The ugly truth about heartworm

The truth of the matter is: heartworm cases are on the rise. We are seeing more and more in San Gabriel all the time. It's a nasty nasty bug that is transmitted by mosquitoes, even your indoor pets can be at risk.

Another truth is that it is easier to prevent than it is to treat. The treatment is extremely extensive and can even prove fatal to some pets. It can take at least seven months from the time your pet is bitten by a mosquito for the larvae to mature into an adult heartworm. They find themselves spots in the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels and begin to make more little heartworms. It's completely disgusting because an adult heartworm can grow up to 12 INCHES in length and your pet can have up to 250!!!!

Some people feel that just because it's cooler in the winter months, and we don't see as many mosquitoes, that their pets aren't at risk. This is not the case. This is especially true in So Cal where we can proudly say we wear flip flops and shorts; your pet is at risk year round. So lets be honest your pet does need year round protection. Yea yea yea I know... it can be expensive, and sometimes difficult with day to day things, to remember to give them prevention every month. It's worth it in the end to know that your pet is safe.

Okay kids time for our check list:

·   Your pet is at risk YEAR ROUND.

·   Heartworm tests can be done at the hospital and take 15 minutes to run.

·   Annual exams and heartworm tests are a great place to start.

·   Year round prevention!!! Its a once a month pill that is a chewable treat. Or you can go the topical route. 

Either way prevention is the best way to keep your pet safe. If you have any questions about heartworm, prevention, or all of the above, give us a call or come in.

To your pets good health!

Brittany

www.templecityanimalhospital.com

626-278-1173

5406 Rosemead Blvd.

San Gabriel CA, 91776

Do I really need to bring in a fecal sample?

 Many of you may come into the hospital for an exam and/or vaccines and hear us recommend a "Fecal sample to be sent into the lab to be tested".  Some of you may be asking, “is that really necessary?” I sat down with our very own Dr. Rosencrantz and got the low down on this gross but very necessary request.  

(photo courtesy of NASA)
  

    First and foremost: We understand it’s gross to have to put your pet’s poop in a container.  Trust me, I feel the less I have to handle my own pet’s feces the better.  Did you know, even if you may not see any worms in your pets feces it doesn't mean they are safe from internal parasites?  When we send out a sample to the lab they are testing for numerous parasites and worms (gastrointestinal and respiratory). Things like roundworm, hookworm, tapeworm, whipworm, giardia, and coccidia usually cannot be found visually in your pets poo.  The lab can do the job of looking under the microscope for these parasites as adults and as eggs.  

  

    Unfortunately, most of these gross/disgusting things can be transferred to humans. We want to make sure you and your pet lead a healthy, worm-free life.

  Now I know your next question, “What would be some symptoms that I should look for in my pet?!” If your pet has soft stools, diarrhea, or vomiting it is strongly encouraged that you bring them in for an exam, and please bring your fecal sample with you!

  

  Okay so lets make a check list:

•   Gastrointestinal worms and parasites cannot always be detected by the human eye

•   Annual fecal tests, even without signs or symptoms, are a great way to make sure you and your pet are safe from these nasties

•   Annual exams are always recommended when it comes to your pet’s health. Doctors may be able to pick up on small changes that you may not have noticed.  We can make sure your pet’s heart and lungs sound free and clear and that your pet doesn’t have weight gain or loss.  

•   When making an appointment for your annual exam remember to bring the fecal sample with you!  We don't mind how stinky it may be, we love sending out fecal samples!  

•   Remember to wash your hands if you have been in the lawn or litter box where your pet does business.

    If you are seeing signs that your pet may have parasites, if you have any questions, or if you would like to make an appointment, give us a call.  

To your pets good health!

Brittany

www.templecityanimalhospital.com

626-278-1173

5406 Rosemead Blvd.

San Gabriel CA, 91776