Heartworm Cases Up for Area Dogs

The McHenry County Animal Control and Adoption Center has reported three dogs that have been brought to the shelter as strays from Algonquin, Crystal Lake and Woodstock that have tested positive in recent weeks for heartworm.  

These cases are more than all the previous months of 2013 combined, according to a McHenry County Department of Health press release.  

It is believed these animals were infected at least six months ago or perhaps earlier. Heartworm is comparable to West Nile virus.  

Heartworm disease cannot pass directly from dog to dog but is transmitted by mosquitoes, which the area has seen a dramatic increase in following a wet spring and summer. 

An annual blood test for heartworm disease is recommended for dogs. Untreated dogs become a source of infection for other dogs as mosquitoes will carry the disease from one dog to another.  

Heartworms live inside the circulatory system, not the intestine.  It can take up to six months from the time an infection occurs before the test is positive. Veterinarians encourage medication, which can be administered once a month to prevent heartworm; many veterinarians advise using it year-round. 

Failure to treat dogs with heartworm can lead to death from congestive heart failure.  Prescription oral, topical and injectable products are available. 

Heartworm prevention is cost effective as compared to treatment, which can include hospitalization and costly medications. 

Read more about preventing heartworm at http://www.heartwormsociety.org/ or view a short video from the American Veterinary Medical Association at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ye5yRLwLuM.  

Source: McHenry County Department of Health press release