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Located in Evansville, Indiana, East Side Animal Hospital is a veterinary practice devoted to the care of our companion animal friends. Conveniently located, we see dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and many other exotic pets. As an accredited member of the American Animal Hospital Association, we are dedicated to providing excellence in small animal care. AAHA standards are recognized around the world for the highest quality of care in veterinary medicine.

We specialize in laser surgery, dentistry, preventative care, boarding, pet travel preparation, and all of your pets' prescription needs including heartworm and flea and tick prevention. We carry pet food, treats, collars, leashes, and other accessories for your convenience. Make your appointment today to experience the difference in quality pet care!

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Protect Your Pet's Heart Year-Round!

Is your pet on year-round heartworm prevention? Did you know that it only takes one mosquito to transmit heartworm disease to your pet and infection can occur any time of year?

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the arteries of the lungs and the heart. Heartworms are classified as nematodes, a species of roundworm. Dogs are considered the definitive hosts for heartworms. However, heartworms can infect more than 30 species of animals, including coyotes, foxes, wolves, domestic cats, ferrets, sea lions, and in rare cases, even humans.

Canine heartworm infection is prevalent in the United States and has been found in dogs native to all 50 states. All dogs, regardless of their age, sex, or habitat, are susceptible to heartworm infection. The highest infection rates in some states can reach up to 45% of dogs that are not maintained on heartworm preventive. Regions where heartworm disease is common have diagnosed infections in dogs as young as one year of age, with most areas diagnosing infections primarily between the ages of three and eight years old.

The disease is spread by mosquitoes that become infected with the worm larvae while taking a blood meal from an infected animal. Within the mosquito, the larvae mature and when the mosquito bites another dog or susceptible animal, the larvae actively migrate to the lungs and heart of the new host. It takes approximately six months for the infective larvae to mature into adult worms that begin producing offspring. Adult heartworms can live for five to seven years in the dog.

Signs of heartworm disease in dogs include coughing, lethargy or exercise intolerance, and difficulty breathing. The onset and severity of the disease is mainly a reflection of the number of adult heartworms present, the age of the infection and the level of activity of the dog. Dogs with higher numbers of worms are generally found to have more severe heart and lung disease changes. A very active dog is more likely to develop severe disease with a relatively small number of heartworms than an inactive dog. Dogs with a low number of adult worms in the body that are not exercised strenuously may never show apparent signs of disease.

As the disease progresses, the heart becomes enlarged and weakens due to an increased workload and congestive heart failure may occur. Occasionally, a dog with a large number of heartworms may not only have worms in the heart, but also in the large primary vein of the lower body between the liver and the heart. If the heartworms are not removed surgically, this syndrome causes sudden collapse and death within two to three days.

Due to the wide-spread nature of heartworm disease, all dogs in all regions should be considered "at risk" and should be tested for heartworms annually. Year-round heartworm prevention is extremely important. Contact your veterinarian for more information about heartworm prevention medication.

www.heartwormsociety.org

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For more information, please call 812-477-3826 or email us.

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