Heartworm Alert
by the No. County Humane Society and SPCA

Heartworm disease, once thought to be rare in southern California, has been increasing in this region over the last 15 years. It is a serious and potentially fatal disease in dogs. Dr Don Kang has reported seeing five dogs test positive for heartworms this spring in his practice at College Pet Clinic, Oceanside. The gradual increase in incidence is supported by reports from other veterinary hospitals in San Diego County.

Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes when they feed from dogs that have the larval form in the bloodstream. The mosquito then transmits the disease through bites to unsuspecting dogs. Cats and people may also be infected but the incidence is quite rare.

Heartworms are found in the heart and large adjacent vessels of infected dogs. The female worm is six to fourteen inches long and 1/8 inch wide; the male is about half the size of the female. One dog may have as many as 300 worms. Symptoms include coughing and loss of physical condition.

Heartworm disease is thought to have been introduced to our region due to the increased national mobility in the last 7-10 years. The pets of people moving here from areas where heartworm disease is common such as the Atlantic seaboard, southern states and the Midwest, are thought to be the cause of the spread of this disease locally.

Annually heartworm testing and year-round prevention are the best ways to keep your dogs safe. All dogs must be tested for heartworm disease before the animal is placed on prevention medicine to avoid an aberrant drug reaction. Talk to your veterinarian to keep your pets safe and healthy.