Edmond Veterinarian Warns Pet Owners About Heartworm Dangers
(firmenpresse) - EDMOND, OK -- (Marketwire) -- 03/25/12 -- White Oaks Veterinary Clinic is warning pet owners about the dangers of heartworm disease. While completely preventable, this disease continues to affect one in 20 dogs in the Edmond community. A monthly prevention program is the only way to effectively prevent the disease. Treatment for dogs suffering from heartworm can be expensive and is not always effective. The is urging pet owners to use a monthly preventive medication to keep their pets heartworm-free. The also provides comprehensive pet wellness services, including vaccinations, spay and neuter, and pet dental care for small animals and horses.
Dr. Jennifer Bianchi, a and co-founder of White Oaks Veterinary Clinic, is warning pet owners about the dangers of heartworm disease. Together with and fellow veterinary hospital co-founder Dr. Mark Bianchi, Dr. Jennifer Bianchi is working to raise awareness about .
"One in 20 dogs in the Edmond area will test positive for heartworm disease," said Dr. Jennifer Bianchi. "Heartworm disease is a serious but preventable condition. Monthly medication is an affordable and effective prevention method that will keep pets healthy and heartworm-free."
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite transmitted through mosquito bites. When an infected mosquito bites an animal, the mosquito injects a microscopic larva into the animal's bloodstream. The larva then migrates to the heart of a dog. A fully-grown parasitic heartworm can be between six and 18 inches long.
Common symptoms of heartworm in dogs include coughing, which occurs when the heartworms begin to crowd the lungs. As the disease progresses, dogs may struggle to exercise or be active as they become easily winded. In severe cases, the worms will crowd out the dog's ability to circulate blood between the lungs, heart and brain, which can eventually lead to a painful death.
"Heartworm disease has been reported in every state, and is a reoccurring problem here in Edmond," said Dr. Mark Bianchi. "While easy to prevent, heartworms are expensive and difficult to treat. The disease can be incredibly painful for a dog, and even with treatment may lead to death."
If a dog tests positive for heartworms, , including blood work and , are necessary to determine the extent of the infection. The dog will then be given a serious of two or three injections of an arsenic-based treatment to kill the heartworms. Treatment may cost as much as $1,000 or more, including the diagnostic work.
"Even with treatment, not every dog survives," said Dr. Jennifer Bianchi. "Sadly, we've seen cases here at our where the parasites had caused such severe damage to the lungs and blood vessels that the dog sadly was unable to survive."
According to the veterinarians, post-treatment care can also be difficult. When the heartworms are killed, they break into pieces. These pieces may break off and cause a pulmonary blockage, which can cause a pet's death. Pet owners must keep their pet still following treatment and avoid exercises for several months.
Pet owners who wish to learn more about heartworm prevention may do so by contacting the through their website .
White Oaks Veterinary Clinic
Edmond, OK
1-888-667-5235
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Unternehmensinformation / Kurzprofil:
Datum: 25.03.2012 - 15:00 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 128069
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Town:
EDMOND, OK
Kategorie:
Healthcare
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