As Heartworm Awareness Month unfolds, we embark on a journey to delve deeper into matters of the heart that affect our beloved pets. Heartworms, a sinister parasite transmitted by mosquitoes, poses a significant threat to dogs and cats, making preventive measures imperative. With Sentinel for dogs and Bravecto Plus for Cats (both monthly de-wormers) we shield our furry companions from the early stages of larval development, mitigating the risk of heartworm infections. Also, did you know that most flea products only address the adult fleas, which are only five percent of the population. Sentinel is the only product with an insect growth inhibitor to stop the eggs from hatching – and it’s safe, chemical free, and trusted by veterinarians worldwide!
Unfortunately, the heart's complexities extend beyond this parasite; Degenerative Valve Disease (DVD) and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DVM) loom as formidable adversaries, especially among aging dogs and specific breeds. At The Drake Center for Veterinary Care in Encinitas, CA, we advocate for proactive screening and comprehensive care to safeguard our furry friends' cardiac health. Reach out to us for guidance, whether your concerns stem from a faint murmur or subtle signs of distress. Join us in our mission to ensure every beat counts.
In honor of Heartworm Awareness Month, we want to share not only heartworm information, but various heart related issues with you:
Heartworm disease -
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Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is a parasite that is spread by mosquitoes and can infect dogs and cats. Early larval stages spread from the mosquito to the bloodstream which then mature into adult worms that actually live inside the heart and obstruct vessels.
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Pets can be asymptomatic and it's unknown that they have the disease without regular testing. Common signs seen are exercise intolerance, collapse, or coughing, and with severe infections it can be fatal.
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We use a preventative called Sentinel which is a once monthly de-wormer that should be given to your dogs year-round to get rid of these early larval stages so they don’t develop heartworm infections. The preventative in cats we use is called Bravecto Plus.
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Treatment for dogs infected with heartworms can be difficult and costly, so it’s best to prevent the infections from happening by keeping them on the preventative year-round and testing annually with a blood test.
Degenerative valve disease (DVD) -
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This is a disease that affects smaller dogs commonly, and is a thickened and leaky heart valve that leads to developed heart murmurs as they get older.
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This leaky heart valve can lead to congestive heart failure which can be a life-threatening episode resulting from fluid buildup in the lungs or abdomen.
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If your dog has a murmur, it’s best to have imaging done early on to diagnose the disease and start treatment when needed to help delay or prevent congestive heart failure. Both x-ray images and echocardiograms (ultrasound) can help monitor and diagnose this disease.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) -
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This disease affects the muscles of the heart resulting in weakening of the heart’s pumping ability and the muscled walls actually become thinner and less effective.
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This disease is genetic for large breed dogs such as Dobermans, Boxers, and Great Danes. There is also a newer form linked to grain-free diets which has been seen in breeds without the genetic mutation.
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There is not always a heart murmur heard on examination, but the heart enlargement can be seen on x-ray images. Common signs include weakness, exercise intolerance, or coughing.
If you have questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (760) 456-9556, or you can email us at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram.
The Drake Center for Veterinary Care is an AAHA-accredited animal hospital located in Encinitas, CA. The Drake Center loves being a source of information for all pet owners across the country; however, if you have any questions regarding pet care and do not live in Encinitas, CA or surrounding cities, we encourage you to contact your local veterinarian.