Dog Heartworm is Risky to Treat, But Prevention is Key

While heartworm disease is certainly a serious health risk, the good news is that it is also one of the most easily prevented conditions. Monthly heartworm preventives come in convenient oral forms (such as Heartgard Plus or Sentinel) or easily-applied topical applications (such as Revolution).

It is recommend using a heartworm preventive every month year-round. In the long run, maintaining your dog’s heartworm protection is money well spent.

The fact is, heartworm infection is still an extremely serious health concern for your dog, and the risk of it is widespread.

The American Heartworm Society notes that adult heartworm disease has been reported in dogs in all 50 states. Adult heartworm disease can cause severe damage to the heart, lungs and other organs, and can eventually lead to death. While it is true that there is a treatment for adult heartworm disease, the treatment can be costly, requires hospitalization, and is not without the risk of side effects.

The Heartworm Life Cycle depends on the mosquito. When the insect bites an infected dog, it takes in tiny
heartworm larvae (microfilariae) that have been circulating in the animal’s bloodstream. Once inside the mosquito, the microfilariae mature into infective larvae, eventually migrating to the mosquito’s mouthparts, to be transmitted when the insect bites another animal.

In the new host, the larvae continue to develop, eventually migrating through the bloodstream to the lungs, heart and associated vessels, where they cause inflammation  and obstruct blood flow. As the larvae become adult worms, they mate and produce more microfilariae, continuing the cycle. The heartworm life cycle, from larva to adult worm, generally takes about 6 months.

If a dog develops heartworm infection, the drug Immiticide (melarsomine hydrochloride) is the only one that is approved by the FDA for the treatment of adult heartworm disease in dogs. Immiticide is given by deep injection into the muscles of the back, usually in two or three doses over the course of about a month.

As the drug works, dead and dying worms in the heart and lungs can cause an inflammatory reaction in the body. While Immiticide is better tolerated by the body than the previously used drug Caparsolate, the dog must still remain hospitalized during treatment to be observed for the development of possible side effects.

After treatment the dog's activity level must be quite limited to reduce the chance of pulmonary thromboembolism (obstruction of blood flow in the arteries of the lungs, caused by dead heartworms), which can lead to death.

Dogs should be confined to a crate and leash walked outside to eliminate only. Heartworm positive dogs must be exercise restricted from the time of diagnosis until four weeks after the final Immiticide injection.

Follow-up diagnostic testing may be needed after treatment, also. Although treatment will kill the adult heartworms, it cannot repair any damage that they may have done prior to treatment.

FOLLOW US!

9 Pet Conditions That Cannot Wait for Medical Attention

Every pet, throughout the course of their lives, will encounter some health issues. Even with annual vet checkups (and these are a must), your pet will occasionally show signs that all is not quite right in their world. Unfortunately, pets can’t tell us what’s wrong, so it’s easy to overreact—or worse, underreact—to any given situation.

“Pets want to please their owners and are great at hiding pain or discomfort or if they are simply not feeling well,” says Dr. Mel Paquin, chief medical director of the Animal Medical Center of Surprise in Arizona. “[They] will have a much better prognosis if you are proactive in getting them seen by a professional.”

Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to drag your dog to the vet every time his dinner doesn’t agree with him. But there are some conditions that should set off alarm bells, as they can indicate something seriously wrong. We’ve compiled a list of these conditions that cannot wait. If you see these signs, you’ll need to take your pet to the vet immediately.

To read more on this story, click here: 9 Pet Conditions That Cannot Wait for Medical Attention

FOLLOW US!

DC Ranks 2nd in Top 10 Cities for Prevalence of Heartworms in Pets

The D.C. area ranks second in the nation out of 200 metropolitan cities examined for cases of heartworm disease among pets, according to a report by the Companion Animal Parasite Council.

Washington comes in behind Moreno Valley, California, on the list and above Newark, New Jersey, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, in the top five.

Craig Prior, past CAPC president, says that the organization has seen a 20% rise in cases of heartworm disease nationally in the last five years.

“When we’re seeing these spikes in the prevalence rates in places like D.C. and other areas where you normally won’t see large numbers of heartworms, we realize that there’s something going on here that you need to be aware of and that you need to talk to your veterinarian because your dog has got the potential to be exposed,” said Prior, who has been a veterinarian for more than 35 years.

To read more on this story, click here: DC ranks 2nd in top 10 cities for prevalence of heartworms in pets


FOLLOW US!

What Questions Should I Ask Before Adopting a Shelter Dog?

I am proud to be the owner of a former shelter dog who is a mutt (my PAL Buster might look and act just like a Black Lab, but I assure you, with pleasure, that he is a mutt). I am someone who will always own a dog, and I have decided that I will only own rescue or shelter dogs. Therefore I am a big fan of October, which is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.

Behavioral and lifestyle questions for yourself and shelter staff
The decision to adopt a shelter dog (or any dog) needs to be come from introspection. Shelters have dogs to suit any situation or lifestyle. What sort of dog do you desire? What sort of dog can you handle?

The latter question is the more important one. Human-canine relationships work only when the human is the leader. I do not subscribe to schools of thought that recommend humans be aggressive or domineering with dogs. However, dog owners must be sufficiently competent and confident to lead the relationship gently. This is for the safety of the dog and all of the people who meet the dog.

Unfortunately I have met many people who have misjudged their confidence and competence when adopting dogs. The result invariably is a bad relationship in which the dog does not respect its owner. A shy, fearful, hesitant, or inexperienced owner who adopts a spirited, challenging dog will probably suffer with behavior problems over time. These behavior problems can devolve into a situation that can be fatal for the dog; euthanasia for behavior problems unfortunately is common in this world.

If you are an experienced dog owner who enjoys the robustness of a relationship with a spirited dog, then by all means adopt one. If you are inexperienced or if you lack confidence, then you need to look for an easy going, easy-to-handle dog.

To read more on this story, click here: What Questions Should I Ask Before Adopting a Shelter Dog?


FOLLOW US!

The 10 Most Common Mistakes That Dog Owners Make

1. Not Reading Up on Different Dog Breeds 

The most common mistake future dog owners make, according to Gina Spadafori, pet columnist and executive editor of PetConnection.com, is not doing enough research before heading to the breeder or shelter. "People end up with a pet that is inappropriate for their home, their living situation and their lifestyle," says Spadafori.

"Dogs come in such a huge range of sizes, temperaments and exercise needs." Before you buy or adopt, consider your space, children, other pets and any allergies. If you have a particular breed in mind, pay attention to genetic traits. "Know what genetic diseases are possible in the breed or the mix of breeds you're getting," Spadafori says. "And do not get a dog from a breeder who did not do the genetic testing." To find out what tests each breed needs, visit CanineHealthInfo.org.


2. Assuming a Puppy Is Always Better Than a Dog

Puppies are extremely needy, requiring ample amounts of time, attention, training and more. "When people think about puppies, they don't think about how much time and money is involved in that first year," Spadafori says. "If your real goal is to get a good dog, then pick one that is 1 or 2 years old." A number of breeders train dogs for shows, and if those dogs don't make the cut for whatever reason, the breeder will be looking to place that dog, who is already trained and socialized in a good home.

Great dogs are also available at animal shelters. "It’s a mistake to think the older dog won't bond with you," Spadafori says. "The best dog I ever had I got at 2 years old. Rescue dogs know when they've found their forever home."


3. Not Making Exercise a Priority

Dogs are physical animals, and need daily exercise for optimal health, which means their owners need to make time for that as well. "Dogs had a working role in the past. They herded cattle, they guarded stuff, they retrieved stuff…now they're born retired," says Marty Becker, DVM, author of Your Dog: The Owner's Manual. He recommends brisk walks, playing fetch with tennis balls and, for larger breeds such as golden retrievers, a Chuckit Ball Launcher. "A basic rule of thumb is that all dogs should receive at least 45 to 60 total minutes per day of physical exercise and 15 minutes of behavioral training to be happy, well-adjusted canines," says Michael Landa, CEO of Natural Pet Food brand Nulo. "And this is really just a starting point. The actual amount can vary greatly depending on the dog's age, breed and health status."


4. Not Reading Pet Food Labels

While many people pick their dog food based on price, there are several other important factors to consider, particularly nutrition. "Pet food can have a huge effect on how your pet feels, which can translate into how your pet behaves," Landa says. The key is understanding the ingredient list. "The first two ingredients should be meat and meat meals.

Dogs are carnivores. They really need high-meat diets, and that's the only way to guarantee you'll have a high amount of protein," Landa says, recommending brands such as Nulo, Wellness and Castor & Pollux.


5. Doling Out Too Many Treats

Obesity is a huge problem with dogs, especially in the United States. In fact, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 55 percent of dogs are overweight or obese. "Everybody gives treats; veterinary nutritionists give their pets treats," Dr. Becker says. However, he cautions that treats have their place, and should be used sparingly. Instead of special snacks, Dr. Becker recommends taking their regular food and giving it to them away from the bowl, which turns it into a treat. Or just give your pet more words of encouragement or "emotional Milk-Bones," as Dr. Becker calls them, such as: "You're a good boy," "That's a good girl!" “They go crazy, their tails wag and there are no empty calories." Whatever approach you take, Dr. Becker advises that treats should never account for more than 10 percent of your dog's daily caloric intake.


6. Babying Your Dog Too Much

Dressing them up, talking baby talk and sleeping with your dog may sound like good ways to show love, but that’s not always the case. "It may be good for us, but it is not the best thing for your dog," Landa says. "People think it's really cute to have their dog sleep with them in bed, but dogs are pack animals, so if you're letting your dog into the bed without permission, your dog begins to think of itself as on par with the pack master." This makes it harder to enforce rules and control bad behavior. "You're telling him on the one hand that he's equal to you, and on the other that he's not, so it can create anxiety," he says.

Boundaries and rules make dogs happier because they know exactly where they fit in. If you do want to sleep with your dog, Landa recommends only letting him on the bed when you invite him, so that there is a clear division of authority.


7. Washing Your Dog Only When Dirty

Bathing your dog can be cumbersome, but it’s essential for his or her health. Veterinary dermatologists recommend bathing your dog once a week to get rid of spores, dust, dust mites and even MRSA, the highly resistant staph virus. "Most of the time humans give MRSA to pets, and pets act as a reservoir and ping-pong it back and forth.

A new study showed that bathing was more effective for getting rid of it than using antibiotic treatments," Dr. Becker says. Plus, a clean coat makes for an even more huggable dog.


8. Not Brushing Their Teeth

Sometimes you don't even want to brush your own teeth, let alone your dog's. But according to Dr. Becker, this is one of the biggest problems in canine health. "The number-one thing we diagnose is periodontal disease,” he says. “So if you do daily oral care, or even a few times weekly, you'll be saving yourself money in the end." Brushing every day is the gold standard. But if you can't, there are alternatives, such as a dental vaccine against periodontal disease, as well as oral health products, like the C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Kit and C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews. "Dog's teeth are not only used for chewing, they are their front hands, that's how they pick up something and carry it," says Dr. Becker.

More important, they need their teeth to regulate their body temperature. "If those teeth aren't in place, they can't pant, and if they can't pant, they can't regulate heat


9. Passing on Parasite Control

Parasite control isn’t a pleasant topic, but it’s a necessary one. Year-round coverage is essential; to prevent parasites, get a veterinary checkup every six to 12 months, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council's guidelines.

Ask your veterinarian what parasites your dog is at risk for, it will depend on your pet's lifestyle, location and anything that's going around the neighborhood. In addition, have a heartworm test performed annually, and a fecal examination at least twice a year to make sure your pet’s system is clear.


10. Being Unprepared for Serious Illness

Understanding your dog’s breed and its healthcare needs is important, but it’s especially important when it comes to recognizing the symptoms of serious illness. "Have a basic list of symptoms handy," recommends Spadafori. "Knowing what is and isn't an emergency will save your dog's life and save you a lot of money." And if your pet is sick, don’t waste time trying to help him yourself. "If you are worried your dog is critically ill, you need to get hold of a vet. You cannot go online and get a diagnosis or a cure," she says. "People think they're saving money by not going to the vet, but then you're going to end up with a very sick dog and spend a lot more money." Before an emergency arises, inform yourself by researching your dog at DoggedHealth.com or at Animal.Discovery.com.

FOLLOW US!

Coolridge Animal Hospital: Our Raffle Has Begun - Purchase Your $1.00 Ticket Starting Today Until April 30th - Win One Year of Heartworm/Flea/Tick Prevention, for Your K-9 or Feline Fur Baby

Our Raffle has begun!  Purchase your $1.00 ticket starting today until April 30th. Winner will receive 1 year ( 12 months) of Heartworm/flea/tick prevention, for your K-9 or Feline fur baby, this is a $200.00 value.

All proceeds going towards our Rainbow Bridge Memorial Garden.

Haven't heard about our Rainbow Bridge Memorial Garden?

Please read: Coolridge Animal Hospital: We Are Building a Memorial Rainbow Bridge Rock Garden for All of Our Fur Babies Who Have Crossed Over - Come to Our Yard/Bake Sales for the Next Two Saturdays, April 25th and May 2nd

Coolridge Animal Hospital
6801 Old Branch Ave
Camp Springs, Maryland
(301) 449-1610

Website: Coolridge Animal Hospital

Please Share!

FOLLOW US!

Ticks and Fleas on Cats Q&A

With just a few exceptions in the United States, fleas and ticks are a common problem for us, and our cats. So we went to internationally known flea and tick expert Michael Dryden to find out how to fight the flea and eliminate the tick. Dryden has a doctorate in veterinary parasitology, is a founding member of the Companion Animal Parasite Council, and has conducted research on almost every major flea and tick product on the market.

To read more on this story, click here: Ticks and Fleas on Cats Q&A FOLLOW US!

Houston, Texas - Homeless Man Can No Longer Care for Pup That Found Him - Do You Have Room in Your Home and in Your Heart for Butch?

A young dog in Houston, Texas, currently spends his days on the streets with a homeless man named "Joe." The one-and-a-half-year-old dog, named "Butch," suddenly appeared one day and Joe did his best to take care of the homeless pup that seemed to have no one else.

Unfortunately, Joe already had two dogs that he was caring for when Butch arrived, and one of his dogs does not get along with the newcomer. Though Joe loves Butch, he needs to find somewhere else for the dog to go.

The following information has been stated about Butch:

Butch is about 1- 1 1/2 years old. He had horrible mange and was very skinny when he first appeared. He is very people friendly and dog friendly but not with one of Joe's altered male dogs. He is fine with the other altered male dog.

Butch is not altered. I doubt he has been on heartworm preventative. A friend donated some flea preventative for all of them. But Butch definitely needs a bath!

A good Samaritan is working to help Joe find a home for Butch - the individual has obtained pledges which can be utilized for Butch's veterinary needs and she has offered to be the contact for potential rescue agencies or adopters. Anyone who has questions or who would like to help in some way can email: jchppl@gmail.com

Note: Prospective adopters will be screened for suitability by the individual who is taking emails about Butch.

(To subscribe to The Pet Tree House, click on this icon
in the black drop-down menu on your right. Thank you.)

on Twitter @thepettreehouse

Visit my blog! The News Whisperer, An informative blog of what's going on in your world today!
 at: www.whispersoftheworld.com

FOLLOW US!

Donations Needed for Dog Injured in Fall - Collar Embedded in His Neck

I am sharing from my friends at Willy's Happy Endings Animal Shelter

Willy's Happy Endings Animal Shelter: 
HELP!
We are currently at the vet with one of the worst embedded collar cases we have ever seen. This boy desperately needed our help after he fell from the bed of a truck and good Samaritans called the sheriff's dept.

He is heartworm positive, running a high fever, emaciated to the point of muscle atrophy, and has skin infections to boot.

We are dedicated to saving this boys life, but we need your help!

Please consider calling a donation in to the WHE account at North Stewart Vet for the embedded collar chow right away! 931-232-9900 you can also send a paypal to info@willyshappyendings.org or mail to W.H.E 2073 Wilma Rudolph Blvd. Clarksville TN 37040

Can't donate? You and/or your children can send 'get well' or 'good luck' cards and drawings to any of our animals and we will read them to them and hang them in their kennel!!
W.H.E. Animal Rescue
C/O {pet's name}
2073 Wilma Rudolph Blvd
Clarksville, TN 37040

This is his story:

$500 REWARD FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST OF THE MAN RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS CRUELTY + an additional $500 pledged by supporters

On the morning of 10/17/2014 a Grey/Silver Ford Ranger drove past the Garden Place on Woodlawn Rd. This dog jumped or fell out of the bed of the truck and good Samaritans rushed to help him. The women say the man driving was a very large African American man and that he turned around to come back for the dog but did not stop when he saw them with him.

Montgomery County Sheriff's Dept. and Animal Control were on scene and took reports and Willy's Happy Endings was called to provide treatment and safe harbor for the dog.
If you have any information on who this man may be please contact W.H.E. #931-217-4495.

Phoenix has suffered at the end of a chain, likely for his whole life. His choke-chain collar was double looped and likely put on him as a puppy. As he grew, it cut into his neck slowly causing extreme and ever present pain and damage to deep tissue. He now has a systemic infection, is emaciated, heartworm positive, and has road rash to boot. The person who caused this suffering must be found and punished. WHE will not stop fighting! Together, we can make sure Phoenix rises from the ashes of his old life and that Justice is done to the man responsible on his behalf.

FOLLOW US!

It Could Cost as Much as $2,000 a Year to Have a Dog

A new report says many of the most popular breeds these days are also very expensive, and can cost you thousands of dollars a year, something many people don't realize at the time of adoption.

Dog lovers won't like a report in Daily Finance  that says the first year cost of a puppy in 2014 can exceed $2,000, for initial cost, vaccinations, spaying, and training.

And, depending on the dog, you could easily pay another $2,000 a year after that.

For the average grown dog, you'll pay:

$200 to $500 a year for food ($1 a day for an average dog, but it adds up)
$200 a year for boarding for your week's vacation (unless you have relatives willing to help)
$500 for grooming (small designer dogs can cost much more in grooming costs)
$200 for annual vet visits (which is actually a low figure)
$500 for flea, tick, and heartworm medicine
That does not include leashes, travel boxes, rawhide treats and other items that cost several hundred dollars over a year.

And it does not include the cost of installing the very popular invisible fencing around your yard, which can cost $1,000 or more.

High cost of emergency vet care, as pets these days get care as good as humans.

Consumer Reports Magazine says to avoid a surprise $5,000 bill, you may want to consider pet insurance, or put a little bit in a "pet emergency fund" every month.

(To subscribe to The Pet Tree House, click on this icon
in the black drop-down menu on your right. Thank you.)

on Twitter @thepettreehouse

Visit my new blog! The News Whisperer, An informative blog of what's going on in your world today!
 at: www.whispersoftheworld.com

FOLLOW US!

Can Cats Get Heartworm? Yes, They Can

You may have thought heartworm disease only affects dogs, and it’s true that the infection is less common in cats. The cat is not a natural host for the heartworm parasite, Dirofilaria immitis, and so the heartworm is not likely to complete its entire life cycle. That means that fewer and smaller worms survive, and many do not reach a cat’s heart. The worms that do survive—and the resulting immune reaction that the cat’s body sets up to kill the developing worms, can cause severe health problems.


What Is Heartworm?

Spread by infected mosquitoes, heartworm is increasingly being recognized as an underlying cause of health problems in domestic cats. Despite its name, heartworm primarily causes lung disease in cats. It is an important concern for any cat owner living in areas densely populated by mosquitoes, and prevention methods should be discussed with a veterinarian.


How Are Heartworms Transmitted To A Cat?

The life cycle of the heartworm is complex and requires two host animals in order to complete it. Heartworms require the mosquito as an intermediate host and as many as 30 species of mosquitoes can act as this host and transmit heartworms. Mosquitoes ingest immature heartworm larvae, called microfilariae, by feeding on an infected cat or, more commonly, an infected dog. The microfilariae develop further for 10 to 30 days in the mosquito's gut and then enter its mouthparts.

When an infected mosquito bites a cat, it injects infective larvae into the cat. The larvae migrate and mature

for several months, ending up in the right side of the heart and the pulmonary arteries.

There they mature into adult heartworms capable of reproduction about six months from the time they enter the cat. Shortly thereafter, at around eight months after infection, they begin to produce a new crop of microfilaria that will live in the cat's blood for about one month. Cats are resistant hosts, and few circulating microfilaria are generally found.

How Can Heartworm In Cats Be Treated?

There are currently no products in the United States approved for treating feline heartworm infection. The good news is that many heartworm-infected cats are able to fight the infection themselves, and can be monitored with radiographs every few months, while waiting out the worms’ lifespan. If an infected cat shows symptoms of lung disease, the cat can be given a cortisone-like medication as needed. Medication can also be given to help control coughing and vomiting.

(To subscribe to The Pet Tree House, click on this icon
in the black drop-down menu on your right. Thank you.)

on Twitter @thepettreehouse

Visit my new blog! The News Whisperer, An informative blog of what's going on in your world today!
 at: www.whispersoftheworld.com

FOLLOW US!

Owners, Vets Reporting Even More Deaths Suspected to be Connected to Trifexis

Channel 2 consumer investigator Jim Strickland has discovered that hundreds more pet deaths are now blamed on a popular dog medicine.
       
Since Strickland first reported data collected by the Food and Drug Administration eight months ago, the number of death complaints is up nearly 40 percent, now coming in at a rate greater than one dog per day.
       
The FDA cautions there is no solid evidence linking Trifexis to any dog's death.  The reports are simply complaints from owners and vets in which the pill is suspected.
       
"It's just horrendous to watch an animal die such a horrible, painful, excruciating death," said Acworth resident Anita Bergen.

Bergen's case is included in the FDA data.

Her Scottie named Fergus was 10 years old when she tried Trifexis.
       
"The initial reaction from taking that one pill was horrible," Bergen said.
       
"One pill?" asked Strickland.
       
"One Trifexis pill was all he ever had."
       
Bergen says the dog lost all muscle control, lost his thirst and suffered liver failure.  She euthanized him two months after giving him the pill.
       
"I do feel deceived. I do not feel there was full disclosure," Bergen said.
       
Trifexis is a once-a-month pill to kill fleas, control parasites and prevent heartworm. TV commercials list side effects like vomiting and lethargy, but not death.
       
Strickland learned through the Freedom of Information Act that the FDA lists 965 complaints of dog deaths blamed on Trifexis.

That's an increase of 38 percent in the last eight months, and close to the total of 1,000 deaths linked to Chinese-made chicken jerky pet treats.
       
Drug maker Elanco maintains it can find no link between the pill and any dog fatalities.
         
"I see that as a cause for investigation, and as they're looking at those causes. I feel confident the FDA will follow through, but from our experience, we haven't seen it," said Cobb County veterinarian Toby Carmichael.
       
Carmichael says he and his partners have prescribed 75,000 doses of Trifexis with no adverse complications.
       
"My dogs have been on Trifexis since it came out and haven't had an issue once,” Carmichael said.

Physician Rochelle LePor has given her 7-year-old rescue dog Cooper nearly 40 pills over three years.
       
"I can only speak of my experience. For me, it’s like a wonder drug," she said.
       
"The FDA is not going to allow a product on the market that's going to hurt animals," added Carmichael.
       
Reports to Elanco's customer hotline have had an impact. There are now nearly 1,500 complaints of lost muscle control; a condition called ataxia.

Elanco added ataxia to its list of side effects two years ago.
       
Elanco also added seizures, the malady that hit a prize bulldog named Foxy, owned by 50-year veteran breeder Nancy Harrison.

The dog developed additional symptoms beyond her veterinarian's control.
       
"So you were forced to euthanize her?" Strickland asked.
       
"Yeah, if you saw it, you wouldn't want to live with it either. And never in 52 years had I had one before,” Harrison said.
       
Harrison stopped using the drug, even though her other dogs handled it without issue.
       
"It's hard to lose a dog. They're my children," said Harrison.

The mystery of their dogs’ deaths eats at her and Bergen.
       
"All the tests that are done, they're all inconclusive.  No one can ever say this death is absolutely the result of administering this particular medication. But all the owners, all the pet caregivers know," said Bergen.
       
The FDA says it's continuing to monitor reports, and considers the product label a living document.  To date, there are no plans to list death as even a rare but potential side effect.



Please Share!

FOLLOW US!