Clinton Parkway

Heartworms, Dogs

Facts:

Lawrence has a river to the north and east, a lake to the west, and a swamp (Baker Wetlands) to the south, and our area is considered endemic for heartworm disease. The American Heartworm Society recommends that all dogs in Lawrence should be on prevention during mosquito season.

CPAH Video on Canine Heartworm Disease

Additional Website Video Resources:

Video from the American Heartworm Society on canine heartworm disease

Geographic Distribution of Heartworm Disease

Heartworm Life Cycle

The adult heartworms live in the heart and major arteries of the lungs. The worms produce microfilariae (baby heartworm larvae), which circulate through the dog’s bloodstream.

Mosquitoes bite a dog infected with heart worms picking up the microfilariae that are circulating in the infected dog’s blood stream. The microfilariae undergo several changes, or molts, in the mosquito’s system. This takes several weeks.

The infected mosquito bites another dog and transmits the larvae into the dog’s bloodstream.

Over the next 4 to 6 months, the heartworm larvae develop and migrate to the dog’s heart and lungs.

What are the clinical signs of heartworm disease?

Heartworms live in the heart and in the major arteries of the lungs. They can grow up to 10 to 14 inches in length and cause permanent heart and lung damage and even death.

Clinical signs can include:

• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Sluggishness
• Weight loss
• Sudden death

Can heartworms be treated?

If diagnosed early, most dogs can usually be successfully treated with a recently developed drug called Immiticide. Treatment is expensive, and some dogs may have permanent damage done to the heart and lungs.

Should my dog be tested?

Puppies can start on a preventive without testing. Dogs over six months old could possibly have adult heartworms. They should be blood tested prior to starting the preventive to avoid serious reactions.

Did you know that cats could also get heartworms?

There is presently no treatment for feline heartworm disease, but it can be prevented with Revolution, a topical gel applied to the skin once a month.

How can I protect my dog from heartworms?

Heartworm infection can easily be prevented with once-a-month tablets that are 100% effective. Heartworm preventive should be given year-round since our winters have been milder in recent years. Annual re-testing of dogs on heartworm preventive is advised.

All dogs over six months of age should be blood tested prior to starting the preventive to avoid potential serious reactions.

Tri-Heart Plus

• Once-a-month chewable, flavored tablet
• Prevents heartworms
• Also prevents many intestinal parasites

Trifexis

• Once-a-month flavored tablet
• Prevents heartworms
• Also prevents many intestinal parasites
• Very effective flea control

Comparisons between purchasing preventatives from CPAH vs. internet pharmacies.