Compassion - Integrity - Commitment
Spring is almost here (WE HOPE)
It's that time of year again. Yes, the season we've been looking forward to for the past few months is finally here-SPRING! However, along with the warmer weather, blooming flowers and sunshine come some unpleasant pests. Among these is the pesky mosquito, which among other things, transmits the deadly canine parasite heartworm. This blood-borne parasite causes heart and liver failure, and causes disease in hundreds of pets in Kentucky every year. Another parasite we will soon see is the tick, which transmits a number of diseases including Lyme disease. Also, fleas will soon be here as well. And intestinal parasites are a risk all year. Lot's of nasty pests!
Parasite Blood Screening
Each year all dogs, and some cats should have a parasite blood screen. The parasite blood screen checks for 3 significant diseases: heartworm, Lyme, AND ehrlichiosis. It is important that this blood test be performed to ensure your pet is not already infected by these parasites. If they are, they can be treated as soon as possible, before permanent serious health problems arise. A simple blood test that requires only a few drops of blood can be done while you wait, with results available in just 8 minutes. If the test is negative for all 3 parasites, your pet can safely be started on one of the monthly preventatives. Keep in mind that we do see fleas year round, and that intestinal worms can be picked up all year as well.
What can you do to protect your pets?
Well, the good news is that excellent parasite preventatives are available to prevent heartworm disease, fleas, ticks and intestinal parasites. Most of them prevent fleas as well. They are given as a monthly tablet or applied topically (to the skin) once per month. All are very safe and effective. Ask our doctors which preventative would be best for your pet.
When should monthly parasite treatment be started?
Testing can be done any time of the year, but should definitely be done before starting any parasite preventatives. Many pet owners choose to have the test done while their pet is in for the annual health exam and vaccines. T he current recommendation from CPAC (the Companion Animal Parasite Counsel), and what the doctors at our hospital recommend - to administer parasite preventatives year round, all 12 months of the year. This is the best protection for your pets, and your family, as many of these parasites are zoonotic (i.e. can be transmitted to people). Your pet should start on a monthly preventative as soon as possible if they are not already on one.
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in dogs and cats. It is exactly as its name states...worms in the heart and lungs that cause damage so severe that over time, the heart can no longer function.
It is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. The adult stage of the parasite is found in the heart and major blood vessels of infected animals.
Heartworm infection has been found by veterinarians in all 50 States. All dogs and cats regardless of their age, sex or habitat are susceptible to heartworm infection. Learn more ...
Please Note: Pet owners reading these pages need to know that most heartworm preventative manufacturers will not cover the treatment if the pills are purchased on line and fail, as they have no way of knowing for sure those were actually their products. It is always best to purchase the pills from a clinic.
See what the FDA has to say about buying drugs online for your pet.
.
It's that time of year again. Yes, the season we've been looking forward to for the past few months is finally here-SPRING! However, along with the warmer weather, blooming flowers and sunshine come some unpleasant pests. Among these is the pesky mosquito, which among other things, transmits the deadly canine parasite heartworm. This blood-borne parasite causes heart and liver failure, and causes disease in hundreds of pets in Kentucky every year. Another parasite we will soon see is the tick, which transmits a number of diseases including Lyme disease. Also, fleas will soon be here as well. And intestinal parasites are a risk all year. Lot's of nasty pests!
Parasite Blood Screening
Each year all dogs, and some cats should have a parasite blood screen. The parasite blood screen checks for 3 significant diseases: heartworm, Lyme, AND ehrlichiosis. It is important that this blood test be performed to ensure your pet is not already infected by these parasites. If they are, they can be treated as soon as possible, before permanent serious health problems arise. A simple blood test that requires only a few drops of blood can be done while you wait, with results available in just 8 minutes. If the test is negative for all 3 parasites, your pet can safely be started on one of the monthly preventatives. Keep in mind that we do see fleas year round, and that intestinal worms can be picked up all year as well.
What can you do to protect your pets?
Well, the good news is that excellent parasite preventatives are available to prevent heartworm disease, fleas, ticks and intestinal parasites. Most of them prevent fleas as well. They are given as a monthly tablet or applied topically (to the skin) once per month. All are very safe and effective. Ask our doctors which preventative would be best for your pet.
When should monthly parasite treatment be started?
Testing can be done any time of the year, but should definitely be done before starting any parasite preventatives. Many pet owners choose to have the test done while their pet is in for the annual health exam and vaccines. T he current recommendation from CPAC (the Companion Animal Parasite Counsel), and what the doctors at our hospital recommend - to administer parasite preventatives year round, all 12 months of the year. This is the best protection for your pets, and your family, as many of these parasites are zoonotic (i.e. can be transmitted to people). Your pet should start on a monthly preventative as soon as possible if they are not already on one.
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in dogs and cats. It is exactly as its name states...worms in the heart and lungs that cause damage so severe that over time, the heart can no longer function.
It is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. The adult stage of the parasite is found in the heart and major blood vessels of infected animals.
Heartworm infection has been found by veterinarians in all 50 States. All dogs and cats regardless of their age, sex or habitat are susceptible to heartworm infection. Learn more ...
Please Note: Pet owners reading these pages need to know that most heartworm preventative manufacturers will not cover the treatment if the pills are purchased on line and fail, as they have no way of knowing for sure those were actually their products. It is always best to purchase the pills from a clinic.
See what the FDA has to say about buying drugs online for your pet.
.
Heartworm disease is an illness that can be easily prevented but is fatal if left untreated.
Spring brings more than flowers............
it also brings fleas, ticks and heartworm risks
it also brings fleas, ticks and heartworm risks
I have WHAT?????