I lived in Texas for over 5 years and Heartworm prevention was a given. Just like getting your dog or cat vaccinated against rabies everyone had their pet on Heartworm prevention. In Texas the humid climate caused mosquitoes to thrive. They are a common nuisance that bite people and pets alike. While we are fortunate here in California to not be affected by the hot, sticky heat of the South - we still have a prolific mosquito population that starts picking up this time of year.
Heartworm disease is caused by mosquito-borne parasite called Dirofilaris immitis. This parasite infects dogs, ferrets, wolves, coyotes, seals, sea lions and, occasionally, cats. Heartworms are quite literally, worms. They live inside the large blood vessels leading from the heart to the lungs. Animals become infected when bitten by mosquitoes that are carrying the parasite. Mosquitoes pick up the parasite when they bite an animal that has an active infection.
Given the large coyote population in our area (we have all seen them running across the street) the County of Los Angeles Public Health Department recently put out the following statement:
Since 2005, forty-six cases of heartworm infection have been reported in LA County pets, with two cases in cats and forty-four in dogs. Seventeen infections (37%) were considered locally acquired because these pets had no recent travel outside Southern California. Twenty-one cases (46%) were considered imported, with the animal likely being infected outside Southern California. In eight cases (17%) the pet was a stray and the location where the infection was contracted was unknown.
Up to October of 2009, sixteen reports of heartworm disease have been received, with ten suspected of being locally acquired. That makes 2009 the year with the most reported local cases and points to heartworm infection being on the rise in our area. A geographic cluster of six infected dogs was found in the western part of the San Gabriel Valley. This is especially suggestive of local disease transmission from mosquitoes in that area.
If your pet is infected with heartworm they may experience tiredness, problems breathing, coughing and heart failure. However, the majority of cases reported had no symptoms on presentation. Of serious concern is the fact that 7 out of 16 cases in dogs in 2009, the owner declined treatment. Untreated animals act as reservoirs for the disease, infecting more mosquitoes and in turn, other pets.
While there is treatment for heartworms it can be costly, take months to complete, and is not without risk to your pet. Prevention is the key here. Heartworm prevention has become more advanced over the last several years and many heartworm preventatives also kill other parasites as well. We offer Sentinel and Revolution. Ask your vet which one is right for your pet. If your pet is not currently on any preventative a heartworm test is necessary. It is a simple blood test that can be done while you wait.
During the month of March we are offering 30% off heartworm tests and special rebates for heartworm prevention products. Call us to book your appointment or request the heartworm test as an add-on to your existing appointment.
How often do you go to the dentist? Probably not as often as you should. Imagine not only avoiding the dentist but never even brushing your teeth! You would not only have bad breath but rotten teeth, pain and potentially heart, lung and kidney disease. We would never want to endure that and neither would our pets. The good news is it can be avoided with regular dental check-ups and cleanings. The frequency of oral exams and cleanings depends on your individual pet. If you notice bad breath, mouth sensitivity, bleeding, loose or missing teeth, brown spots on teeth or loss in appetite call us to set up an exam. The Dr. will give your pet a thorough mouth exam and determine the best method of treatment which ranges from a simple cleaning to possible tooth extractions.
Some people are concerned about putting their pet under anesthesia for a dental procedure. Discuss your concerns with our doctors but keep in mind your pet is constantly monitored during the process and there is no substitute for a proper dental cleaning. Your Dr. may discuss options for a different food to slow the build up of plaque and tartar. In addition we offer some useful products to help you maintain your pets dental health like toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental wipes and chews. In order to get you on the right path to keeping your pet smiling we are offering 30% off a routine dental cleaning and 15% off dental hygiene products. Just book your appointment with us for the month of February to take advantage of this special. Remember, prevention is the best cure.
We would like to wish our clients a safe and happy 2010. We will be closing at 2 p.m. on New Years Eve and we will be closed New Years Day to allow our staff to celebrate with their families. As always we will have rotating staff here at the hospital to take excellent care of all of our "campers" while their families are away. Keep in mind pets are not big fans of fireworks and loud noises which typically go with ringing in the New Year. Please provide your pet(s) with an option to escape from all the noise makers and don't forget cats love to eat streamers and other sparkly items. Here's to a fantastic 2010!
We start getting panicked phone calls from pet owners about their dogs eating chocolate, fruit cake and other delicious treats that are considered off limits to our 4-legged friends. Of course the obvious point to make is to keep these items away from your pet. However, we know from experience this can be next to impossible because our pets have both the sense of smell and the ingenuity to find things even the most curious child could not. If you are planning on giving baked goods or boxes of chocolate this year be sure to keep them FAR out of reach from your pets. 
