I just saw a statistic from the American Heartworm Society that 1,000,000 dogs are infected with heartworms right now. There has been interest of late in the number of infected dogs and the geographical patterns of infection. The Mississippi River Valley seems to be the "hotbed", starting in Cape Girardeau, MO and extending South. Some theories involve Hurricane Katrina or the socioeconomic status of the residents in those areas. Heartworm and mosquito gurus can't agree on what exactly is happening with these pockets of infection, many positive dogs were on preventive. They are reluctant to say we have a super-heartworm that is resistant to the preventives on the market but some people are crying resistance. All the preventives available are in the same class of drugs and that generates speculation that we don't have a long term solution.
What does this mean for YOU and YOUR DOG - right now?
- Heartworm preventive is available and affordable - explore your options
- Geographic areas outside of the MS river valley are NOT experiencing preventive failure
- If you have a heartworm positive dog within a one mile radius of your home your unprotected dog has a 50% chance of becoming infected
- If your unprotected dog is kenneled outdoors - that just rose to a 75% chance of becoming infected
- Heartworm disease is dangerous or fatal if left untreated
- Heartworm treatment is expensive, uncomfortable, lengthy and requires cage confinement
Ask someone at your veterinarian's office about your pet's options for heartworm preventive. Educate yourself about the disease, how it is transmitted and what the benefits and limitations of preventives are. With a little information you can find a preventive that fits your pet's needs and your preferences.
Dr. Snyder
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