HEARTWORM
DISEASE
As spring time approaches so does mosquito
and heartworm season. Due to our warm wet season mosquitoes
are a large problem in our area. With mosquitoes come the
diseases they transmit. One major disease mosquitoes spread
to our pets is heartworm. Heartworm, Dirofilaria
immitis, is a blood parasite that lives in the blood stream of
dogs and cats. The adult heartworm is approximately 10-14
inches long and lives in the pulmonary arteries and right side of
the heart. Adults give live birth to baby worms called
microfilaria (first larval stage) that circulate in the
bloodstream. When a mosquito feeds on a dog infected with
heartworm, the mosquito ingests the microfilariae. Inside the
gut of the mosquito they develop into the next larval stage.
When an infected mosquito bites a dog or cat, larvae are
transmitted to this pet. Once the larvae reach the blood
stream they continue to mature and travel to the right side heart
an pulmonary arteries, where they develop into adults. The
entire live cycle of a heartworm after being transmitted to its new
host is approximately 5-7 months. The presence of worms in
the heart and vessels causes a strong inflammatory response.
Large numbers of worms cause the heart to work harder pumping blood
through the clogged arteries. Early clinical signs of
heartworm disease are coughing and exercise intolerance.
Currently there are monthly preventatives
that protect both cats and dogs from developing heartworm
disease. When given monthly, the medication kills larval
stages, preventing the development of adults and the transmission
of larval stages. Heartworm medication also provides control
of common gastrointestinal parasites. Both indoor and outdoor
pets should be protected from heartworm infection. Although
the mosquito season is May through November, year round prevention
may be recommended in certain circumstances. Puppies can be
started on prevention as young as 8 weeks of age. Dogs older
that 6 months should be tested prior to starting heartworm
prevention. Dogs on seasonal prevention (May-November) should
be tested before restarting prevention in the spring. Dogs on
year-round prevention should be tested periodically to monitor
product efficacy. If your dog tests positive for heartworm
there is treatment if the infection is detected early enough.
Your veterinarian will discuss with you which treatment is most
appropriate for your pet. In 2010, NCVS in Pulaski and Oswego
had 35 heartworm positive dogs and 6 heartworm related
deaths.
Heartworm disease in cats is very different
than it is in dogs. Cats are not natural hosts for the
heartworm like dogs are. A cat's immune system is very
reactive against microfilaria. Rarely will larval heartworms
make it through a cat's skin to the bloodstream and heart. If
a cat becomes infected with heartworm the infection typically
consists of only a few worms. However, a few worms can cause
a lot of damage in a cats small vessels and heart. Most
symptoms in cats with heartworm tend to be more immune-related than
heart failure related. Heartworms survive in cats for 2-3
years and are very difficult to treat without harming the
cat. Prevention is the easiest and safest way to protect your
cat. Please consult with one of our doctors to determine the
appropriate preventative measures for your cat.
FLEAS
As flea season quickly approaches us, we
would like to remind you to be prepared. Many animals exposed
to fleas develop an allergy to the flea's saliva. One flea
can cause severe itching all over the animals body, especially the
back and hindquarter region. Many cats develop scabs all over
their backs and begin to tear out their fur. Dogs also begin
chewing, pulling out their fur, and severely damaging their
skin. Along with flea treatment these allergic animals may
need steroids to treat the allergic reaction and antibiotics to
treat the skin infection caused by their chewing and
scratching. Currently over the counter products are not very
effective and some are toxic to cats. With so many different
treatments and preventatives available we recommend speaking with
one of our Veterinarians to determine which product is most
appropriate for your pet.
PYRETHRIN/PERMETHRIN TOXICOSIS IN
CATS
Pyrethrins are natural extracts from
Chrysanthemum (mums) flowers used as insecticides in flea and tick
products. Most products that are made from pyrethrins or
pyrethroids contain low doses and are not harmful to mammals.
If ingested pyrethrins are easily broken down by stomach acids and
removed from the body. An exception is spot-on type flea
products that contain 45-65% permethrin. Pyrethrin is
NOT the same as permethrin. Permethrin is a
synthetic pyrethrin, and is less easily broken down than
pyrethrin. These products are labeled for dogs only.
Even the smallest amounts can cause neurologic signs and death in
cats. Please be cautious of applying topical medication
containing permethrins to dogs that come in contact with
cats. Also be sure your are using topical medication that do
not contain permethrins on cats. If your cat is exposed
either topically or by ingestion please seek immediate medical
treatment. Pyrethrins can be used on cats;
permethrins should NOT be used on cats.
TICKS
Ticks are becoming an increasing problem in our area of Oswego County. If your pets are outside it is important to routinely check them for ticks. They usually attach around the head/chest and legs of our dogs and cats. If a tick is found, simply remove them with a pair of tweezers grabbing them as close to the skin as possible. Avoid irritating the tick to cause them to "back out" because the tick may actually regurgitate into your pet before releasing. This may introduce the tick borne diseases, such as Lyme Disease and Ehrlichiosis into your pet. Discuss the use of tick repellent products on your pet with your North Country Veterinarian especially if you are observing ticks. Our pets serve as sentinels for possible exposure of ourselves to these potentially disease causing bugs.
