12/30/2024
Uh-oh! 😟 A positive in-house microfilaria test was not part of our 2024 bingo card, but here we are. 😓
This test was run after our patient’s heartworm test came back positive. ☹️
Now you may ask yourself,
•What is a ‘microfilaria test’?
- A test that provides evidence of infection, determines the size and shape of the larvae, and helps with treatment. Which in this case helped us confirm the positive SNAP HWT results.
• “What is a ‘heartworm’ and how can my pet get it?”
- Heartworm is a parasitic worm that can cause dirofilariasis, an infection by a parasite that is transmitted through an infected mosquito bite.
•”How do I know if my pet has heartworm?”
- It can take anywhere from 6-8 months to start seeing actual signs, for the larvae have to reach the adult stage. Sometimes, it can even take up to two years to see any signs.
- Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, lethargy, collapsing, or fainting. With the most obvious symptom being a persistent, dry cough.
• “Can I get heartworm from my pet?”
- No, humans cannot get heartworm from their pets.
- Heartworm disease affects dogs, cats, ferrets, and even other animal species such as wolves, coyotes, and foxes, with dogs being their primary host of the worm.
• “Is heartworm fatal?”
- Yes, heartworm is fatal, and if left untreated, heartworm disease will progress and damage the dog's heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, eventually causing death.
• “How can I prevent my pet from getting heartworm?”
- The best way to prevent your pet from getting heartworm is to give them a heartworm preventative medication year-round.
- Staying up to date with their yearly heartworm tests is also a great way to keep up to date with your pet’s status.
Getting in contact with your veterinarian and discussing which form of heartworm treatment best suits your pet is always the best way to go! ☺️
