News

09-29-11

Now more than ever, keep your dog on heartworm preventative year-round!

The only heartworm adulticide approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in canines is temporarily unavailable with no known release date.

News of Immiticide (melarsomine dihydrochloride) recently surfaced through an open letter from drug maker Merial to practitioners. The company's technical services department confirmed that Merial is "officially out" of the drug.

~ What are the signs of heartworm disease in dogs? ~

In the early stages of disease, dogs often have no clinical signs, especially if they only have a small number of worms in their heart. In advanced disease, dogs develop heart problems.

As the disease progresses, clinical signs become more noticeable and include reluctance to exercise, rapid fatigue with exercise, coughing or collapse. Dogs in advanced stages lose weight, have a poor body condition, breathe rapidly or with difficulty, and develop a build-up of fluid in the abdomen.

~ How is heartworm disease diagnosed? ~

Heartworm disease is usually diagnosed with a simple blood test. There are two main tests for detecting heartworm infection; one test detects adult worms and the other detects microfilaria.

~ Do all dogs need to be tested? ~

No. Puppies less than 6-7 months of age do not need to be tested. Adult worms are not present before this time and both antigen tests and microfilariae tests will be negative.

~ How can I prevent heartworm disease in my dog? ~

Several excellent products are available to prevent heartworm disease in your dogs. Your veterinarian is the best person to advise you on which product is most suitable for your pet and what type of dose schedule you should follow.

Dogs in the southern edge of continental United States are at risk for heartworm year-round, while dogs in the northern United States are most at risk from June through October. Dogs that travel south in the winter with their owners should also receive preventive medications during these times of potential exposure.

Did You Know?

This area is updated regularly with interesting facts about pet care!

Did you know...

• It only takes one mosquito bite to infect your dog or cat with heartworms?
  You can help your pet avoid heartworm disease by providing them with a monthly preventative.
  

• Most heartworm preventatives (such as Heartgard, Interceptor, and Advantage Multi) also provide intestinal parasite control?
  Some intestinal worms can live for 2-15 years in your yard! Talk to your veterinarian about which parasite control is best for your pet.
  

• Mothballs can make your pet sick and even kill them?
  If you use mothballs around the home, please make sure that your pet cannot get to them.