Louisiana leads the country with the highest number of heartworm positive animals. Spread by mosquitoes, heartworm disease affects a large portion of all animals that come to the Louisiana SPCA.
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the arteries of the lungs and heart of cats, dogs and other mammals. All cats and dogs are susceptible to infection and in rare circumstances, Heartworms have even been found in humans.
While Heartworm disease can be successfully treated in dogs, there is currently no treatment for cats. The cost for treatment varies depending on the veterinarian but can be very costly.
Prevention
Heartworm disease is completely preventable and treatment is safe and inexpensive! Some treatment options include chewable tablets, topicals or injections. The key is to provide Heartworm preventatives properly and on a timely schedule each month. As a pet owner it is your responsibility to faithfully maintain the prevention program you select during a consultation with your veterinarian.
Before we can recommend the best type of heartworm medication for your pet, we do need a negative heartworm test on file at out Community Clinic.
How does my pet get heartworms?
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