MJ Wixsom: Protect family pets throughout heartworm rise
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, August 1, 2023
The recent rise in heartworm cases in Kentucky is a cause for major issue.
Heartworm Disease is on the Rise in our location. Pet owners, we have an issue on our hands. This spring, we’ve experienced an extraordinary
boost in heartworm cases, an incredible 8 cases – a number we haven’t come across in the previous years.
Heartworm illness is a quiet hazard, sent through the bites of contaminated mosquitoes, which prevail in our area throughout the warm months.
Heartworm illness is a hazardous and possibly lethal condition.
The parasitic worms can grow in size (approximately a foot long), ultimately obstructing the heart, lungs, and capillary of our precious family pets. The effects are extreme, causing cardiac arrest, organ damage, and in extreme cases, death.
Prevention is the very best Line of Defense! Preventing heartworm illness is even more workable and cost-reliable than dealing with a contaminated family pet.
The American Heartworm Society and the Center for Animal Parasite
Council highly advise year-round heartworm preventive medication for all dogs and cats, no matter their way of life.
Heartworm preventives are available in different types – chewables, topical treatments, and injections. Discuss with your vet to
discover the most ideal alternative for your family pet. Consistent and prompt administration of preventives is essential to protecting your furry buddies.
Treating heartworm illness is a strenuous and pricey procedure. It includes blood tests, X-rays, and a series of medications to get rid of the adult worms. Additionally, throughout treatment, family pets should be kept one’s cool and non-active to prevent issues as the worms pass away off.
Unfortunately, treatment is not without dangers. As the adult worms die, they can trigger extreme swelling and clog in the capillary, posturing major health dangers to your family pets. Prevention is unquestionably the much better and more secure alternative.
Pet Owners, it’s time to take this hazard seriously. Don’t undervalue the risk of heartworm illness. Make sure your family pets are safeguarded with year-round preventive medication. Regular sees to your vet are vital to keep your family pets healthy and heartworm-free.
Let’s fight this rise in heartworm cases together. Protect your family pets, and let’s keep our family pet neighborhood safe and healthy!
MJ Wixsom, DVM MS is a very popular Amazon author who practices at Guardian Animal Medical Center in Flatwoods, Ky. GuardianAnimal.com 606-928-6566
