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5495 North Federal Blvd.
Denver, CO 80221
303.455.2131
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1075 Aviation Dr
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
928-505-2131
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Spring weather and holidays provide special concerns for the pet owner. Before these times are here you need to take
certain precautions to make sure your pets don't suffer.
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Heartworm Disease
Heartworms, a potentially deadly problem, are spread by the pesky mosquito, and you know we have plenty of those! You
have a choice of either a daily medication (Filaribits), or a monthly such as Heartgard and Interceptor. There're even products that
combine monthly heartworm prevention with monthly flea prevention (Sentinel, a tablet; or Revolution, a topical). Ask us to test your pet
today and then start on prevention right away. It's the least you can do for a friend.
What is Heartworm?
- Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis or D. immitis) is transmitted by mosquitoes
- It can be found in most areas of the country where mosquitoes breed
- When a mosquito bites an infected animal, the heartworm larvae are ingested along with the blood
- Larvae mature to the infective stage within the body of the mosquito then are transmitted to a dog or cat through another mosquito
bite
- Once inside the host animal, heartworms travel to the lungs and the right side of the heart, where they can grow and mate for several
years
- Adult heartworms reside in the pulmonary arteries, or right heart if large amount of worms are present and can grow to a length of
5-to-12 inches in dogs and 5-to-8 inches in cats.
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The early signs of heartworm disease in dogs:
- Fatigue
- Nonproductive cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Exercise intolerance
- Weight loss
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The signs of heartworm disease in cats:
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing and chronic vomiting
- Occasional collapse
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Rapid heart rate
- Convulsions
- Sudden death
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