What is heartworm disease & what are the symptoms?
This disease is caused by worms living in the heart and major arteries of the lungs of dogs and cats. These heartworms can grow to be up to 14 inches in length and can cause permanent damage to your pet's heart and lungs - even to the point of causing death. Symptoms of this terrible illness are not obvious in the early stages, however, as it advances you may notice coughing upon simple movement, labored breathing or uncommon weakness or signs of fatigue.
How is heartworm spread? Heartworm disease is transmitted from carrier mosquito to a dog or cat with a simple, itchy bite.
Can it be treated? Or prevented? Treatment of this disease, after infestation, can be too traumatic for your pet to survive but PREVENTION is easy for you and your dog and cat. There are effective preventative medications available from your veterinarian that can be given on a monthly or daily basis, depending on the schedule that best suits your needs. Medication for cats is also available.
Please, talk with your vet and help prevent heartworm disease.
If you have any additional questions, please contact your veterinarian or call the APA of Missouri, 314/645-4610, extension 18, during regular clinic hours.