Heartworm

Heartworms are small worms that reside in your pet’s cardiovascular system. The words enter through the bloodstream and slowly grow until they reach maturity, which can take up to 6 or 7 months. The adult worms reproduce, causing more damage to your pet’s heart muscles and can be fatal if not treated properly. Since heartworms cannot be seen physically on your cat or dog’s skin, a blood test is needed in order to diagnose the disease and receive treatment.

Heartworm infection is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. The parasite larvae enter the bloodstream and eventually grow into adult worms, which can severely affect its organs and heart muscles. Some symptoms of heartworms include the following:

• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Exercise intolerance
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

At Citrus Heights Pet Hospital, we provide comprehensive heartworm testing and prevention services to keep your pet safe from this dangerous disease. If your furry friend is suffering from these symptoms, don’t hesitate to visit us for an emergency evaluation as soon as possible.

To protect your pet from heartworms, it is important that he or she receives regular treatment. Our veterinarians will evaluate your pet and provide a treatment plan that is designed to its individual needs. Along with prevention care for heartworms, it’s crucial that your cat or dog is up to date on other veterinary care, such as vaccines, flea and tick control, and regular check-ups. These measures can help your pet enjoy a long and healthy life.