As pet owners, your dog’s health is undoubtedly a top priority. However, there is a silent threat that can severely impact the health of our beloved dogs-heartworm disease. This serious and potentially fatal condition is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. At Valley Veterinary Services, we are dedicated to keeping your pets healthy and happy, and today, I want to shed light on this disease and how you can prevent it.
Understanding Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a life-threatening condition that is caused by parasitic worms that affects the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of dogs. The disease is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, which introduces the immature larvae into your dog's bloodstream. Once inside, the larvae travel to the heart and lungs, where they mature into adult worms within six to seven months. These adult heartworms can grow up to 14 inches long and can persist in your dog's body for five to seven years, causing extensive damage over time. A single dog can host hundreds of these worms, leading to severe injury to the cardiovascular system. They can cause pulmonary hypertension, which forces the heart to work harder to pump blood, eventually resulting in heart failure. Also, these worms can interfere with heart valves and cause complications in other organs like the liver and kidneys, leading to symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, weight loss, and in advanced cases, fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
Life Cycle of Heartworms
The life cycle of the heartworm involves two hosts: the mosquito and the dog. It begins when a mosquito bites an infected dog, ingesting tiny heartworm larvae, known as microfilariae, from the dog’s bloodstream. These larvae develop inside the mosquito over 10 to 14 days, after which they become infective. When the mosquito bites another dog, the larvae are transferred and begin their journey towards the heart, where they mature into adult worms.
At least 70 species of mosquitoes can transmit heartworms, making the risk of infection widespread, especially in regions with prevalent mosquito population and in most countries with temperate, semitropical or tropical climates around the world, including the United States, Canada (especially southern British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick), Australia, Latin America, and southern Europe.
Diagnosing and Treating Heartworm Disease
Diagnosing heartworm disease early is crucial for successful treatment. At Valley Veterinary Services, we use a combination of blood tests, chest X-rays, and heart ultrasounds to detect the presence and impact of heartworms in your dog. If your dog is diagnosed with heartworm disease, treatment involves a series of injections to kill the adult worms, accompanied by antibiotics and steroids to address secondary infections and inflammations. This process can be long and requires strict exercise restrictions to prevent complications as the worms die off and are absorbed by the body.
Treatment can be costly, extensive and stressful for your dog, emphasizing the importance of prevention.
Prevention: The Best Defense
Heartworm disease is preventable, and with today’s veterinary advances, there’s no reason any dog should suffer from this condition. Preventive medications, including monthly chewable, topical treatments and long-acting injections, are highly effective in protecting your dog from heartworm infection. These medications work by killing the heartworm larvae before they have a chance to mature and cause damage.
In addition to preventive medication, reducing your dog’s exposure to mosquitoes is also crucial. Avoiding walks during peak mosquito activity times (dawn and dusk) and eliminating standing water around your home can all help reduce the risk of heartworm infection.
A Success Story: Max’s Journey to Health
Heartworm disease is a serious condition, but with proper treatment, recovery is possible. One heartwarming example is the story of Max, a brave rescue dog from Texas who found his forever home here in Canada. When Max arrived, he was diagnosed with heartworm disease.
Max’s new owner was understandably worried, but they trusted Valley Veterinary Services to give Max the best care possible. We embarked on a rigorous treatment plan tailored to Max’s specific needs. The process involved administration of oral antibiotics, and a series of three deep muscle injections to kill the adult heartworms, followed by steroid treatments, months of strict rest and monitoring to ensure Max’s body could heal without complications.
I’m thrilled to share that Max made a full recovery! Today, he’s a happy, energetic dog who loves exploring his new home with his loving family. Max’s owner wanted to share his story to highlight the importance of early detection and proper treatment for heartworm disease. Photos of Max now healthy and vibrant self, serve as a testament to the success of his treatment and the dedication of our team.
Why Choose Valley Veterinary Services?
At Valley Veterinary Services, we’re more than just a clinic—we’re your partners in keeping your pet healthy. We tailor heartworm prevention plans to meet the specific needs of your dog and lifestyle. Our knowledgeable team, state-of-the-art diagnostics, and compassionate care ensure that your dog receives the highest quality of treatment and preventive care.
By choosing Valley Veterinary Services, you are taking a proactive step in safeguarding your dog’s health and joining a community that values the well-being of pets. We offer a full range of veterinary services, from routine wellness exams to specialized care, ensuring your dog stays happy and healthy for years to come.
Visit us at Valley Veterinary Services #2-45735 Thomas Road, Chilliwack, British Columbia V2R 3N3.
Call us today at 604-858-6560, email us at reception@valleyvetservices.com, or visit our website at www.valleyvetservices.com to book an appointment.
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Written by Dr. Yuri Yoon