Heartworm is a very serious disease. If it is not treated quickly, this disease can be fatal. Cats, dogs, and ferrets can develop heartworm, along with many wild animals. Fortunately, if your pet develops heartworm disease, the veterinary care professionals at Miami Shores Animal Clinic can treat the disease.
How Is Heartworm Transmitted?
Mosquitoes are responsible for heartworm disease. If your pet is bitten by an infected mosquito, they can contract the disease from the heartworm larvae passed on by the mosquito.
Testing for Heartworm Disease
It is important to have your dog or cat tested for heartworms. If your dog or cat goes outside, they are at risk and should be tested. Mosquitoes can get inside your home, you should have your indoor pets tested as well.
The Symptoms of Heartworm Disease
Dogs often won’t show signs until the heartworms have matured, which takes about three months after transmission. The symptoms of heartworm disease in a dog include:
- Coughing
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Difficult breathing
- Tiring quickly when playing or walking
The symptoms of heartworm disease in a cat include:
- Coughing
- Respiratory distress
- Vomiting
- In severe cases, sudden death.
How Is Heartworm Treated?
Early heartworm treatment is your pet’s best chance of survival. If your dog has heartworm disease, our veterinarian will prescribe a medication to kill the worms. We will also prescribe a medication that will control the inflammatory reaction that occurs when the worms die. Your dog will need to remain at the animal hospital during treatment. There is no effective heartworm medication for cats. Our veterinarian will give your cat medication to reduce the inflammatory response while the worms die off on their own.
Preventing Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease can be fatal. Prevention of this disease is essential. Certain medications can be used to prevent heartworm. If your pet already has the disease, the prevention medication won’t cure it. If you suspect that your pet has heartworm disease, schedule an appointment at Miami Shores Animal Clinic. We treat patients in North Miami, Miami Shores, Biscayne Park, and the surrounding areas. Call us today at (305) 757-3030 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.