Heartworm in Pets:What Pet Owners Need to Know
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition affecting dogs and, less commonly, cats across Australia, including right here in Victoria. The good news? It’s almost entirely preventable with the right care and awareness.
What is Heartworm?
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. These worms live in the heart and blood vessels of infected animals, where they can grow up to 30cm long and cause significant damage over time.
Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up microscopic larvae, which are then passed on to another pet when the mosquito feeds again. These then travel through the bloodstream and grow in the heart and blood vessels.
Why is Heartworm a Concern in Victoria?
While heartworm is more common in warmer, northern regions of Australia, cases still occur in Victoria, especially during warmer months when mosquito activity increases. With changing climate patterns and pet travel, the risk is not something to ignore.
Signs and Symptoms
In the early stages, pets may show no clinical signs. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include:
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue or reluctance to exercise
- Weight loss
- Blood in saliva
- Nose bleeds
- Ascites (accumulation of fluid in abdomen)
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse
- Death
In cats, signs can be more subtle or sudden, including vomiting, breathing difficulties, or even sudden death.
Diagnosis
Heartworm is typically diagnosed with a blood test, called an “antigen test”. In dogs, this detects proteins from adult female worms, so it is recommended to be done every year, as it cannot detect larvae. Additional tests such as X-rays or ultrasounds may be recommended to assess the severity of infection.
Treatment
Treatment for dogs with heartworm is complex, costly, and not without risks. It involves a series of injections to kill the adult worms, along with strict exercise restriction to prevent complications.
Unfortunately, there is no safe, widely accepted treatment for heartworm in cats, making prevention even more critical.
Prevention is Key
Preventing heartwormis simple, safe, and far more affordable than treatment. Options include:
- Monthly oral tablets
- Topical spot-on treatments
- Annual injections (for dogs)
Your veterinarian can help you choose the best option for your pet’s lifestyle.
Year-Round Protection Matters
Even in cooler months, mosquitoes can still be present indoors or during mild weather. That’s why year-round prevention is strongly recommended for pets in Victoria.
Heartworm disease is serious and can be fatal, but it’s also highly preventable. Staying consistent with your pet’s preventative treatment is one of the easiest ways to protect their long-term health and wellbeing.
If you’re unsure whether your pet is protected or due for prevention, don't hesitate to call us on (03) 7053 7730.
Keeping your pet safe starts with prevention, because a healthy heart means a happy life!
