Heartworms

January 19, 2012

Kelly Clarkson, Trapper, Princess Buttercup, Olive Oil, Mikayla, and the Dread Pirate Roberts all tested postive for a parasitic infection, commonly called heartworm, when they arrived at RAL.

Heartworms (known in scientific circles as dirofilaria immitis) are tiny, parasitic worms that enter a dog's bloodstream as eggs via a mosquito bite. The eggs travel through the body in the dog's blood vessels until they reach the heart, where they grow to maturity and begin to reproduce. Left untreated, dogs can die as the worms multiply and interfere with the function of the heart and lungs.

Treatment for heartworms is no walk in the park, either. As the worms are killed by an injected drug, they detach from inside the heart walls and can travel, via blood vessels, to the lungs. Eventually the worms will break apart and disintegrate, but as the dead and broken worms leave the heart, they put the dog at risk for  severe pulmonary issues. Dogs undergoing heartworm treatment have to avoid any activity that will cause an increase in heart rate, as this increases the chance that the dead or dying parasites will cause a blockage. Also, the worms carry a bacteria that is released as the worms die; these bacteria can cause infection in the host dog, so typically heartworm treatment is preceeded by a course of antibiotics.

At RAL, red signs hang from the kennels of the dogs undergoing heartworm treatment to let volunteers know that these cannot go for walks, play in the real room, or play in the backyard. While it may seem cruel to keep the dogs confined, this helps ensure that the dogs' heart rate remains as low as possible to give them the best chance to complete the treatment without complications.

The good news is that heartworm is almost 100% preventabe. A monthly heartworm preventative, administered year round in an easy to give pill form, will keep your dog safe from heartworms. Because we enjoy mild southern winters, Richmond dog owners are encourage to treat their pets every month with a medicine such as Heartgard, Sentinel, or Revolution, as mosquitos are prevalent most months out of the year.

*Cats who have access to the outdoors can contract heartworms as well. Preventatives are available for cats; discuss with your vet what is appropriate for your pet.