The rise in incidence has been attributed to the changes in weather patterns where higher rainfall and milder temperatures have provided an ideal breeding ground for the mosquitoes which are the vector for spreading the tiny microfilariae or juvenile heartworm larvae that infect a new host each time they bite. The weather has been responsible for the spread in another, rather more unexpected way too. Homeowners forced to abandon homes devastated by severe weather events have taken pets with them, resulting in infected animals being diagnosed in the states they have moved to. This pattern is not confined to the USA either, flooding in other countries, such as Australia has also led to increased incidence of the disease.
For owners in the USA, a positive heartworm test for their beloved dog, has brought other anxieties too. Merial, manufacturers of Immiticide which is the drug used in the protocol for treating infected dogs, struggles to meet the shortfall in supplies in the United States. Supplies have been shipped in from Europe but there have still been delays in treating all but the most severely affected animals and Vets now have a protocol for keeping dogs not eligible or able to get immediate treatment with Immiticide, safe and well until treatment can commence.
How Can You Avoid Your Dog Becoming A Heartworm Statistic?
2012 has seen a big drive by the AHS, Vets, Merial and other bodies such as the Companion Animal Parasite Council to provide education and encouragement for all dog owners on the subject of heartworm prevention.
Firstly, if you do not have your dog on a heartworm preventative regime, you will not be able to start giving this medication unless your dog gets a negative result from a heartworm test. The reason for this is that giving preventatives in cases where adult worms are present can be very dangerous for the dog and it is vital to have the ‘all clear’ before commencement.
The new guidelines advocate giving heartworm preventatives every month of the year, even in states where previously these were only recommended during the spring and summer. The guidelines very definitely recommend using only those preventatives recommended by the AHS and approved by the FDA. This comes in the wake of many owners having concerns about the safety of these medications and turning instead to unproven ‘herbal’ and ‘natural’ treatments. However, all the advice from all the authorities and Vets should reassure pet owners that the approved treatments are both safe and effective when given in strict accordance with the instructions provided.
Firstly, if you do not have your dog on a heartworm preventative regime, you will not be able to start giving this medication unless your dog gets a negative result from a heartworm test. The reason for this is that giving preventatives in cases where adult worms are present can be very dangerous for the dog and it is vital to have the ‘all clear’ before commencement.
The new guidelines advocate giving heartworm preventatives every month of the year, even in states where previously these were only recommended during the spring and summer. The guidelines very definitely recommend using only those preventatives recommended by the AHS and approved by the FDA. This comes in the wake of many owners having concerns about the safety of these medications and turning instead to unproven ‘herbal’ and ‘natural’ treatments. However, all the advice from all the authorities and Vets should reassure pet owners that the approved treatments are both safe and effective when given in strict accordance with the instructions provided.
Which Prevention Treatment Should You Choose?
The two main types of monthly prevention treatments are oral (either a pill or a chewable tablet) and a liquid treatment that is put onto the animal’s skin at the back of the neck. There are pros and cons for each but some owners prefer the liquid, topical treatments if their dog is not very good about taking medication or if they also want to protect against fleas and ticks. The oral treatments can also protect against other internal parasites such as roundworm and can save money on buying additional products to deal with these.
Having a dog diagnosed with a heartworm infection is a very distressing and worrying time. Treatment is expensive and not without risks as well as having a treatment aftercare period which demands keeping the dog very quiet and restricting any excitement or exercise. This protocol can put a lot of strain on a family with a big, exuberant dog that just wants to play because it is feeling better. In some cases, the dog is never diagnosed because symptoms may not present until the situation is so grave that nothing can be done for the dog or the only option is surgery which is not only risky but also very expensive.
Having a dog diagnosed with a heartworm infection is a very distressing and worrying time. Treatment is expensive and not without risks as well as having a treatment aftercare period which demands keeping the dog very quiet and restricting any excitement or exercise. This protocol can put a lot of strain on a family with a big, exuberant dog that just wants to play because it is feeling better. In some cases, the dog is never diagnosed because symptoms may not present until the situation is so grave that nothing can be done for the dog or the only option is surgery which is not only risky but also very expensive.
Prevention is Better Than Cure!
If your dog is not already protected, please get him checked out for heartworm with a simple test from your Vet and start your heartworm prevention protocol as soon as you can. Behind every number in the heartworm statistics is a heartbreaking story – don’t let your beloved pet become one of them in 2012
Author Alison Graham invites you to visit http://heartwormtreatment-fordogs.com/ to find out more about this important dog health issue.
No comments:
Post a Comment