Pets routinely, if unintentionally, expose themselves to many serious health threats, including the threat of heartworm infestations. These long, thin worms can do extensive, potentially fatal damage to an animal's body without treatment, or better yet, preventative care. Here at Vine Veterinary Hospital, we can protect pets throughout Durham, NC, and Chapel Hill, NC, against the perils of heartworm. A “veterinarian near me” on our veterinary team is here to help.
The Dangers of Heartworm Infestations
Heartworms don't enter your pet's body in their mature form. Instead, mosquitos carrying the larval form inject the larvae into the pet's body when sucking blood. The larvae grow to maturity in the heart and lungs. As they grow and reproduce, they can severely impair a dog's heart and respiratory functions. An affected dog may tire easily, display breathing issues, and eventually die.
Cats infested with heartworm have it both better and worse than dogs. On the plus side, cats are less likely to develop a heartworm infestation. On the other hand, if they do get an infestation, they are mostly likely not going to recovery from it.
Heartworm Treatment at Our Chapel Hill Clinic
For dogs, the treatment regimen involves several phases. It is long, painful, and expensive process to rid your pet of these parasites. The good news is that your dog should survive and be able to return to full health at the end
Unfortunately, the same treatments will not work for cats. This means that it will be much harder to treat your cat. Don’t give up hope, however. Bring your pet to a veterinarian our veterinary team we will do our best to help your cat endure the infestation
The Smartest Strategy: Prevention
Instead of putting your pet through lengthy, complicated treatment for heartworm, do both of you a big favor by preventing your pet from getting an infestation in the first place. Our team can put your dog or cat on preventative medications. There are a variety of different types of preventive medicine to use and a veterinarian on our team can help you to make the right decision. Some of these medications even protect against other kinds of parasites as well.
Get Pet Care from a Veterinarian on Our Veterinary Team
A veterinarian on our veterinary team can check your Durham, NC, or Chapel Hill, NC, pet for heartworm, administer treatment if necessary, or prescribe the right preventative medication to keep these parasites at bay. Don't wait on this important form of care -- schedule an appointment with our office today. We at Vine Veterinary Hospital are here to help. Call us at (919) 942-5117 for pet care from a “veterinarian near me.”
