HEARTWORM DISEASE
Is EPIDEMIC in Onaga and Havensville, KS
Of the dogs I have tested in these cities in the past year I have found 12 to be positive. Five of these have tested positive in the last month. (January 2000)
Heartworm infection is a life-threatening disease. These worms that can be up to 14 inches in length reside in the right side of the heart and into the large artery leading to the lungs. These parasites are transmitted by mosquitoes. Any dog that can be bitten by a mosquito is at risk of contracting this disease.
After being infected a dog can go several years before it shows any signs. Unfortunately once these signs show up irreversible damage has usually been done to the heart and lungs. The most prominent sign is coughing and fatigue on exercise. These signs can progress to heart failure, liver failure, and kidney disease.
Testing for this disease is a simple blood test that takes 10 minutes in out office.
There is a treatment for this disease although it is not free of complications. It is much better both for your pet and for you financially to
PREVENT this disease from occurring in the first place.Prevention consists of a once a month treat you give your dog. This medication is very effective if given consistently. Your animal MUST be tested negative prior to giving it the prevention.
Contact the Animal Health Clinic at 785-889-4246 to schedule an appointment to have you dog checked and put on prevention.