Heartworm disease is serious and potentially fatal in pets. It is caused by worms that grow up to a foot long and reside in your pet’s heart and lungs, as well as the blood vessels in the lungs.
The disease is spread by mosquitos, but an indoor lifestyle doesn’t protect a pet from heartworm infection, because mosquitoes can easily come indoors. Although dogs can be treated for heartworm infection, heartworms can permanently damage the blood vessels and lungs.
There is no approved treatment for cats, and heartworm disease in cats can lead to chronic respiratory disease or even sudden death.
Prevention is easy, safe, simple, and effective. Preventive medication is available in chewable treats or topical drops that are given monthly, or as an injection given by your veterinarian every six months. It is inexpensive, at a cost of approximately $5 to $25 a month, depending on your pet’s size.
In Manitoba, heartworm season is June to November, although if you are traveling with your pet out of this season, be sure to check with your veterinarian in case your pet needs prolonged prevention.
Treatment is hard. It can be life-saving for a dog, but it’s dangerous and time-consuming. Owners need to follow their veterinarian’s instructions carefully to help avoid treatment complications. The treatment period is a minimum of three to four months. Throughout treatment, it is essential to keep dogs quiet to avoid serious, or even fatal, complications. This means cage rest and restricting the dog to on-leash trips outside to relieve themselves. Some dogs will also need to spend time in the hospital.
Heartworm treatment in dogs can cost $2,000 or more in medications and veterinary services.
