Question:
Over the years, I've had many types of dogs -- from thoroughbred to mongrel, small to large, and all of these pets have lived to a very old age (most to about 17 years). I have never given these dogs "heart pills," and most of my pets have had to be put down because of severe arthritis -- none of them for heartworm.The pet I now have is a beagle, weighing about 24 pounds. On the advice of the new vet, I began giving the dog the heart pills. And the vet now wants to do a heartworm test before he will allow me to purchase any more heart pills. This test is to be done every two years.If the dog is on heart pills and has been getting them faithfully since a puppy (right after the first heartworm test), why does another test need to be done?Perhaps you might want to address this issue in your column, as I am sure these thoughts have crossed many a dog owner's mind.
S.W.W., Hendersonville, NC Jun 03, 2007
Answer:
Heartworm disease, transmitted by mosquitoes, has become more prevalent in recent years, even in cats. With climate changes, this and other insect-born "tropical" diseases will become more common in North America.No medicine is 100 percent fail-safe, and you could forget to give your dog the monthly heartworm preventive. Therefore, a blood test every two years, as your veterinarian advises, is called for.In colder states, where heartworm preventive medications are not given during the winter, a blood test before starting medication in the spring is advisable.
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