Pets may be infected with heartworm disease, which is characterized by the presence of parasitic worms that infest the pulmonary arteries and the heart.
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Prevent Heartworm Disease in Dogs and Cats
In order to spread this illness, mosquitoes are the carriers that are accountable for doing so. Despite the fact that heartworm illness has been confirmed in all fifty states, it is a depressing reality that no dog or cat is immune to the condition.
Heartworm infection is a danger that persists throughout the year, despite the fact that mosquitoes are often more common during the spring and summer months. Incredibly, all that is required to pass on this dangerous illness to your pet is a single bite from a mosquito that is carrying the disease.
Despite the fact that dogs are the most common victims of heartworm illness, the repercussions of the condition are far more severe for feline friends. In extreme circumstances, prevent heartworm disease may lead to death. It can also cause sickness in certain people.
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In dogs, heartworms are able to establish themselves inside the heart and the blood arteries that are close to it. This results in tissue destruction, which ultimately leads to heart failure and pulmonary problems. The presence of these worms may, under some circumstances, cause important blood arteries to get blocked, which can then result in difficulties in other organs.
It is possible for severe instances of heartworm illness to be lethal if they lack treatment. Constant coughing, weariness, lethargy, laboured breathing, weight loss, and abdominal distention are some of the symptoms that may be seen in dogs who are suffering from heartworm illness.
Despite the fact that cats are less likely to have heartworm infection, their bodies have a heightened susceptibility to the illness. An infection of any severity may result in a life-threatening disease or even death. Cats who are suffering from heartworm illness may exhibit signs such as coughing, choking, respiratory distress, lethargy, weight loss, and in rare instances, abrupt death.
If you see any of these symptoms in your pet, it is vital that you seek veterinarian assistance as soon as possible. It is important to keep in mind, however, that heartworm illness may sometimes proceed without any clinical signs that can be seen, which highlights the need of prevent heartworm disease and screening on a regular basis.
Even though heartworm disease is a tough foe, there are two simple things that you can do to protect your pet from contracted heartworm illness:
Pet Testing
Your pet should be tested for heartworm disease as the first step in the prevention and treatment of the condition. It is possible to identify whether or not your pet has been exposed to heartworm infection by a simple blood test.
In the event that the test yields a positive result, your veterinarian may suggest other diagnostic procedures, like as radiography or ultrasound, in order to determine the comprehensive nature of the condition.
Administer Preventative Medication
The use of prophylactic medicine constitutes the subsequent stage of protection against the illness caused by heartworms. Your veterinarian will choose the preventive medication that is most suited for your pet, whether it be an oral, topical, or injectable formulation.
A good number of these drugs also provide protection against parasites that live in the digestive tract. In most cases, it is recommended to take medicine throughout the whole year in order to provide complete protection.
What happens if your pet tests positive for heartworm infection?
Because of the severe adverse effects that are linked with therapy, such as blood clots, there is currently no safe cure available for cats who have been infected with the virus.
In situations like this, cats often get supportive care that includes resting in their cages, receiving oxygen treatment, and taking steroids. On the other hand, there are certain cases of feline prevent heartworm disease that may resolve on their own.
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When it comes to dogs, the last few years have seen the development of heartworm infection prevention medicines that are both safer and more effective. In spite of this, the treatment procedure might result in adverse consequences, which highlights the need of making further visits to the veterinarian and maintaining continuous monitoring.
Attend one of our monthly VIP Petcare clinics to learn more about heartworm testing for your pet. These clinics are run by veterinarians who are licensed by the state. Make an appointment with the vets at VIP Petcare to find out how they can assist in strengthening the protection of your pet.
