04/01/2025
‼️‼️AWARENESS MONTH EDUCATION POST‼️‼️
In the spirit of National Heartworm Awareness Month in April and National Lyme Disease Month in May, we will be offering a 15 percent discount on our 4dx test throughout the month of April.
Call and get your beloved pets tested!
Below you can read some educational information on both diseases. Thank you all
Just like humans, pets, particularly dogs and cats, are also susceptible to tick-borne diseases. The type of diseases pets can contract from tick bites can vary depending on the geographic location and the types of ticks prevalent in that area. Below are some common tick-borne diseases that can affect pets:
1. Lyme Disease
* Symptoms in Pets: Lethargy, joint pain or swelling (which may cause limping), fever, loss of appetite, and in severe cases, kidney damage.
2. Ehrlichiosis
* Symptoms in Pets: Fever, reduced appetite, weight loss, depression, nose bleeds, and eye problems.
3. Anaplasmosis
* Symptoms in Pets: Fever, joint pain, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
4. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
* Symptoms in Pets: Fever, skin lesions, cough, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and joint pain.
5. Babesiosis
* Symptoms in Pets: Pale gums, lethargy, weakness, jaundice, dark-colored urine, and fever.
6. Tick Paralysis
* Symptoms in Pets: Gradual onset of weakness in the hind legs, which can progress to paralysis.
7. Hepatozoonosis
* Symptoms in Pets: Fever, muscle pain, lethargy, weakness, and weight loss.
Prevention is the best method to protect pets from tick-borne diseases. This includes:
* Regular use of tick preventative treatments, such as topical medications, oral medications, or tick collars.
* Keeping lawns mowed and bushes trimmed to reduce tick habitats.
* Checking pets for ticks after they've been outdoors, especially if they've been in wooded or grassy areas where ticks are common.
* Promptly and safely removing any ticks found on pets.
* Discussing with a veterinarian about vaccines that are available for some tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease.
If a pet exhibits symptoms of a tick-borne disease, it's essential to take them to a veterinarian promptly for diagnosis and treatment. The veterinarian may perform blood tests to identify the disease and prescribe appropriate medication and supportive care..
Understanding Heartworm Disease in Pets
Heartworm disease is a serious health threat to pets across many parts of the world. It's a condition where parasitic worms live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of an affected animal, causing severe lung disease, heart failure, organ damage, and can be fatal if left untreated. Here's what you need to know to keep your furry friend safe:
Transmission: Heartworms are spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up baby worms, which then mature into larvae within the mosquito. When that mosquito bites another animal, the larvae are deposited onto the surface of the animal's skin and enter the new host through the mosquito's bite wound.
Symptoms: In the early stages of heartworm disease, many pets show few symptoms or may even be asymptomatic. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include:
* A mild persistent cough
* Reluctance to exercise
* Fatigue after moderate activity
* Decreased appetite
* Weight loss
* Swollen belly due to excess fluid
* Difficulty breathing
Diagnosis: Heartworm disease is diagnosed through blood tests that can detect the presence of heartworm proteins, called antigens, or the microfilariae (baby worms) in the bloodstream.
Treatment: Treatment for heartworm disease can be risky and is also potentially toxic to the pet’s body. The preferred treatment is an FDA-approved drug that kills adult heartworms in the heart and adjacent vessels. Treatment usually involves a series of injections followed by a period of rest.
Prevention: Prevention is the best approach to heartworm disease. There are several FDA-approved heartworm preventives available in the form of chewable tablets, topical liquids, and injectable products. These preventives are highly effective and, when administered properly on a schedule, can protect pets from the risk of heartworm disease. Year-round preventive medication is recommended in many areas.
Environmental Control: Reducing your pet's exposure to mosquitoes can help prevent heartworm disease. This includes eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed and using mosquito repellents that are safe for pets.
Regular Vet Check-Ups: Annual screenings for heartworm disease are recommended, as early detection is critical for successful treatment. Even if your pet is on a preventive regimen, regular check-ups are essential to ensure your pet remains heartworm-free.
Remember, Heartworm Disease is more easily prevented than treated. Keep your pets safe by consulting with your veterinarian and adhering to a recommended preventive care routine. If you suspect your pet may be showing signs of Heartworm Disease, contact your vet as soon as possible for an evaluation.
