What Is Heartworm Disease in Cats?

Heartworm is caused by parasitic worms that live in a cat’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Heartworm disease often goes undiagnosed in cats because the worms do not usually reach adulthood as they do in dogs. Immature worms are more difficult to detect. However, the worms can still cause plenty of damage before they mature, so prevention and immediate treatment are crucial.  

How Do Cats Get Heartworms?

Heartworms are typically transmitted from one animal to another through mosquitos. When a mosquito bites one infected animal, it picks up larvae and deposits them on the skin of the next animal they bite. It takes around six months for the worms to mature. Adult worms do the most damage, but even immature worms can cause severe lung damage. Although worms don’t always mature into adults in cats, they can live for up to 3 years when they do. 

12 Signs of Heartworms in Cats

The symptoms of heartworm disease in cats can vary widely. Because heartworms can infect the lungs, many heartworm symptoms get mistaken for feline asthma or other respiratory illnesses. 

Schedule an appointment with your vet if you notice any of the following signs of heartworms in your cat:

1. Coughing
2. Wheezing
3. Difficulty breathing
4. Vomiting
5. Diarrhea
6. Lack of appetite
7. Weight loss
8. Difficulty walking
9. Fainting
10. Lethargy
11. Seizures
12. Sudden collapse

Diagnosing Heartworm in Cats

Diagnosing heartworm disease involves a combination of tests, including a physical exam, blood tests, ultrasounds, and radiographs (x-rays). A blood test can detect the presence of heartworms in the bloodstream, while radiographs and ultrasounds can pick up the presence of adult worms in the heart and lungs. 

Treatment of Heartworm Disease in Cats

Unfortunately, there is no approved drug to cure heartworm in cats. The disease can sometimes be managed with supportive treatments such as IV fluids, oxygen therapy, medications to relieve symptoms, and antibiotics to treat secondary infections. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove adult worms from the cat’s heart and lungs.  

How to Prevent Heartworm in Cats

The best way to prevent heartworms in cats is to consult your veterinarian. They can prescribe a heartworm prevention medication that will kill the parasite’s larvae before they can mature into adult worms. 

A monthly topical medication is used to prevent heartworm in cats. Never use a dog’s heartworm medication for a cat, because this can cause serious harm.

Heartworm Prevention and Treatment for Cats in Gilbert, Arizona

Annual wellness exams are essential in maintaining your cat’s health. And at Anasazi Animal Clinic, your cat’s well-being is our top priority. We’ll examine your cat for signs of heartworm and recommend the best preventative treatment. If your cat is due for a checkup, please give us a call at 480-497-0505 to schedule an appointment today.

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What is heartworm disease?

According to the American Heartworm Society, “heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in pets in the United States and many other parts of the world. It is caused by foot-long worms (heartworms) that live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels of affected pets, causing severe lung disease, heart failure and damage to other organs in the body.”

How do dogs get it?

Heartworm disease is primarily spread by mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites an infected animal and then bites your dog, it can spread heartworm larvae to your dog. Once these larvae find a host, they take about 6 months to mature into adult heartworms. If the heartworms reach the adult stage, they can live for 5 to 7 years in dogs.

Signs of Heartworm in Dogs

You might not notice any signs or symptoms of infection initially. However, as heartworm disease progresses, signs may include:

• Mild, persistent cough
• Lethargy
• Increased fatigue after exercise
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Difficulty breathing
• Swollen abdomen

If you observe any of these signs of heartworm disease, it is essential that you bring your dog to the vet right away as it can be very serious and potentially fatal.

Preventing Heartworm Disease 

When it comes to heartworm disease, prevention is much easier than treatment. And the good news is that it can be easily prevented. There are several options available for preventing heartworms in dogs. If your dog is more than a month overdue for heartworm prevention, we will run a blood test first to ensure your dog isn’t infected. Then we will discuss which prevention option best fits your needs.

1. Topical Heartworm Prevention

This type of prevention is applied monthly at home to the skin on the back of the neck. It is absorbed into your dog’s body and kills any immature heartworms.

2. Oral Heartworm Prevention

Oral heartworm medications are chewable tablets you give your dog monthly at home that are generally flavored to be enticing to dogs.

3. Heartworm Prevention Injection

ProHeart 6 is a shot that protects dogs from heartworm disease for a full six months. Your vet will administer it subcutaneously (under the skin). There is also an option for a 12 month injection after having received the six month injection. This is a great option if you tend to be forgetful about giving your dog monthly pills or topical treatments. 

Schedule a Wellness Exam Today

At Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert, we will treat your beloved dog with the same intentional care we give our own animals. Call us and schedule an appointment today to make sure your dog’s heartworm prevention stays up-to-date!

Image used under creative commons license – commercial use (6/22/2023) Photo by Yuki Dog on Unsplash

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Since your pooch is a part of the family, protecting your dog’s heart health is just as important as protecting your own. Cardiovascular issues differ in canines—for example coronary artery disease is not as common in dogs as it is in humans, but heart failure is a real concern in senior dogs. The good news is that there are several preventative measures that you can take to keep your dog’s heart healthy. Here are 5 tips from our team at Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert to protect your dog’s heart health.

1. Exercise

Even if your dog is a healthy weight, she still needs plenty of exercise for her heart health. Unlike a lot of humans, most dogs love exercise and partake in it eagerly. Going for daily walks are a great way to improve your heart as well. Don’t let bad weather stop you! Refer to this blog post for ideas on indoor exercises for your dog. 

Exercise has other benefits for your dog too, including strengthening your bond with her, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping her out of trouble! 

2. Diet

A healthy diet is an essential component of heart care for your dog. Choose a balanced, high-quality food and keep treats to a minimum. Some dog parents choose to put their dog on a homemade diet. This is a great option if you can afford it, but just be sure to consult with your veterinarian before implementing a homemade diet to ensure your dog is getting all of the proper nutrients she needs. If your dog is overweight or you are having trouble establishing a healthy diet plan for her, consult our veterinary staff.

3. Routine dental care

Just as with humans, dental health affects heart health in dogs. And believe it or not, most dogs over the age of 3 have some form of dental disease. Bacteria from the mouth can travel through the bloodstream to your dog’s heart, potentially causing problems like heart failure. This is why it’s so important to make sure she is getting routine dental care. This includes brushing her teeth at home and bringing her in for an annual professional dental cleaning. If you notice any signs of poor oral health such as particularly bad breath, bleeding gums, or excessive drooling, make an appointment with us as soon as possible. 

4. Heartworm prevention

Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and can lead to serious complications including inflammation, restricted blood flow, pulmonary embolism, and heart failure. Even with treatment, some dogs have permanent damage. The good news is that it’s very easy to prevent heartworm disease with a pill or an injection periodically, depending on which prevention method you choose. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on her heartworm prevention at all times to protect her heart health. 

5. Know the signs of heart disease 

Some breeds are more prone to heart disease than others including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and boxers, among others. If your dog is on this list, it’s especially important to monitor her for signs of heart disease. However, any dog can develop heart disease. Bring your dog in to see us right away if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Dry cough after exercising
• Cough worse at night
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fainting 
• Pale gums
• Swollen belly 

Dog Heart Health Care in Gilbert

One of the best ways to prevent heart disease in your dog is to bring her in for routine checkups. This is particularly important If your dog is of a breed or age that is more at risk of developing heart disease. If you’re looking for a compassionate vet near you in Gilbert, our team at Anasazi Animal Clinic would love to care for your furry friend. 

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (3/4/2021) by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay

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Benefits of an Online Pet Pharmacy

But after your four-legged friends see us, you may have questions about purchasing any necessary meds and carrying out any at-home care and treatments for them. We know you lead a busy life, so we want make it as convenient as possible to fill your pet’s prescriptions. That’s why we’ve set up an online pharmacy through our sister clinic, East Valley Animal Hospital.

Here are a few benefits of using an online pharmacy:

• It’s convenient: Our online pharmacy provides home delivery right to your doorstep, so your pet can get their meds and treatments as soon possible. It can avoid that extra trip to the vet, or to another pet pharmacy, in the middle of rush hour!
• It’s cost efficient: First, you can’t put a price tag on the time and energy you’ll save by ordering online at home. And, second, we offer FREE shipping on any order over $49! Finally, by going to our online pharmacy, you can take advantage of our many online sales.
• It’s stress-free: Instead of waiting around at the veterinary office or going through another pharmacy, you can order with one click. In addition, our site offers reminders, and an auto-ship option, so you don’t have to worry about missing a refill or an order for Fido or Fluffy.

At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we’ve made it our mission to offer the highest quality pet health care in our office and to make your at-home care as easy and successful as possible. Contact us today to learn more about our services, and check out our online pharmacy. We’re here to help make life easier for you and your beloved pet!

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Initial Purchase

You’ve probably done your research and you already know how much the purchase price of your beloved pet will be. These prices will vary greatly, depending on the breed and where you choose to purchase your pet. If you are buying it from a breeder, we recommend selecting a Reputable Breeder, as opposed to a Backyard Breeder. Not only will you receive a fairer price through a Reputable Breeder, but you will also have the confidence that your animal was treated humanely and did not come from a puppy mill.

If you’re choosing to rescue an animal from a shelter, you should still expect to pay something for your pet. The shelter has likely kept your four-legged friend’s vaccinations and treatments up-to-date, and possibly even neutered or spayed them.

Included in the cost of acquiring your new pup or feline will be the cost of an initial checkup with the vet, which can include shots and vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and/or flea and heartworm treatments.  

Lifetime Medical and Emergency Care Costs

Medical costs for your pet will arguably be the largest expense over its lifetime. Depending on the age and health of your pet, you can anticipate making one to two scheduled checkups at the vet each year, which will include any necessary shots as well as flea and heartworm treatments. If your pet remains healthy, this might be the only medical expense incurred annually. However, it’s a good idea to save a little money each month for unexpected vet visits or emergency care.

Food Costs

Whether you opt to go high-end or budget when buying pet food, feeding your cat or dog throughout its lifespan will make up another large portion of your monthly cost of owning a pet. If you’re wondering about selecting the right food, click on this link to a previous blog post for more information.

Equipment Costs

The cost of equipment for your furry friend varies widely, depending on the pet. If you require a fence for your outdoor dog, then the upfront cost will be higher. Additional equipment can include food and water bowls, toys, leashes, chews, and treats.

Additional Miscellaneous Costs  

• Training: This is more applicable to dogs; if you want Fido to be on his best behavior, you may consider investing in a trainer. The alternative is training him or her yourself, which will require a higher level of emotional energy and a greater time commitment.
• Boarding: If you have no friends or family who enjoy keeping Fido or Fluffy when you’re out of town or on vacation, you may need to place your pet in a kennel. And the cost of boarding a pet at the local kennel can add up quickly, especially if you travel frequently.
• Walking Services: Another cost that will only apply to dogs is a walking service. If you work long days and have to leave your pup at home, you may need to enlist the help of a neighbor or even a professional dog walking service.
• Grooming: When purchasing a specific breed of cat or dog, take into consideration the cost of any ongoing coat maintenance that may be necessary.

These categories are not an exhaustive list of possible expenses over the lifetime of caring for your pet, but they’re a good place to start. If you have further questions about the financial investment of owning a pet do not hesitate to contact Anasazi Animal Clinic, your local vet in Gilbert!

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When Should Annual Checkups Begin?

As most of us know, pets age at a faster rate than humans, typically 6-7 times faster. And, like humans, pets need to have checkups more regularly to monitor conditions that can come with aging. Annual checkups starting at age 1 give veterinarians the chance to catch potential issues before they become bigger problems. When spotting and resolving issues early, your pet can be treated less expensively and with a greater success rate.

A Typical Checkup

One of the best ways for a vet to track your pet’s health is to compare his current condition with that of his previous visit. During the checkup, you will want to report any changes in your pet’s behavior such as loss of appetite, coughing, or loose stools.

Here is what you can expect at your pet’s annual examination:

• Checking weight, heart rate and temperature
• Inspecting skin, eyes, ears, and coat
• Listening to heart and lungs
• Palpating vital organs such as liver and kidneys
• Looking at teeth and gums

Preventive Measures

When going through the examination checklist, your vet is searching for signs of possible disease and discomfort. But yearly checkups are also essential in addressing common concerns like heartworm and ticks. As part of National Heartworm Awareness Month, Anasazi Animal Clinic is offering a 10% discount on flea, tick, and heartworm prevention through the end of April. So, even if your pet is not due for an annual exam, now is still a good time to come in and protect him from these pesky and potentially dangerous pests. Your pet may also be due for vaccinations or blood work during his visit. Your veterinarian will discuss this with you and answer your questions about why these are important.

Your Pet Will Thank You

When you look at your dog or cat, it is easy to think they are doing just fine. But, the only way to know for sure is to take good care of them and include a yearly visit to the veterinarian. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about annual exams, contact us here at Anasazi Animal Clinic. We care for you pet as much as you do and are committed to helping him stay healthy.

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Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in pets in the United States and many other parts of the world. It is caused by foot-long worms (heartworms) that live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels of affected pets, causing severe lung disease, heart failure and damage to other organs in the body. Heartworm disease affects dogs, cats and ferrets, but heartworms also live in other mammal species, including wolves, coyotes, foxes, sea lions and—in rare instances—humans. Because wild species such as foxes and coyotes live in proximity to many urban areas, they are considered important carriers of the disease.

Dogs. The dog is a natural host for heartworms, which means that heartworms that live inside the dog mature into adults, mate and produce offspring. If untreated, their numbers can increase, and dogs have been known to harbor several hundred worms in their bodies. Heartworm disease causes lasting damage to the heart, lungs and arteries, and can affect the dog’s health and quality of life long after the parasites are gone. For this reason, prevention is by far the best option, and treatment—when needed—should be administered as early in the course of the disease as possible.

Cats. Heartworm disease in cats is very different from heartworm disease in dogs. The cat is an atypical host for heartworms, and most worms in cats do not survive to the adult stage. Cats with adult heartworms typically have just one to three worms, and many cats affected by heartworms have no adult worms. While this means heartworm disease often goes undiagnosed in cats, it’s important to understand that even immature worms cause real damage in the form of a condition known as heartworm associated respiratory disease (HARD). Moreover, the medication used to treat heartworm infections in dogs cannot be used in cats, so prevention is the only means of protecting cats from the effects of heartworm disease.

How is heartworm disease transmitted from one pet to another?

The mosquito plays an essential role in the heartworm life cycle. Adult female heartworms living in an infected dog, fox, coyote, or wolf produce microscopic baby worms called microfilaria that circulate in the bloodstream. When a mosquito bites and takes a blood meal from an infected animal, it picks up these baby worms, which develop and mature into “infective stage” larvae over a period of 10 to 14 days. Then, when the infected mosquito bites another dog, cat, or susceptible wild animal, the infective larvae are deposited onto the surface of the animal’s skin and enter the new host through the mosquito’s bite wound. Once inside a new host, it takes approximately 6 months for the larvae to mature into adult heartworms. Once mature, heartworms can live for 5 to 7 years in dogs and up to 2 or 3 years in cats. Because of the longevity of these worms, each mosquito season can lead to an increasing number of worms in an infected pet.

What are the signs of heartworm disease in dogs?

In the early stages of the disease, many dogs show few symptoms or no symptoms at all. The longer the infection persists, the more likely symptoms will develop. Active dogs, dogs heavily infected with heartworms, or those with other health problems often show pronounced clinical signs.

Signs of heartworm disease may include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss. As heartworm disease progresses, pets may develop heart failure and the appearance of a swollen belly due to excess fluid in the abdomen. Dogs with large numbers of heartworms can develop a sudden blockages of blood flow within the heart leading to a life-threatening form of cardiovascular collapse. This is called caval syndrome, and is marked by a sudden onset of labored breathing, pale gums, and dark bloody or coffee-colored urine. Without prompt surgical removal of the heartworm blockage, few dogs survive.

What are the signs of heartworm disease in cats?

Signs of heartworm disease in cats can be very subtle or very dramatic. Symptoms may include coughing, asthma-like attacks, periodic vomiting, lack of appetite, or weight loss. Occasionally an affected cat may have difficulty walking, experience fainting or seizures, or suffer from fluid accumulation in the abdomen. Unfortunately, the first sign in some cases is sudden collapse of the cat, or sudden death.

How significant is my pet’s risk for heartworm infection?

Many factors must be considered, even if heartworms do not seem to be a problem in your local area. Your community may have a greater incidence of heartworm disease than you realize—or you may unknowingly travel with your pet to an area where heartworms are more common. Heartworm disease is also spreading to new regions of the country each year. Stray and neglected dogs and certain wildlife such as coyotes, wolves, and foxes can be carriers of heartworms. Mosquitoes blown great distances by the wind and the relocation of infected pets to previously uninfected areas also contribute to the spread of heartworm disease (this happened following Hurricane Katrina when 250,000 pets, many of them infected with heartworms, were “adopted” and shipped throughout the country).

The fact is that heartworm disease has been diagnosed in all 50 states, and risk factors are impossible to predict. Multiple variables, from climate variations to the presence of wildlife carriers, cause rates of infections to vary dramatically from year to year—even within communities. And because infected mosquitoes can come inside, both outdoor and indoor pets are at risk.

For that reason, the American Heartworm Society recommends that you “think 12:” (1) get your pet tested every 12 months for heartworm and (2) give your pet heartworm preventive 12 months a year.

What do I need to know about heartworm testing?

Heartworm disease is a serious, progressive disease. The earlier it is detected, the better the chances the pet will recover. There are few, if any, early signs of disease when a dog or cat is infected with heartworms, so detecting their presence with a heartworm test administered by a veterinarian is important. The test requires just a small blood sample from your pet, and it works by detecting the presence of heartworm proteins. Some veterinarians process heartworm tests right in their hospitals while others send the samples to a diagnostic laboratory. In either case, results are obtained quickly. If your pet tests positive, further tests may be ordered.

When should my pet be tested?

Testing procedures and timing differ somewhat between dogs and cats.

Dogs. All dogs should be tested annually for heartworm infection, and this can usually be done during a routine visit for preventive care. Following are guidelines on testing and timing:

• Puppies under 7 months of age can be started on heartworm prevention without a heartworm test (it takes at least 6 months for a dog to test positive after it has been infected), but should be tested 6 months after your initial visit, tested again 6 months later and yearly after that to ensure they are heartworm-free.
• Adult dogs over 7 months of age and previously not on a preventive need to be tested prior to starting heartworm prevention.  They, too, need to be tested 6 months and 12 months later and annually after that.
• If there has been a lapse in prevention (one or more late or missed doses), dogs should be tested immediately, then tested again six months later and annually after that.

Annual testing is necessary, even when dogs are on heartworm prevention year-round, to ensure that the prevention program is working. Heartworm medications are highly effective, but dogs can still become infected. If you miss just one dose of a monthly medication—or give it late—it can leave your dog unprotected. Even if you give the medication as recommended, your dog may spit out or vomit a heartworm pill—or rub off a topical medication. Heartworm preventives are highly effective, but not 100 percent effective. If you don’t get your dog test, you won’t know your dog needs treatment.

Cats. Heartworm infection in cats is harder to detect than in dogs, because cats are much less likely than dogs to have adult heartworms. The preferred method for screening cats includes the use of both an antigen and an antibody test (the “antibody” test detects exposure to heartworm larvae). Your veterinarian may also use x-rays or ultrasound to look for heartworm infection. Cats should be tested before being put on prevention and re-tested as the veterinarian deems appropriate to document continued exposure and risk. Because there is no approved treatment for heartworm infection in cats, prevention is critical.

What happens if my dog tests positive for heartworms?

No one wants to hear that their dog has heartworm, but the good news is that most infected dogs can be successfully treated. The goal is to first stabilize your dog if he is showing signs of disease, then kill all adult and immature worms while keeping the side effects of treatment to a minimum.

Here’s what you should expect if your dog tests positive:

• Confirm the diagnosis. Once a dog tests positive on an antigen test, the diagnosis should be confirmed with an additional—and different—test. Because the treatment regimen for heartworm is both expensive and complex, your veterinarian will want to be absolutely sure that treatment is necessary.
• Restrict exercise. This requirement might be difficult to adhere to, especially if your dog is accustomed to being active. But your dog’s normal physical activities must be restricted as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed, because physical exertion increases the rate at which the heartworms cause damage in the heart and lungs. The more severe the symptoms, the less activity your dog should have.
• Stabilize your dog’s disease. Before actual heartworm treatment can begin, your dog’s condition may need to be stabilized with appropriate therapy. In severe cases of heartworm disease, or when a dog has another serious condition, the process can take several months.
• Administer treatment. Once your veterinarian has determined your dog is stable and ready for heartworm treatment, he or she will recommend a treatment protocol involving several steps. The American Heartworm Society has guidelines for developing this plan of attack. Dogs with no signs or mild signs of heartworm disease, such as cough or exercise intolerance, have a high success rate with treatment. More severe disease can also be successfully treated, but the possibility of complications is greater. The severity of heartworm disease does not always correlate with the severity of symptoms, and dogs with many worms may have few or no symptoms early in the course of the disease.
• Test (and prevent) for success. Approximately 6 months after treatment is completed, your veterinarian will perform a heartworm test to confirm that all heartworms have been eliminated. To avoid the possibility of your dog contracting heartworm disease again, you will want to administer heartworm prevention year-round for the rest of his life.

What if my cat tests positive for heartworms?

Like dogs, cats can be infected with heartworms. There are differences, however, in the nature of the disease and how it is diagnosed and managed. Because a cat is not an ideal host for heartworms, some infections resolve on their own, although these infections can leave cats with respiratory system damage. Heartworms in the circulatory system also affect the cat’s immune system and cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Heartworms in cats may even migrate to other parts of the body, such as the brain, eye and spinal cord. Severe complications such as blood clots in the lungs and lung inflammation can result when the adult worms die in the cat’s body.

Here’s what to expect if your cat tests positive for heartworm:

• Diagnosis. While infected dogs may have 30 or more worms in their heart and lungs, cats usually have 6 or fewer—and may have just one or two. But while the severity of heartworm disease in dogs is related to the number of worm, in cats, just one or two worms can make a cat very ill. Diagnosis can be complicated, requiring a physical exam, an X-ray, a complete blood count and several kinds of blood test. An ultrasound may also be performed.
• Treatment. Unfortunately, there is no approved drug therapy for heartworm infection in cats, and the drug used to treat infections in dogs is not safe for cats. Nevertheless, cats with heartworm disease can often be helped with good veterinary care. The goal is to stabilize your cat and determine a long-term management plan.
• Monitor your cat. Heartworm-positive cats may experience spontaneous clearing of heartworms, but the damage they cause may be permanent. If your cat is not showing signs of respiratory distress, but worms have been detected in the lungs, chest X-rays every 6 to 12 months may be recommended. If mild symptoms are noted, small doses of prednisolone may be administered to help reduce inflammation.
• Provide veterinary care. If the disease is severe, additional support may be necessary. Your veterinarian my recommend hospitalization in order to provide therapy, such as intravenous fluids, drugs to treat lung and heart symptoms, antibiotics, and general nursing care. In some cases, surgical removal of heartworms may be possible.
• Maintain prevention. A cat that has developed heartworm disease has demonstrated that it is susceptible to heartworm infection, and both outdoor and indoor cats are at risk. It’s important to give your cat monthly heartworm preventives, which are available in both spot-on and pill form. Preventives keep new infections from developing if an infected mosquito bites your cat again.

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When it’s time to purchase heartworm preventive medication for your dog or cat, you have several options to choose from. In order to purchase any of these heartworm medications, however, you must first have your dog or cat tested for heartworms.

If the test comes back negative, your veterinarian will then suggest a heartworm medication that will work best for your dog or cat’s particular needs. It’s very important to prevent this deadly disease, as prevention is much safer, easier, and cheaper than treatment. These heartworm medications are all very effective at prevention, as long as they are given in the proper dose on a regular schedule.

The American Heartworm Society recommends that animals living in all parts of the U.S. be given heartworm preventive medications on a year-round basis. Here we will discuss some of the common options available on the market today.

Oral Monthly Heartworm Medications

The heartworm preventives you are probably most familiar with are the once monthly tablets or chewables. These products typically contain either ivermectin or milbemycin as the active ingredient. In the past, a heartworm medication was available containing diethylcarbamazine, but it had to be given daily to be effective. This drug has been since removed from the market, as newer products that are more effective have since emerged.

Many of the various oral heartworm medications available today have more than one function. Some will not only kill heartworm larvae, but will also eliminate internal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and/or whipworms. There is an oral product available that includes ingredients that also work to eliminate fleas by stopping them from producing live eggs.

The good thing about these types of heartworm medications is that they only need to be given once a month for prevention. You need to watch your dog or cat to be sure he/she chews the entire piece or tablet and doesn’t spit any of it out. Otherwise, the heartworm medication loses its effectiveness. Dogs or cats that have an allergy to beef products may not be able to take a flavored, chewable product. Your vet can provide a possible alternative if this is the case for you.

Topical (Spot-on) Heartworm Medications

There are a few topical heartworm preventive medications available for both dogs and cats. These heartworm medications are applied monthly to the back of the dog or cat’s neck, or between the shoulder blades on the skin. Not only do these preventives protect against heartworms, they also kill fleas. Those heartworm preventives made with selamectin can work to eliminate ear mites, mange mites, and ticks (in dogs only), and will even kill some internal parasites (in cats).

Moxidectin is another active ingredient in topical heartworm preventives available for both dogs and cats. This ingredient (along with imidacloprid) works on heartworm larvae and fleas, as well as hookworms, whipworms, and roundworms in dogs — and ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms in cats.

Some dogs and cats may not like having the spot-on applied to their skin and will rub themselves against furniture, carpet, etc., after application, in their attempts to remove it. These heartworm preventives are toxic if ingested, so you may need to watch or isolate your dog or cat to be sure he/she doesn’t come into contact with children or other animals for a time after application (to prevent product from getting on hands, or from animals grooming each other).

Injectable Heartworm Medication

Moxidectin can also be used for dogs as an injectable heartworm medication for up to six months with one injection. This heartworm preventive not only kills heartworm larvae, it also eliminates hookworms in dogs. It is not available for use with cats.

The product has gone through some safety concerns and was voluntarily taken off the market in 2004 after reports of side effects. In 2008, the product was returned to the veterinary market with restrictions on its use. Veterinarians must administer this heartworm medication to their patients, and this is only after intensive training in its proper use. Your veterinarian is also required to record the lot number of the product used for your dog and must report any adverse effects that may come up.

***

No matter which medication you prefer to give your dog or cat, make sure you read labels closely and follow all instructions for use. Tell your veterinarian if your dog or cat shows signs of illness after administration, and be sure to have your dog or cat tested yearly for heartworms.

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Spread by infected mosquitoes, heartworm is increasingly being recognized as an underlying cause of health problems in domestic cats. Despite its name, heartworm primarily causes lung disease in cats. It is an important concern for any cat owner living in areas densely populated by mosquitoes, and prevention methods should be discussed with a veterinarian.

Can Cats Get Heartworm?

You may have thought heartworm disease only affects dogs, and it’s true that the infection is less common in cats. The cat is not a natural host for the heartworm parasite, Dirofilaria immitis, and so the heartworm is not likely to complete its entire life cycle. That means that fewer and smaller worms survive, and many do not reach a cat’s heart. The worms that do survive—and the resulting immune reaction that the cat’s body sets up to kill the developing worms—can cause severe health problems.

How Can I Tell if My Cat Has Heartworm?

The following signs may indicate that your cat has been infected:

• Persistent cough
• Breathing difficulties (panting, wheezing, rapid or open-mouthed breathing)
• Depression
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Sporadic vomiting
• Lethargy

How Do Cats Get Heartworm?

When a mosquito carrying the heartworm parasite, Dirofilaria immitis, bites a cat, larvae are transmitted into the bloodstream. The larvae migrate toward the heart over a period of around four to six months, maturing as they go, then settle in the heart, pulmonary arteries and blood vessels of the lungs. Because a domestic cat is not a natural host for the heartworm parasite, many of the worms die. These—along with the living worms—cause severe inflammatory and immune responses in an infected cat.

What Cats Have the Greatest Risk of Contracting Heartworm?

Cats of all ages, living in any region, can contract heartworm, but the disease is more prevalent in felines who live in areas densely populated by mosquitoes. Outdoor cats who are more exposed to mosquitoes may be at a greater risk. However, indoor cats are also susceptible to mosquito bites, so it’s smart to discuss prevention with your vet. The heartworm infection can be especially life-threatening to kittens and older cats.

What Is Heartworm-Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD)?

Breathing difficulties that occur in the first stage of heartworm disease, caused by worms newly arriving in the heart and lungs, were likely previously diagnosed as feline asthma or bronchitis. However, these breathing problems are now thought to have actually been due to what is now called heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD).

How Is Feline Heartworm Diagnosed?

Heartworm disease is not as easily diagnosed in cats as it is in dogs. Routine testing requires a combination of blood tests. When cats show signs of respiratory difficulty and heartworm is suspected, diagnosis is usually attempted based on a cat’s history, physical examination, radiographs, echocardiogram and blood tests.

How Can Heartworm Be Treated?

There are currently no products in the United States approved for treating feline heartworm infection. The good news is that many heartworm-infected cats are able to fight the infection themselves, and can be monitored with radiographs every few months, while waiting out the worms’ lifespan. If an infected cat shows symptoms of lung disease, the cat can be given a cortisone-like medication as needed. Medication can also be given to help control coughing and vomiting.

How Can I Prevent My Cat from Getting Heartworm?

There are several FDA-approved medications available that reliably prevent feline heartworm infection. Check with your vet and please remember, it’s recommended that cats are screened for heartworm infection with blood tests before being given any type of preventative medication. It’s also a good idea to limit your cat’s exposure to mosquito-infested areas and bring her in for preventative screenings during vet visits. Regular checkups are key to detecting an infection early, and can give your cat a good chance at recovery.

What Can Happen if Heartworm Goes Untreated?

Although some cats are able to fight the infection on their own, the following can occur if heartworms are not monitored and treated:

• Damage to walls of heart
• Damage to pulmonary blood vessels
• Possible obstruction of blood flow through pulmonary arteries
• Impaired breathing
• Heart and lung failure
• Kidney and liver damage
• Sudden death

The post Cats and Heartworm appeared first on Anasazi Animal Clinic.

A heartworm is a parasitic worm (Dirofilaria immitis) that lives in the heart and pulmonary arteries of an infected animal. The worms travel through the bloodstream—harming arteries and vital organs as they go—ultimately completing their journey to the vessels of the lung and the heart chamber about six months after the initial infection. Several hundred worms can live in one dog for five to seven years. Heartworm disease is serious, and can be fatal.

What Causes Heartworm?

Heartworms are transmitted from animal to animal by mosquitoes. The lifecycle of the heartworm is complex. An animal must carry at least two heartworms (a male and a female) in order for female heartworms to reproduce. Females produce babies, called “microfilariae,” which are shed into an animal’s bloodstream but are not capable of directly causing heartworm without first passing through a mosquito. The microfilariae must be taken up by biting mosquitoes, and transform into infective larvae over a two-week period inside the insect. When the mosquito next bites a susceptible animal, the infective larvae enter the tissues and begin a migration into the blood vessels.

Heartworms enter an animal’s bloodstream as tiny, invisible larvae, but can reach lengths of more than twelve inches at maturity.

What Are the General Symptoms of Heartworm?

Symptoms of heartworm infestation can include labored breathing, coughing, vomiting, weight loss and listlessness, and fatigue after only moderate exercise. However, some dogs exhibit no symptoms at all until late stages of infection.

How Is Heartworm Diagnosed?

Heartworm disease is diagnosed by examination, radiographs or ultrasound, and a veterinarian-administered blood test. All dogs should be routinely screened with a blood test for heartworm either annually in spring, at the start of mosquito season, or before being placed on a new prescription for a heartworm preventive.

Which Dogs Are Prone to Heartworm?

Heartworm infestation can happen to any dog (as well as cats and some wild animals), but since mosquitoes are their carriers, dogs who live in hot, humid regions—conditions in which mosquitoes thrive—are at the greatest risk. The disease has been seen in every state except Alaska, but is most common in or on the East Coast, southern United States and Mississippi River Valley.

How Can Heartworm Be Prevented?

The good news is that heartworm is easy preventable with an inexpensive, chewable pill available with a vet’s prescription. The pills—highly palatable to most dogs—are usually administered monthly and manufactured by several companies. The pills can be given to dogs under 6 months of age without a blood test, but older animals must be screened for the disease prior to starting medication. You can opt to give your dog a pill only during mosquito season (spring through first frost), but the most recent recommendation from the American Heartworm Society is to keep giving them all year—not only does this avoid errors, but many of the products also prevent other intestinal parasites. There are also topical products available that you can apply to the skin.

How Is Heartworm Treated?

After diagnosis, a thorough examination of the infected dog should be conducted to evaluate the best course of treatment and the potential risks involved. The most common course of treatment is a series of injections of drugs called adulticides into the dogs’ muscle. This cure has a high success rate and usually requires hospitalization; in certain circumstances, however, it may be performed on an outpatient basis. However, all treatment protocols require several weeks of exercise restriction after treatment and are not without risk. Disease prevention is a much better and safer option. After treatment, your dog should be placed on a preventative medication to reduce the risk of infection.

When Is It Time to See the Vet?

If you notice that your dog’s energy has decreased, she seems ill, or she’s exhibiting any of the general symptoms described above, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

The post Understanding Heartworm Disease appeared first on Anasazi Animal Clinic.