Heartworm is a potentially fatal disease transmitted by mosquitos to both dogs and cats.
Heartworm is found in the greater Fresno area, and any dog or cat with exposure to mosquitoes is at risk. Symptoms may be silent early in the infection, but over time the symptoms progress leading to life-threatening heart or lung disease. Symptoms in dogs typically present as coughing, difficulty breathing, or exercise intolerance. In cats symptoms are more variable but could include bronchitis-like symptoms, or vomiting.
The good news is that the disease is completely preventable! Both topical and oral preventatives are available to protect your pet. In dogs, a heartworm test and examination are required before starting on a preventative. In cats, due to conditions unique to the cat, testing interpretation can be difficult. As a result, although an exam is required, testing is not, before starting a cat on heartworm preventative.
For the month of September, the CCSPCA Small Animal Hospital will offer a $10 discount on the exam to start your pet on heartworm medication. This offer is available to animals who have not been on heartworm prevention previously. Please mention this article when you come in to receive the discount. To make an appointment, call the hospital at 237-1125 weekdays.