Ветеринар из Флориды призывает владельцев животных к ежемесячной профилактике сердечного глистоза

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Heartworm disease can pose a serious and potentially deadly threat to pets, and Florida’s warm climate means prevention is especially important throughout the year. For this week’s edition of Petology, Marsha Panuce, founder of Donte’s Den, joined ABC7 to discuss how heartworm disease spreads, the warning signs pet owners should watch for, and why consistent prevention can make a major difference. Heartworm disease is transmitted through bites from an infected mosquito. Because mosquitoes remain active year-round in Florida, Panuce stressed that pet owners should not think of heartworm as only a summertime concern. “All seasons, especially in Florida,” Panuce said. Once a dog becomes infected, heartworms can grow and cause significant damage to the heart, lungs and blood vessels. In severe cases, the disease can become life-threatening. One challenge for pet owners is that signs of heartworm disease may not always be obvious early on. Panuce said symptoms can include a mild cough, fatigue and weight loss. That makes routine testing and consistent prevention particularly important. Treatment for a dog that has already developed heartworm disease can be lengthy and difficult. Dogs undergoing treatment may need medication and significant restrictions on physical activity while they recover. Panuce said Donte’s Den has seen firsthand what that process can mean for an animal. As the sanctuary approaches its 15th year, she said two dogs have come into its care with heartworm disease. “The shots are painful, the medicine is just awful, and we have to keep the dogs quiet,” Panuce said. Both dogs went on to live good lives after treatment, she said, but continued prevention remained important. Heartworm disease can also affect cats. Unlike dogs, no approved medication eliminates adult heartworms in cats, making prevention especially important. At Donte’s Den, Panuce said the sanctuary uses monthly heartworm prevention to protect the dogs in its care. While preventive medication can be an added expense for pet owners, she said the benefits far outweigh the potential cost and difficulty of treating the disease later. Her biggest message to pet owners is simple: Heartworm disease is preventable. “Get whichever one your dog is willing to take and do it every month,” Panuce said. “It’s a one-month deal for 12 months. So keep it up.” Pet owners should talk with their veterinarian about routine heartworm testing and which preventive option is appropriate for their pet.