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.
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.
