Heartworm Screening
Due to a jump in heartworm cases (LA county had 7 reported cases in 2008, followed by 23 in 2009) Malibu Coast Animal Hospital will be doing heartworm testing at reduced prices during the months of June and July 2010. Our Heartworm & Lyme combo test, normally $57, will be $40 and our Heartworm test, normally $38, will be $25. These tests are done in house, with results coming back in just minutes. No appointment or exam is necessary, tests will be done on a walk-in basis. Please allow up to 30 minutes when bringing in your pet. We will be walking your pet to the back for the blood draw. (If for any reason you'd like to see a doctor is well, you do need to schedule an appointment).
Please call us at 310-317-4560 if you'd like to schedule an appointment. Drop-ins are preferred between 10am and 4pm on weekdays, and 10am and 1pm on weekends. Please direct any questions or concerns about heartworm to information@malibuvets.com.
Heartworm disease is caused by a mosquito-borne parasite called Dirofilaria immitis. This parasite infects dogs, ferrets, wolves, coyotes, seals, sea lions and, occasionally, cats. Heartworms live inside in the large blood vessels leading from the heart to the lungs. Animals may become infected when bitten by mosquitoes that are carrying the parasite. Mosquitoes pick up the parasite when they bite an animal that has an active infection. Infection can be present for awhile before symptoms appear. Symptoms may include tiredness, problems breathing, coughing, and heart failure. Infected dogs and coyotes are reservoirs for the disease.
Since 2005, fifty-six cases of heartworm infection have been reported in Los Angeles County pets, with three cases in cats and fifty-three in dogs. Nineteen infections (33.9%) were considered locally-acquired because these pets had no recent travel outside of Southern California. Twenty-six cases (46.4%) were considered imported, with the animal likely being infected outside of Southern California. In eleven cases (19.6%) there was not enough information about the animal and the location the infection was likely contracted was unknown. The majority of the cases (62.9%) had no symptoms on presentation. In the other cases, symptoms included cough (23.2%), fatigue (17.9%), and heart failure (8.9%).
Of special concern is that in some cases, heartworm treatment is not done. Of the 59 cases recorded, 10 (17.9%) had no reported plans to treat the animal. Untreated animals may act as reservoirs for the disease, infecting more mosquitoes. A 2004 study found that 5-20% of Southern California coyotes are infected with heartworms(1). Coyotes can also act as a reservoir for the disease.
Help reduce mosquito breeding by dumping any standing water on your property every 48 hours. Mosquitoes feed the most at dawn, dusk and at night, so it is best to keep your pet indoors at night.
Rattlesnake Bites
Rattlesnake bites are an all too common occurrence here in Malibu and the surrounding areas. If your pet is bitten by a rattlesnake, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Clinical signs include pain/swelling at the site of the bite, lethargy, weakness and collapse. The sooner that the animal is treated, the better the outcome. Typical treatment includes placement of an intravenous catheter, administration of anti-venin, antibiotics, and pain medication. With the proper treatment, the prognosis in most cases is good.
Prevention is the key. It is recommended that when hiking in the hills, you pet be kept on a leash so that you can monitor the environment for snakes. Rattlesnake aversion classes are held several times a year to help train your dog to avoid snakes. We at Malibu Coast Animal Hospital highly recommend a rattlesnake vaccine, manufactured by Red Rock Biologics, for pets in high-risk areas (www.redrockbiologics.com).
Over-heating
Over-heating is also a common problem, especially during the summer months.
- Never leave your pet in a vehicle unattended.
- Try to walk your dogs in the early morning or late evening hours. Avoid mid-day walks/hikes when the temperatures are at their highest.
- Always bring fresh drinking water on your hikes and walks.
- If your pet has breathing difficulties, i.e. they are brachycephalic (pugs, boxers, bulldogs, etc) or have a history of laryngeal paralysis, avoid activities that may elevate their body temperature.
- If your dog is over-heating, it is best to try to cool them down as quickly as possible. Wetting the dog in a cool-water bath or with a garden hose is a good first step, then get to your local animal hospital immediately.
Other News
We are continuing to offer anesthesia-free teeth cleanings with Barbara on Tuesdays and acupuncture with Rick on Wednesdays! Please call for an appointment.
