Heartworm Life Circle.  Courtesy: www.lowndescounty.com

By Dr Lana Watler
Cayman Animal Hospital 946-VETS

My neighbour’s dog died last month of the heartworm disease – what exactly causes this? Is it contagious and should I be worried about my own two pets?

Heartworm disease is one of the most serious, debilitating and potential fatal conditions that can befall a dog in Cayman. It is caused by a long and slender worm, Dirofilaria immitis, that lives in the heart and adjoining blood vessels. Damage to the heart, lung and other major organs can occur before there are any visible sign of illness and so many owners don’t even realize their pet has a problem until the disease is well advanced.

This insidious killer is transmitted from dog to dog by mosquito bites. In Cayman mosquitos exist year round and just one infected dog can become the source of infection for a whole neighborhood, so it’s easy to see why the disease is widespread here. So YES, you should be worried about your pets – it is a necessity for every dog owner in Cayman to be aware of this problem, to take it seriously, and to take steps to ensure their pet is not the next victim.

Heartworm disease can be treated, but successful therapy depends on early detection (by a simple blood test), prompt treatment and close veterinary supervision. Prevention is by and large the best way to go – and it’s so easy! A monthly chewable or topical medication (about $4- $6 per month) is available that is 100% effective in preventing the infection. Simply put, if a dog lives in Cayman and is not on the preventative, it is guaranteed to contract the disease.

Cats, even indoor cats, can get heartworm disease too (remember, it just takes one mosquito bite!) and for them, there is no treatment. Again, prevention is the key with a special medication just for cats.
So be a smart, responsible owner – ask your veterinarian about a preventative now, before its too late.