It's Heartworm Season Again!

Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) are parasites that are found in the blood. Dogs and cats of any age and breed are susceptible to infection. These worms live in the right side of the heart and arteries of the lungs. Heartworm infection can cause serious damage to the heart and arteries, eventually leading to heart failure. In severe cases, damage to other organs such as the liver and kidneys occur.

Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes, infected with microfilariae (baby worms). Mosquitoes are infected with microfilariae while ingesting a blood meal from an infected animal in the wild or from an infected dog. The microfilariae mature into infective larvae within the mosquito. When the mosquito bites another dog, cat or susceptible animal, it then passes the larvae into the animal’s blood stream throught the bite wound, resulting in a heartworm infection. It takes a little over 6 months for the infective larvae to mature into adult worms that can live for five years in the dog.

Recently infected pets may exhibit no signs of the disease, while heavily infected animals may show clinical signs such as a mild persistent cough, reluctance to move or exercise, exercise intolerance or a reduced appetite and weight loss.

Cats often carry only a very few adult worms and may be asymptomatic or may exhibit clinical signs that are very non-specific, mimicking many other feline diseases.

A heartworm test requires the collection of a sample of blood from your pet. This sample is then examined for evidence of either microfilariae or adult heartworms.

It is recommended that adult pets be tested annually, prior to starting heartworm preventive medication, and to incorporate a comprehensive wellness evaluation. In Canada we test for heartworm in the spring (April/May) and the preventive medication is given from June until November. The earliest date that the heartworm microfilariae can be detected in the bloodstream, and therefore the earliest we are currently able to test for heartworm, is approximately April 15th.

Cats are also susceptible to the disease. The prevalence of feline heartworm infection is generally 5-15% of that found in the local dog population.

The same blood sample taken for a heartworm test can be used for a comprehensive wellness evaluation. Taking one sample not only saves your pet from excess anxiety or stress but it uses your time and money efficiently. Pets age in a relatively short amount of time. Veterinary medicine has made many advancements in the early detection and prevention of disease and has a strong focus on monitoring and maintaining the health of your pet. Although annual wellness visits are usually adequate for younger pets, healthy senior dogs and cats should receive a wellness exam and lab testing every 6 months. Depending on your pet’s age, breed and health, your veterinarian will suggest an appropriate physical exam schedule to keep your pet in tip-top shape.

Don’t take your pet’s health for granted! Wellness testing allows your veterinarian to better evaluate your pet’s current health status. Blood tests can help identify potentially hidden illness in pets that appear healthy. Wellness evaluation will usually include a complete physical examination, along with an evaluation of your pet’s blood, urine and feces.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) -provides information about the type and number of blood cells in your pet’s blood. A CBC can be used to help diagnose conditions such as anemia, infection, inflammation or other disease conditions. A CBC also helps monitor your pet’s response to certain treatments. Small changes in blood cells can be detected early and might be the first sign of problems.

Blood Chemistry Profile –important for evaluating organ health (such as liver, pancreas, kidneys), electrolytes, blood sugar, endocrine disorders, etc. Many individual tests have direct or indirect influence on other tests, which is why it is recommended to do a comprehensive profile.

Urinalysis –can detect the presence of one or more specific substances that normally do not appear in urine, such as protein, sugar, white blood cells or blood.

A measurement of the dilution or concentration of urine is also helpful in diagnosing diseases. A urinalysis can assist in the diagnosis of urinary tract infections, diabetes, dehydration, kidney problems and other conditions. Like blood, small changes in urine composition can be the result of impending problems.

Fecal Analysis –used to diagnose intestinal parasites such as roundworm, whipworm, hookworm, tapeworm and giardia, some of which can be transmitted to people.