Getting to the heart of prevention, early detection to protect against dangerous heartworm infections

Mosquitoes are more than mere nuisance. They also spread serious diseases. Heartworm disease is a particular threat to our dog patients in Florida. Our state regularly tops a list that no one wants to be on – the highest density of diagnosed heartworm cases. The Sunshine State is joined by Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and other coastal states with this dubious distinction. Our climate, as well as the presence of untreated wildlife, present a breeding ground for these parasites to thrive. 

It doesn’t have to be this way. The serious complications of heartworm disease are preventable at the Jacksonville office of Orange Park Animal Hospital at Oakleaf. 

The mosquito-heartworm connection

“Heartworm” gets its unusual name from the long worms that can damage the heart and major blood vessels. When the blood vessels are damaged, the heart cannot pump or function properly. How do they reach the heart in the first place? This is where mosquitoes play a vital role. 

Mosquitoes may bite or feast on the blood of infected animals. When this happens, the baby heartworm or microfilaria grows in the mosquito and develops into an infective larva within a week and a half to two weeks. The larva is then transferred to a new “host” when the mosquito feasts on another dog, cat, or animal. It takes six months for the larva to grow into mature heartworms. They can call your pet dog “home” for up to seven years!

Our primary veterinarian, Dr. James Gillen, takes a special interest in parasitic disease and wellness. Dr. Gillen applies his considerable knowledge and passion to protecting your pet from threats posed by heartworms and other internal and external parasites. Since these potentially deadly infections are 100% preventable in our dog and cat companions, he essentially encourages:

• Getting your pet into a routine of an FDA-approved heartworm preventive – He will discuss options and an appropriate schedule for your pets
• Proactive testing – It is important to note that preventives are just that – they prevent. They do not kill adult heartworms. With proper blood tests, we can still stay ahead of the disease. We can “catch” and treat adult heartworms and microfilariae early before they set up shop in your pet and wreak havoc on their organs and health

Such exams and screenings are essential to your pet’s wellness. Do not wait for concerns like coughing and disinterest in food to arise to schedule an appointment. Call (904) 560 8006 to reach our team in Jacksonville, FL. 
Many of the preventives you need to keep your dog or cat their healthiest “best” are also covered by the Orange Park Animal Hospital at Oakleaf in-house Wellness Plans for puppies, kittens, and adult dogs and cats.