Vet clinic sees canine heartworm on increase

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Spring flooding and frequent rains create stagnating water puddles which in turn create excellent mosquito breeding areas which in turn can create serious health problems for dogs.

That's because mosquitoes are the cause of heartworm in man's best friend, and veterinarians at Nicollet-New Ulm Veterinary Clinic report "heartworm disease appears to reaching an all-time high in the New Ulm area."

Dr. Sharon Hurley said the New Ulm clinic alone had 25 diagnosed cases last year and has already diagnosed 10 cases this year.

"With the increase in positive diagnosis in the New Ulm area, we are concerned there is an increasing number of positive dogs acting as reservoirs for transmission," Hurley said.

Heartworm disease is transmitted from dog to dog, and occasionally cats, by mosquitoes. There is no breed distinction, Hurley explained. All dogs are susceptible, no matter how little time they spend outdoors.

Dr. Greg Windschill believes prevention is the key to dealing with heartworm disease.

"A small blood sample is all that is needed to check whether a dog is already exposed to the disease," Windschill explained. "Once it has been determined that the animal is negative, then the animal should be given a monthly prevention medication no later than 30 days after temperatures go above 50 degrees."

Windschill recommends the last dose of the season should be given in December or given year-round if it is a mild winter. The reason is the medication destroys the immature heartworm larvae that have been transmitted by mosquitoes in the previous 30 days.

Dr. Deb Kaehler believes the number of cases may be higher because more people are having their pets tested. She said the dogs that test positive appear to fall into three categories: those who are several years old and have never been tested; dogs whose prevention medication started either too late in the spring or ended too early in the fall; and dogs who missed a monthly dose.

Dr. Bill Baumgartner reminds pet owners that heartworm disease is treatable, but by the time the disease is diagnosed, irreversible damage to the heart and lungs may have occurred.

"The treatment also is expensive and stressful for the dog," he said. "So it is best to prevent the disease by annual testing and monthly heartworm preventive medication from early spring to December in Minnesota."

Contact your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns about your pet having heartworm disease.