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Heartworms, small parasitic worms that are
transmitted by mosquitoes to most mammals, have been reported in every state
in the US, but are most commonly found in the southeastern
US—especially in North Carolina!
Though completely preventable, heartworm
disease is on the rise in dogs and cats. Once infected with the heartworm
larvae (or “baby heartworms”) by a mosquito, the worms migrate through the
body until they locate the arteries of the lungs and the right side of the
heart. For both dogs and cats, signs of heartworm disease may not be
recognized in the early stages, but as the number of heartworms in an animal
accumulate gradually over a period of months and sometimes years, eventually
cough, exercise intolerance, and abnormal lung sounds are noticed. As
disease progresses, severe respiratory compromise, heart and liver failure,
and even death can occur.
As with many
health problems, it’s far easier to prevent heartworm disease than treat it
once it occurs. Treatment for dogs consists of scheduled injections of an
arsenic-derivative that kills off adult heartworms slowly—a process which
can be dangerous and costly. There is no treatment for cats. For this
reason, using a monthly preventative, either a pill or topical product, is
by far easier, safer and more cost-effective!
Learn more about this
important health issue at the
American Heartworm Society's website.
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