When it comes to veterinary care, there are a number of diseases that pets should be protected against. At Glen Eagles Pet Hospital, we provide several preventative care services for cats and dogs in and around Edmond, including heartworm prevention. Heartworm disease is somewhat common, with an estimated 890,000 dogs reported having this condition.
What is Heartworm Disease?
A heartworm is a parasitic worm that invades an animal's cardiovascular system, infecting the host's heart, lungs, and muscle tissue. When left untreated, heartworm infections can result in long-term organ damage to the pet, potentially leading to a lower quality of life and even fatalities.
As a pet owner, you should check your animal for the following symptoms: coughing fits, fainting spells, difficulty breathing, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite. Pay attention to whether your pet is showing a sickly appearance on a semi-regular basis. If the animal continues to display these symptoms after a few weeks, then he or she should get tested for heartworm disease.
Causes of Heartworm Disease
This disease happens as a result of Dirofilaria immitis, the parasitic worm that digs into the host's heart. These worms can go through several life cycles while living inside the host, and they usually attempt to migrate to other areas of the body.
Prevention and Protection Against Heartworms
To prevent the spread of heartworm disease, you can take your pet to our local veterinarian's office for preventative care. Medication is a popular treatment plan, with pets taking Pyrantel, Moxidectic, Ivermectin, or other drugs to fight against this kind of infection. If the problem has become severe enough, then the veterinarian will perform cardiological surgery to extract the heartworms from your pet's body. You should always consult a qualified veterinary expert to determine the best treatment option for your pet.
Contact Our Veterinarian in Edmond, OK
Is your pet showing signs of heartworm disease? Contact Glen Eagles Pet Hospital to have your furry friend undergo a disease screening. As with most medical conditions, it is easier to prevent heartworm than to treat it. Our animal hospital specializes in preventing and treating a variety of diseases and conditions, including treatment for parasitic infections and surgery for internal damage. Call our team today at (405) 463-0600 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.