We recently diagnosed a patient with a heartworm infection, marking the fifth case this year. In Canada, heartworm season typically spans from May to November, whereas in regions with warmer climates, the risk persists year-round.
Our office manager and laboratory technician, Maria, identified microfilaria in the blood smear of this heartworm-positive patient. We are sharing this video to raise awareness about the importance of heartworm testing and prevention.
In the video, you can see a microfilaria moving around. These tiny microfilaria will then develop into adults and continue to reproduce. The worms will migrate through multiple arteries, veins, and organs of the dog including the heart, causing irreversible damage and if left untreated, eventually death. Untreated and undiagnosed dogs with an active heartworm infestation act as a reservoir for the spread of the disease. Hungry mosquitos feed on the blood from infected dogs and then spread the disease when they feed on the next unsuspecting animal.
We consistently advocate for annual Heartworm and Lyme disease testing, as well as year-round parasite prevention (including flea, tick, heartworm, and intestinal parasites) from May/June through November. Yearly prevention measures are strongly encouraged. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information or with any questions you may have. š¾
Farley Foundation Fundraising Continues!
If swimming is your furry friends favourite Summer activity give this post a read about water safety in regards to "Dry Drowning"! š¾āš¦
While the term āDry Drowningā is an outdated medical term, it is still a present-day danger. Dry Drowning involves INHALING or SWALLOWING water. This irritates and fills the lungs hampering a pets ability to breath. This causes a dogās vocal cords to spasm and close the airway making breathing increasingly more difficult (in this case, the water doesn't even make it into the lungs).
Please see attached signs and symptoms to watch for this summer! š¾
Tis the season for swimming, sun bathing and outdoor activities! There is nothing better than spending your days outdoors during the Summer months, but we want to ensure that we familiarize our Imperial Road Animal Hospital Family on the importance of Heat Safety!š¾ā
Please ensure to monitor your pet for potential Heat Stroke symptoms. Heat stroke is a term commonly used for hyperthermia or
elevated body temperature. Generally speaking, if a pet's body temperature exceeds (39.4Ā°C), it is considered abnormal or hyperthermic. Body temperatures above (41Ā°F) without previous signs of illness are most commonly associated with exposure to excessive external or environmental heat and are often referred to as heat stroke.
The critical temperature where multiple organ failure and impending death occurs is around (41.2Ā°C to 42.7Ā°C).
Hyperthermia is an immediate medical emergency. Safe, controlled reduction of body temperature is a priority. Cool water (not cold) may be poured over the head, stomach, armpits and feet, or cool cloths may be applied to these areas. If using cool wet cloths, these should be continually replaced, or they will start to retain heat. Ensure a continuous flow of air across the dog to help increase evaporative heat loss until treatment is received at your Veterinary Hospital.
It is important to remember that dogs cannot control their body temperature by sweating as humans do since they only have a relatively small number of sweat glands located in their footpads. Their primary way of regulating body temperature
is by panting.
Other common causes of heat stroke include being left in a yard without access to shade or water on a hot day, being exposed to a hair dryer for an extended period of time, and excessive or vigorous exercise during hot temperatures.
We hope this post helps keep your favourite furry friend(s) safe this summer! š¾ā¤ā
Bella and Phantom play sessionš¾šø
āWelcome Wednesdayā is back everyone!š¾ Because we missed last week it is only fair to provide you with double the cuteness and double the fun!š¾
So everyone letās welcome Bella and Phantom to the Imperial Road Animal Hospital Family!! As you can see these two adorable little felines were visiting us for our splash pad services!š¾ Watching these to play around with one another and enjoy their visit with us just made our day!š¾
We thought it was only fair to share the cuteness!! Enjoyš¾š¾
Do you struggle at home with pilling your cats with their oral medications?
Well we have a fun FRIDAY tip for you!
Jade one of our Registered Veterinary Technicians has made a step by step video to help make this experience easier for both you and your furry friendsš¾
If you would like to purchase any pill pockets to help you out give the clinic a call at 519-773-8186
