Heartworm Disease and Prevention:

Royle Veterinary Clinic treats and prevents heartworm disease in cats and dogs using a variety of methods. Heartworm prevention is important and has serious and potentially fatal consequences to dogs and cats. The disease is caused by a parasitic worm, Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Typically this has been a disease of warmer climates but we are seeing more and more cases in the pacific northwest. 

Heartworm disease is treated and prevented as follows:

1) Preventative Medications: Cat and dog owners are strongly advised to use prescription preventative medications, such as topical or oral treatments. These preventative medications are highly effective in preventing heartworm disease when given regularly. They work by killing the immature heartworms before they can develop to adulthood.

2) Annual Heartworm Testing: Annual testing is strongly recommended to detect heartworms, even if preventative medications have been administered. Testing generally involves a blood test, which can detect the presence of adult heartworms.

3) Treatment: Treatment for heartworm disease in dogs can be lengthy and expensive as the worms are difficult to kill. However, there's no specific/approved medication for treating heartworms in cats. In some cases, veterinarians may prescribe medications that will help control the symptoms or in severe cases refer to a specialist for removal. Please visit the American Heartworm Societies website for details about the treatment process.

4) Preventive measures for reducing mosquito populations. Mosquitoes can breed in stagnant water, so it's important to eliminate standing water and make sure your pet's environment is mosquito-free.

Overall, treating and preventing heartworm disease is critical to the health and wellbeing of dogs and cats. By working with your veterinarian and following their recommended prevention plan, you can help to keep your furry friend free of this potentially fatal disease.