworm disease. If your pet's test returns positive, further diagnostic tests are essential to determine if the animal can safely go through heartworm treatment. The primary heartworm test Coxwell Animal Clinic recomends is the "heartworm antigen/ELISA" test. This form of testing allows for the most accurate results and is the most widely used test because it detects antigens (proteins) produced by the adult heartworm. If using monthly topical prevention like Revolution applying it at the same time each month is crtiical to keep your pet(s) protected all season
Fleas
A typical flea population consists of 50% eggs, 35% larvae, 10% pupae and 5% adults. Heavy flea infestations can cause anemia, especially in young, sick or elderly pets. A single female flea can consume up to 15 times her body weight in blood over the several weeks of her adult life. In addition, fleas can carry several diseases, and act as vectors (hosts) to spread tapeworms.
Controlling flea infestations:
Proper flea control includes both treating your pet(s) and the environment. Shampoos, sprays, and topical treatments are common. Some of these products also include medications to prevent heartworm and intestinal worms. Most environmental treatments are “quick kill”, and only effective against adult fleas. Ask any of our veterinarians about products we carry that will prevent flea eggs and larvae from maturing, while also killing the adult fleas in the enviornment.
It is recomended before applying a topical heartworm and flea prevention like Revolution with/without use of environmental products, that you vacuum the house to stimulate pre-adult fleas to emerge from their cocoons. Vacuuming and cleaning the areas your pet(s) inhabit the most before treatment can also help to remove fleas, and flea eggs as well just make sure to discard the vacuum bag immediately after its use.
Please don’t hesitate to call us with any questions, to schedule your heartworm test or pick up your prevention. We would love to hear from you.