What Is A Heartworm?
Heartworm is a parasitic roundworm that infests pets, especially cats and dogs. The worm is spread from host to host through insect bites. A single bite from an infected black fly or mosquito is enough to spread the worm to your pet. These worms cause life-threatening conditions such as filariasis or heartworm disease.
Heartworm disease is a serious condition that affects your pets. If left untreated, it can cause major health problems, including death. The symptoms of heartworm disease are often undetectable. This is because the heartworm larva takes months to develop into a full worm. For this reason, it’s important to take your cat or dog to the vet for testing on a regular basis.
Heartworm Disease In Cats
In cats, the effects of heartworms typically aren’t that severe since the worms cannot survive to adulthood. However, heartworms in cats can cause respiratory problems, which may be fatal. While there’s no heartworm cure for cats at this time, giving your cat heartworm prevention medicine is one of the best options for combating this disease in felines.
Heartworm Disease In Dogs
The effects of heartworm disease in dogs are more profound than in other pets. This is because the dog’s anatomy offers a favorable environment for the heartworm parasite to thrive. The parasite isn’t only able to mature to adulthood, but it also can produce offspring. Heartworms are dangerous as they live in the heart, lungs and other vital organs.
Symptoms of this disease in dogs are hard to discern. However, common signs include:
- Persistent coughing
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Swollen belly
- Rapid weight loss
- Seizures
The disease is endemic along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts where tropical and subtropical climates are more predominant. If you reside in any of these geographical locations, then you should consider taking your pet to the vet for heartworm testing.
Schedule A Flea & Treatment For Your PetWhy Test Your Pet For Heartworm?
The heartworm larva takes close to seven months to mature to adulthood. This means that your pet may be suffering in silence. The fact that heartworm disease does not have obvious symptoms makes it visibly impossible to detect the presence of heartworms in your pet. Testing is beneficial, as it allows for early treatment in case of any heartworm infestation.
Heartworm Treatment For Pets
Heartworm treatment starts with a blood test or urinalysis to determine the condition of your pet. If heartworms are present, your vet will prescribe Immiticide, Ivermectin or Doxycycline to treat your pet. The doctor may also use steroid therapy to resolve the effects of heartworm treatment. In severe cases, surgery may be the only option to treat heartworm disease.
Contact University Animal Clinic
We at University Animal Clinic have a passion for preventive care. We believe that early testing is the best way to prevent the spread of heartworm disease. Don’t let your cat or dog suffer in silence. Bring them along for a heartworm test in our accredited AAHA hospital in Bradenton, Florida. Take the next step and call 941-355-7707 or contact us online today.
Contact us today to learn more, or request a heartworm treatment appointment online.
Request an AppointmentThe very best of care, the entire staff always gives their all and truly cares about both patient and parents! You won’t find a better clinic in Sarasota.
It is very difficult to find an avian vet who is kind while not sugar coating what can be bad news. I had no idea conures get cataracts as they get older, helped me understand my bird’s actions. The Dr. is wonderful!
Most caring and helpful Vet ever . The staff are amazing and are so wonderful with all pets . They take amazing care of my two fur babies . I wouldn’t trust my two pups with anyone else . You can really tell how much the love animals . Do your pets the biggest favor and take them to this vet clinic .
Incredibly grateful to the staff of University Animal Clinic. We have been a customer for over 20 years. They were able to take care of our dog Duke today for an unscheduled appointment for UTI. Couldn’t imagine going to anybody else.
Awesome reptile vet! I thought there was a problem with my bearded dragon so I made an app to bring him in. Dr. Sara was knowledgeable, professional, and down to earth. UAC is clean and doesn’t smell like urine whatsoever. I love coming here and will continue to bring my pets here. I highly recommend this vet. A+ service. Thanks!!!
Dr Sam and staff are friendly, knowledgeable and truly care about your pets health and happiness! We wouldn’t trust our babies with any one else.
I took my galah Rosie for a general physical. The staff and vet took the time to show me (as a new bird owner) how to clip nails and wings and what to look for as far as outward signs of her health. Can’t say enough good things about this clinic and would recommend them without any hesitation!
Thank you to Doctor Simonson, Casey, Dr. Sam and the rest of the team for taking care of Wrangler! You all treated him like a pet of your own and made me feel so comfortable leaving him with you to watch over after such a scary incident. Everyone at your office is so knowledgeable and caring. Wrangler is feeling so much better and back to normal. Thank you for all your help, you have an amazing team.
Vets and staff are knowledgeable and efficient. Clean and friendly Vet office. My dog now goes in to see her Vet with out balking.
My dogs, Max and Leo, always have a very positive experience at UAC. The staff is friendly and professional. The office is efficient and clean. I appreciate the ability to check on the dogs’ vaccinations, etc., on the pet portal. Great vet practice.
We’ve always had a great experience at University Animal Clinic. The doctors and team are all very knowledgeable and friendly. They get back to you in a timely manner and work with you when it comes to scheduling appointments. They even follow up with you after your visit to make sure that your pet is ok. The office is always clean and they are AAHA accredited. Your pets are in great hands here.
Dr Sam was very sweet, knowledgable and took the time to explain everything to me. The nurses and front desk staff were wonderful.
Very nice and welcoming entree, king and professional vet and nurse. Thank you very much, I will come back and be happy to recommend you