Animal Clinic of West Plains, Inc.

Case of the Month

Heartworms in a Junk Yard Shepherd
 
In March of 2010, a large female shepherd mix was presented at the clinic for swollen paws with raw areas between the toes on her front and rear feet, dry itchy skin on the lower back, and weight loss with minor coughing.

She was treated for all symptoms, but the most severe of which became the cough. It was noted that her cough had been ongoing for quite some time, and as such, Dr. Ulmanis then recommended that she be tested for Heartworms. Her test almost immediately showed a positive result. Options were presented to her owners, and treatment was approved. She is now heartworm free and enjoying her life without fatigue and coughing. According to her owners, she is now "fat and sassy".

 

Heartworms are common in dogs throughout the United States (cats can have them, too). They are among the most damaging parasites that can be found in our canine companions. Heartworms are transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes and, once mature, take residence in the heart and large vessels of the lungs.

The adult female heartworm can measure from 9 to 16 inches in length. The males are a little more than half as long and are easily identified by your veterinarian because of their corkscrew-like appearance.

Heartworm infection can affect many different organs of the dog — heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver, for example — so symptoms may be varied. The initial symptom of heartworms is usually coughing, so your veterinarian may suspect that an animal has been infected if an active animal tires easily or shows shortness of breath or coughing. Usually only one blood test is needed; however, more tests may be necessary for your veterinarian  to determine whether or not your dog has heartworms and to determine the proper treatment to be used.

Heartworms have been found in dogs in all 50 states so all dogs are at risk, even those animals that primarily live indoors. However, heartworms have been 100 percent preventable for decades.

Ask us about heartworm testing and prevention for your dog. Preventive treatment should begin at 6 or 8 weeks of age (no later than 4 months of age) in puppies, and after tests have been conducted in puppies older than 4 months of age and adult dogs to determine if your dog has already been infected. If your dog does have heartworms, we can advise you about treatment options.

The Animal Clinic of West Plains offers a full supply of Interceptor and Sentinel products. These products are to be given once a month for the rest of your dog's life for the prevention of heartworm disease, and also to treat for the control of adult hookworm infection, and remove and control adult roundworms and whipworms in dogs and puppies.