Tinsel Safety

Many people decorate with tinsel during the holiday season, but it’s important to note that tinsel can be very dangerous for our pets! If pieces of tinsel are swallowed, their sharp edges can cut or get tangled and cause internal damage. Be sure to keep all of these dangers out of your home whenever possible.

Holiday Foods

During the holiday season, it’s important to make sure your pet is safe. Many of the foods we eat for the holidays are dangerous for our pets and could injure them or make them sick. Sugary treats, turkey, and especially turkey bones are things our pets should avoid. Keep an eye on your pet this holiday!

Pet Obesity

Is your pet overweight? Remember some of the main causes of pet obesity are the consumption of human food and inactivity. Be sure to keep all human food out of the reach of your pet and when possible, keep your young pets from knowing about human food at all! Keeping your pet from becoming a beggar can be essential to helping them remain at a healthy weight. And don’t forget to give your pet plenty of exercise to keep their bones and joints healthy, and to keep them lean.

Visit us online at www.apcnw.com! 

Fall Football Gatherings & Pets

Are you going to a football game or tailgate party this fall? We encourage you to keep your pet safe during these kinds of events. Portable grills can be extremely dangerous because they can be knocked over by rambunctious children and pets, and can burn them. Also, many of the junk foods that we eat when we’re at games and tailgate parties can be dangerous for our pets to eat. Keep your pet safe this season.
 

Visit us at www.apcnw.com for more information about Affordable Pet Care N.W. 

Pets & the Dangers of Chocolates

We have all heard “Don’t give your dog chocolate-it could kill him”.

Chocolate contains a xanthine compound, theobromine, which is toxic in sufficient quantities. Caffeine is another xanthine compound. Xanthines affect primarily the central nervous system, the cardiovascular system, and peripheral nerves. There is a diuretic effect as well. Clinical signs include hyperexcitability, hyperirritability, increased heart rate, restlessness, increased urination, muscle tremors, seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Fortunately, it takes a fairly large amount of theobromine (100-150 mg/kg) to cause a toxic reaction. On average, milk chocolate contains 44 mg of theobromine per ounce. Semisweet chocolate contains 150 mg/oz. Baker’s chocolate contains 390mg/oz.

There is no specific antidote for theobromine toxicity. Medical treatment is supportive. Inducing vomiting can help if the ingestion is known and has occurred within one to two hours. Administration of activated charcoal may inhibit absorption of the toxin from the digestive tract. It may be necessary to use medications to control the effects of the poisoning, especially seizure control medications, oxygen therapy, IV fluids, and medications to control the effects on the heart. Xanthines may be reabsorbed from the bladder, so urinary catheterization is recommended in order to prevent this.

If your pet consumes chocolate, call Affordable Pet Care N.W. right away. 

You will be asked 1) what kind of chocolate was ingested, 2) the amount ingested, 3) how much the animal weighs, and 4) when the chocolate was ingested.

Visit www.apcnw.com for more information about Affordable Pet Care N.W.!

Happy Birthday wishes to Dr. Jim Jensen! The team at Affordable Pet Care N.W. is grateful to have Dr. Jensen providing excellent veterinary care to the pets in our community! Thank you for all that you do for our team and we hope you have a PAWSitively PURRfect birthday today!

Visit us online at www.apcnw.com for more details about Affordable Pet Care N.W.

Pets & Pool Safety

Swimming is one of the most fun activities for a hot summer day, for people and pets! Just keep in mind that your pets need supervision just like your children. When you can’t be outside with them, keep your pool gates closed and locked to prevent unwanted swimmers from entering the area. Help keep your children and pets, and those who live in your neighborhood, safe!

Visit us online at www.apcnw.com! 

Pet Age Chart

Having trouble calculating your pet's age? We hope this Age Chart will help!

Today is Take Your Cat to the Vet Day

Did you know that your cat should be in to see us once a year all their life, and sometimes twice a year when they’re over seven years of age? Today is National “Take Your Cat to the Vet” Day—if your cat is due for a visit, call and schedule one today. Regular visits can help your cat live longer, because we can identify and treat problems sooner.

Visit us online at www.apcnw.com today! 

CHECKLIST FOR A SUCCESSFUL SENIOR CARE PROGRAM

1	Establish the Senior Care Team
	TASK OR ASSIGNMENT:	Assigned to Team Member	Completion Date
	Determine roles & responsibilities of each member:	_________________________	_______________
	o     Veterinarian	_________________________	_______________
	o     Practice Manager	_________________________	_______________
	o     Technician	_________________________	_______________
	o     Receptionist	_________________________	_______________
2	Set Senior Care Protocols
	TASK OR ASSIGNMENT:	Assigned to Team Member	Completion Date
	Set age for recruitment into program	_________________________	_______________
	Create separate canine and feline protocols (refer to AAHA Senior Care Guidelines), including: twice-a-year wellness exams, complete medical history, physical examination, laboratory work
		_________________________	_______________
3	Complete an Audit of Current Performance
	TASK OR ASSIGNMENT:	Assigned to Team Member	Completion Date
	Establish current compliance	_________________________	_______________
	o     Dog
	o     Cat
	Conduct the audit to establish baselines for future comparisons (For assistance in conducting an audit, speak with your Pfizer Account Executive.)	_________________________	_______________
	o     Identify compliance misses	_________________________	_______________
	o     Identify areas for improvement	_________________________	_______________
	o     Identify possibilities for increased revenue	_________________________	_______________
4	Create the Senior Care Program
	TASK OR ASSIGNMENT:	Assigned to Team Member	Completion Date
	Name your program	_________________________	_______________
	Establish goals for client participation:	_________________________	_______________
	o     Recommend to ___ clients
	o     Enroll ___ clients in program
	Determine the plan’s cost to clients	_________________________	_______________
	Create new computer codes for program, if necessary	_________________________	_______________
	Customize client communication tools
	o     Recruitment Letter and/or Recruitment Postcard	_________________________	_______________

	Create the Senior Care Program (continued)
	TASK OR ASSIGNMENT:	Assigned to Team Member	Completion Date
	o     Senior Care Folder with Label, for client to take home with the following materials:	_________________________	_______________
	o      Age Chart for Pets	_________________________	_______________
	o      Symptom Checklists (canine and feline)	_________________________	_______________
	o      Senior Care Health Report Card (canine and feline)	_________________________	_______________
	o      Handouts (for client folder) on variety of feline and canine topics: ·    When is My Dog or Cat Considered a “Senior”? ·    Aging or Illness? Signs of Age-Related Disease in Senior Dogs and Cats ·    The Senior Care Wellness Exam ·    Common Conditions in Senior Dogs and Cats	_________________________	_______________
	o     Reminder postcards for six-month Senior Care Exams	_________________________	_______________
	o     Senior Care Posters for reception area	_________________________	_______________
	o     Add Senior Care information to your website	_________________________	_______________
5	Consider Staff Training
	TASK OR ASSIGNMENT:	Assigned to Team Member	Completion Date
	Provide staff seminars on:
	o     Client Compliance	_________________________	_______________
	o     Overall Senior Care	_________________________	_______________
	o     Osteoarthritis	_________________________	_______________
	o     Dentistry	_________________________	_______________
	o     Nutrition/Obesity	_________________________	_______________
	o     Behavior/Cognitive Dysfunction	_________________________	_______________
	o     Blood Analysis	_________________________	_______________
	o     How to talk with clients about health care needs of senior pets	_________________________	_______________
	Create a staff resource binder	_________________________	_______________
6	Track and Measure Participation
	TASK OR ASSIGNMENT:	Assigned to Team Member	Completion Date
	Track number/percentage of eligible patients enrolled in program	_________________________	_______________
	Track client compliance with Senior Care recommendations	_________________________	_______________
	Begin to compile data on program’s impact on patient longevity	_________________________	_______________
	Track program’s impact on practice revenues	_________________________	_______________
	Reward team members as goals are met	_________________________	_______________

Pet Travel Safety

Going on an end of summer vacation with your dog? Don’t forget to be prepared to have him or her with you so that they can enjoy the trip too! Remember to pack as much food as your dog will need for the trip, and bring a jug of water with you on the road so they can have a drink if they get thirsty. Keep in mind that more than a few laps of water can be too much for a dog when you have many hours of travel ahead because it can cause a need to use the bathroom or nausea.

Visit us online at www.apcnw.com today! 

Saturday is National Homeless Animal Day

Have you ever purchased a pet from a shelter? Tomorrow is National Homeless Animal Day, to raise awareness about the many animals that have not yet found their forever homes. We encourage families who are looking to expand to consider checking local shelters…you never know, the pet of your dreams may be sitting there now waiting for you!

Visit our website at www.apcnw.com for more details about Affordable Pet Care N.W.! 

Pets & Hot Pavement

Have you ever thought about the way you hated walking on hot asphalt when you were a kid? As adults, we don’t spend as much time outside barefoot, so it’s easy to forget. We want to remind you that your pet goes outside barefoot every day and can experience this pain. It’s important to limit their time on black asphalt during walks, and when possible, take walks before it’s reached the hot part of the day. 

Pets & Truck Beds

You may sometimes see dogs riding in the beds of pick-up trucks, and it may look like they’re having fun, but it’s extremely dangerous. As pet owners, it’s our job to set boundaries for our pets to ensure their safety. We advise all pet owners to NEVER allow their pet to ride in the back of a pick of truck, as the result could be seriously injury or even death. Be safe! Let your pet ride in the cab with you. 

 Visit our website at www.apcnw.com! 

Pets & Camping

Are you taking your dog with you on a family camping trip this summer? Don’t forget to be prepared for pet care! It’s important that your pet is up-to-date on parasite prevention and has plenty of food and fresh, filtered or sanitized water to drink at the campground. Also, be prepared for safety by ensuring that your campground of choice allows dogs to visit, and that your dog has a place to sleep, preferably inside the tent where they won’t be bitten by insects or pestered by wild animals! Be safe, and the trip will be that much more fun!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.apcnw.com 

International Assistance Dog Week

This week is International Assistance Dog Week, celebrating the wonderful animals who offer their skills to the handicapped people who need them. Assistance Dogs are intelligent animals who undergo at least 2 years of special training to prepare them for their jobs.

Visit Affordable Pet Care N.W. online at www.apcnw.com 

Canine Arthritis

Arthritis is a very painful and common condition that affects older dogs. One in five adult dogs are affected by arthritis, and it has been reported to be the number one source of chronic pain that veterinarians treat every year. “Arthritis” simply means inflammation of the joints. Arthritis occurs when the protective cartilage, or lubrication (synovial fluid) of the joints breaks down.

There are two common types of dog arthritis. These types are known as degenerative and inflammatory. They are diagnosed by their causes, and both types of arthritis have basically identical symptoms. There are a number of causes of arthritis in dogs. Some common causes of arthritis include poor nutrition, obesity, trauma to the bones or joins and malformation of the dog’s bone structure.

Symptoms Of Arthritis

Weight gain/loss – Your dog may lose or gain weight when he has arthritis. He will likely sleep more than play and lose interest in activities, hence, he may gain some weight. On the other hand, he may be in pain from bending down to eat his food, so he may lose weight. Dogs may become depressed when dealing with arthritis, and this is a common cause of under/overeating.

Decreased interest in activity – Since your dog is in a significant about of pain, he will likely not become very excited to play and run around. Your dog may want to stop and turn around during a routine walk. Even playtime may seem like a huge effort when your dog has arthritis.

Difficulty sitting or standing – Your dog may find it hard to get up and may not move right away. The first few steps may be painful and appear stiff. He may become uncomfortable while sitting or standing and shift around a lot.

Hesitancy to jump or climb stairs – Jumping up on the couch for a cuddle may not be possible when your dog is suffering from arthritis. You may notice your dog does not want to jump up and sit with you as much anymore, and will choose to rest on the floor instead. He may also be hesitant to climb any stairs around the house as well.

Sleeping often – Lethargy is very common with arthritis. Your dog may not want to move around at all, so he will sleep to ease the pain in his joints.

Favoring a limb – This is known as limb lameness, and is a common symptom of canine arthritis. It may come and go, and can affect different legs at a time. Your dog may even limp.

Mood swings – Your dog may not want to play or listen when he is called. Because of the pain, he may become easily irritated if he is forced into any activity. Keep an eye out for noises when you touch him as well.

Home Remedies For Arthritis

Control Their Weight. A healthy diet is extremely important for your dog during arthritis. Getting rid of excess weight is beneficial for your dog, as he won’t have to carry any more weight around on his joints. Fat tissues secrete hormones that cause pain.

Apply Heat on Sore Joints. Applying a warm compress to your dog’s joints will help to ease the pain. Heat will penetrate deep into the muscle to the joint for relief. Keep in mind your dog cannot get up fast, so avoid burning him with a water bottle that’s too hot.

Light Exercise. Exercise should be regular, but not too strenuous. If your dog wants to turn and go back home after a short walk, let him. The key is constant exercise, but keeping it light and short. Avoid walking when it is too cold out, as the joints will be especially sore. Treadmills are great when supervised, and swimming is a great form of exercise as well.

Keep Them Warm and Comfortable. This is especially important on cold or wet days. Cold weather may cause the joints to be especially stiff or swollen. Add an extra blanket to his bed or let him sleep inside the house. Adding an extra pillow will also help keep him comfortable and ease pain in the joints.

Raise Food and Water Dishes. This is especially important if your dog has arthritis in the neck or shoulders. Bending down may cause tension and pain, so raising his food and water dishes will help him to eat pain free. You may notice a weight loss during arthritis, and the pain to eat may be the source of this.

Slip-Free Floors. Your dog may struggle when walking on hard wood floors. If you notice this, consider getting a rug for common areas he plays or rests. Using different cleaning products on the floors may also help with slipping paws.

Massage and Acupuncture Therapy. You can do massages at home or take your dog to a professional. Massages and acupuncture provide relief for sore, inflamed joints and will help to loosen these areas up.

Visit us online at www.apcnw.com for more information about Affordable Pet Care N.W. 

Pets & Ticks

As you enjoy the outdoors and related activities this year, don’t forget to frequently check your pets for ticks. These parasites will attach themselves to any available, warm-blooded host and engorge themselves. They can carry a variety of serious diseases....some even life-threatening. Affordable Pet Care N.W. can help you by offering recommendations and options on how to protect your pets from ticks. You can make play time outside for your pet fun and carefree by seeking tick prevention today! 

Visit our website at www.apcnw.com   

Pets & Microchipping

Is your pet an adventure-seeker? Make sure they’re protected by having them microchipped, if they’re traveling with you, or even if they just like to wander. Microchipping ensures that your pet has a permanent form of identification linking them to you, in case you should be separated. Call us today at 210-684-2273 for more details about having your pet microchipped. Have you ever lost your pet before...and how did you go about recovering them?

Visit our website today! http://apcnw.com/ 

Heartgard Promotion

Did you know that heartworm disease is contracted from mosquitoes, but were you aware that this disease could also be prevented? We are proud to offer Heartgard with a 15% discount for a 1 year supply! The manufacturer will then give back $15 for a year supply purchased. Call us today at 210-684-2273 for more details about Heartgard and this incredible promotion!

Visit our website for more details: http://apcnw.com/ 

GIARDIASIS

Do you know what Giardia is?

An Intestinal Parasite Examination and/or a Giardia SNAP Test are used to find giardia in a pet’s feces. These are the only tests for diagnosing giardia, as they cannot be seen by the naked eye.

Clinical Signs and Transmission
Giardia is protozoa that infect the intestines. Giardia can cause vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and dehydration. Generally, giardia is transmitted from water contamination in the environment, although water is not necessary for it to survive in the environment. Rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, cattle tanks, etc. are classic problem areas for giardia.

It is important to treat giardia because they pose a serious health risk to humans, including diarrhea. It's important to talk with a family physician right away with concerns about that!

Treatment
A pet diagnosed with giardia will go home with an anti-giardia medication (usually either metronidazole or fenbendazole depending on the Doctor’s preference). It's important to follow all instructions on the label accordingly. If the affected pet is on metronidazole, it's important to monitor for any neurological side affects including stumbling, “drunkenness,” rapid eye movement back and forth, seizures, etc. The ill pet should be bathed at least once while being treated in order to wash away any giardia cysts that might be stuck to the coat.

If needed, anti-nausea medications, appetite stimulants, probiotics, and temporary therapeutic diets may be prescribed by the Doctor based on the individual pet’s case. It's critical that pet-owners follow all label instructions accordingly. Severe cases could necessitate hospitalization for IV fluids and injectable medications.

Environment
In order to keep giardia from spreading, it's necessary to keep the yard picked up from all feces and remove any sources of stagnant water. Minimizing exposure to river, lake, or cattle tank water is also necessary. It's critical make sure that everyone washes his or her hands in warm soapy water for at least 30 seconds after handling any pet.

Indoor areas should be thoroughly cleaned, and if possible disinfected with a solution of 1 part bleach to 32 parts water. It's important to check the surface for color safeness before applying bleach solution. Allow the solution to set for one minute before drying. Steam cleaning carpets may be helpful since those surfaces are not safe to bleach. Any pet should be thoroughly bathed before being put back into the cleaned environment.

Outdoor areas, if concrete, can be cleaned and disinfected as above. Dirt and vegetation unfortunately cannot be disinfected without destroying the plants.

Follow-up
We recommend a Follow-Up Examination and recheck Intestinal Parasite Examination in 5-8 days depending on medication prescribed to make sure that treatment was successful. It's necessary to monitor appetite, energy level, vomiting, diarrhea, or neurological problems and call for a recheck appointment if your pet stops eating or has continued problems.

We recommend annual heartworm testing and year round administration of monthly Heartworm, Intestinal Parasite, and Flea prevention for all dogs and cats. Not only is this important for preventing illness in your companions, but it is important for preventing illness in the human family, too. Please contact us today about getting your companions on this vital part of their preventive wellness care.

Visit us online at www.apcnw.com for more details!

Feline Periodontal Disease

The most frequent complaint of senior pet owners is dental problems, including bad breath and difficulty eating. More than 85% cats over four years of age have some form of periodontal disease, a painful inflammatory condition in which bacteria attack the gums, ligament, and bone tissues that surround and support the teeth. Senior cats, those seven or more years of age, are especially susceptible to periodontal disease.

That’s why it’s important to have your cat’s teeth examined by your veterinarian on a routine basis. If left unchecked, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs, starting infection there and seriously compromising the health of your cat.

Most periodontal infections begin simply enough. Plaque, which is composed of bacteria, salivary proteins, and food debris, builds up in the groove between teeth and gums, causing irritation, redness, and swelling. Eventually pockets form and deepen, allowing bacteria to damage the tissues that hold teeth in place.

At this stage, bacteria from the oral infection have a clear path to the animal’s bloodstream and vital organs. The organs with the highest blood flow are most susceptible to infections: lungs, heart, kidneys, liver and even the brain. Damage to these organs caused by infection may shorten a cat’s life.

Look for these warning signs:

·      Bad breath – one of the first signs of dental disease

·      A yellowish-brown crust of plaque on the teeth near the gum line

·      Red and swollen gums

·      Pain or bleeding when your cat eats or when the mouth or gums are touched

·      Decreased appetite or difficulty eating

·      Loose or missing teeth

If your cat displays any of these signs, periodontal disease may be present.

Regular dental checkups are important to maintaining not only your cat’s oral health, but overall health as well. In fact, because cats age more quickly than humans, dental exams should become more frequent, perhaps every six months, as your pet ages. Think of it as a necessary part of your cat’s preventive care plan. Talk to your veterinarian about professional dental care and what you can do to keep your cat’s teeth and body healthy.

Canine Behavioral Changes

Has your older dog just not been acting like himself lately? Perhaps he’s not seeking as much attention as he used to and is interacting less with family members, or seems confused or disoriented. Some senior dogs may bark or howl excessively for no apparent reason, show an increase in aggressive behavior or separation anxiety, or become overly fearful or sensitive to noise. Older dogs that have been housetrained for years may start having “accidents” in the house. You may notice a change in your dog’s sleep patterns, with increased restlessness and pacing during the night. These behavioral changes can be as hard on family members as they are on the dog. However, most pet owners attribute them to normal aging and do not seek medical care. 

Any change in your older dog’s behavior should not be considered just a normal sign of aging and should be reported to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Many of the behavioral changes commonly seen in senior dogs are related to underlying medical conditions that can be treated, if not cured. For example, your dog’s decreased activity and mobility may be related to arthritis. An increase in aggressive behavior or vocalizing may be the result of painful dental disease. Inattentiveness or apparent confusion may be caused partly by vision or hearing loss. Many of these conditions and disease can be treated, resulting in a better quality of life for your dog

If underlying medical conditions such as infection or cancer have been ruled out as the cause of your dog’s behavioral changes, your veterinarian may diagnose cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS).

What is Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome?

CDS is not an uncommon condition in older dogs. According to a study by leading animal behaviorists, nearly one in five dogs over the age of seven shows signs of CDS. At 11 years of age, the number jumps to one in three. In a pet owner survey, nearly half of dogs ages 8 and older showed at least one sign associated with CDS. Researchers believe that CDS is caused by physical and chemical changes that affect the brain function in older dogs, similar to Alzheimer’s disease in people.

CDS is a syndrome, or collection of signs. One or more of the following signs must be present, and other medical conditions ruled out as the cause, to make a diagnosis of CDS:

·      Disorientation or confusion

·      Less interaction with family members

·      Changes in sleep patterns and activity, or

·      Loss of house training.

Can CDS Be Treated?

If your dog is diagnosed with CDS, your veterinarian can prescribe an effective medication that can help to control the clinical signs associated with this disorder. However, because CDS is a syndrome (a collection of signs), no two dogs will show exactly the same signs and response to treatment will vary. If your dog responds to the drug, daily treatment will be needed for the rest of the dog’s life.

Give Your Older Dog a New Lease on Life

Contact your veterinarian if you notice signs of CDS or anything unusual in your dog’s appearance or behavior. Don’t assume that your dog’s behavioral changes are an unavoidable sign of old age. With recent medical advances in treatment—and a little extra love and care—you and your veterinarian can help your senior dog return to being a happy, active member of your family.

Heartworm In Cats

Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite named Dirofilaria immitis. Heartworms are most commonly found in dogs, but now are known to infect cats and other mammals. The adult heartworms live in the heart and major arteries of the lungs were they interfere with the function of the heart and lungs. The adult heartworm lives for 1-2 years.

TRANSMISSION:

Heartworms can only transmitted from one animal to another by mosquitoes. Adult worms living in the heart produce offspring called "microfilaria," which are found circulating in the blood of infected dogs. A mosquito must then feed on the infected dog and ingest some blood containing these "baby heartworms" if the mosquito later feeds on another pet, the baby heartworms that have developed to the infective stage in the mosquito now escape from the mosquito into the second pet during the "blood meal" of the mosquito. Once these infective larvae pass through the pet's skin, they begin migrating through the tissues, eventually making their home in the heart and lungs where they can mature into adult heartworms and start the cycle over again. Heartworms can occur in cats kept totally indoors if an infected mosquito should enter the house.

HEARTWORMS IN CATS IS A SERIOUS DISEASE:

Whereas dogs can live with quite a few heartworms in the heart, because of their smaller size heart, 2-3 adult heartworms can be fatal to the cat.

SIGNS OF HEARTWORMS IN CATS:

Clinical signs of heartworm disease in cats are quite variable. Many cats do not show any signs of heartworm disease until they die. In some acute cases, death may come so rapidly that there is insufficient time to make the diagnosis or provide any type of treatment. There are cases reported where the cat can appear clinically normal one hour before death. However some cats will show such signs as vomiting, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Coughing may be intermittent or occur in severe, sudden attacks that take place days apart.

DIAGNOSIS:

Clinical signs of heartworm are very similar to several other cat diseases. The diagnosis is confirmed with a combination of radiographs, ultrasound, and blood testing.

TREATMENT:

Treatment of heartworms in cats is not nearly as successful as in dogs. Treatment is complicated by the fact that after even one heartworm is killed in the heart; it can lead to an arterial blockage that has the potential to be fatal. Blood vessels in the cat are so much smaller than larger dogs creating much more risk while the dead heartworm is being removed from the body. Another one of the major problems is that no clinical signs are observed in many cases until close to death.

PREVENTION:

Since treatment is not very successful, prevention is very important. As stated earlier, even cats kept totally indoors can become infected from a mosquito in the house. Fortunately, a heartworm preventive is available. The medication is given to the cat once/month.

Heartworm Disease and Treatment in Dogs

Heartworm disease in dogs in caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis. The worms are spread from dog to dog by mosquitoes. Heartworms usually live in the dogs in two different life stages. Adult heartworms are approximately six inches long and live in the right side of the heart, the side of the heart that pumps the blood to the lungs to get oxygen. The adults produce microscopic babies called microfilaria that circulate in the bloodstream. At our hospital, the heartworm test checks for the adults and baby heartworms, as well as two other blood parasites. Since we have so many mosquitoes in the San Antonio area, heartworm disease is very common. Heartworm disease is totally preventable by giving prevention medication once a month. Dogs over six months of age need to be tested for heartworms before starting on the prevention. If left untreated, heartworm disease can cause sever lung damage and right sided heart failure that is often fatal. At Affordable Pet Care Northwest, we have a high success rate treating dogs with adult heartworms and use the safest protocol available. Our staff will provide an estimate for you before we begin treating your dog. Payments can be made as we complete each stage of the treatment.


Pre-Treatment Evaluation 
If your dog has tested positive for heartworms, we must first do an evaluation to see if your dog is a good candidate for treatment. The evaluation consists of an examination with one of our doctors. Blood is drawn for basic lab work to ensure your dog's organs can safely tolerate the medication used to kill the heartworms. One of our doctors will call you in two to three days with the lab results. If your dog is having problems breathing or is coughing, we recommend taking x-rays of the chest to see if lung damage has already occured. We will prescribe an antibiotic called Doxycyline to kill bacteria called Wolbachia that lives inside of the adult heartworms. The antibiotic is given for 10 days. This weakens the heartworms and increases the effectiveness of the medicine we use to kill the adult heartworms. We will also dispense a special type of heartworm prevention that is given once a month. The prevention slowly kills the baby heartworms and also weakens the adult worms making the adult worms easier to kill. 

Stage One Treatment: 

After your dog has been on the heartworm prevention for two months, it is ready for stage one treatment. A single injection of a drug called Immiticide is given in the muscles of your dog's back. This is usually done in an exam room as a pre-scheduled, outpatient visit. The injection causes muscle pain so medication will be sent home to make your dog more comfortable. This single injection kills approximately 50% of the adult heartworms. The worms die quickly, however they become very brittle and break up slowly over a four week period. As they break up, the blood flow will naturally take pieces of dead heartworms to the lungs where they are ultimately dissolved. It is VERY important to keep your dog as calm as possible for at least four weeks following this first injection. If your dog is allowed to jump and play during this time, the worms can break up too quickly and block blood flow to the lungs. This can be very serious, and medical attention will be needed right away. Please monitor your dog closely during this time and call our hospital immediately if you notice any coughing or other signs of illness such as: lethargy, not eating, vomiting, etc. Sometimes tranquilizers are dispensed for excitable dogs to keep them calm during this four week period. 

Stage Two Treatment: 

One month after the first injection, your dog is ready for the final part of the heartworm treatment called "Stage Two." In this stage, you need to make an appointment to bring your dog in on two consecutive days or your dog can spend the night in the hospital. During this stage of treatment, two injections of Immiticide are given 24 hours apart. Again, the injections are given in the muscles of the back, so the pain medication will be dispensed to make the pet more comfortable. The combination of the two injections kill the remaining adult heartworms. As with Stage One Treatment, it is VERY important for your dog to remain as calm as possible for the four weeks after the injections. Please monitor your dog closely for coughing or any signs of illness and call the hospital immediately if they occur. Four weeks after receiving the injections, we want to see your dog for a complimentary examination. At this time, your dog has successfully completed the adult heartworm treatment. Even though this treatment protocol is 98% effective, we recommend re-testing for heartworms six months after the treatment is completed. By this time, most dogs should test negative. Of course, it is important to keep your dog on the heartworm prevention during every stage of heartworm treatment and for the duration of his/her life. It usually takes a total of four months to complete the treatment protocol from the time your dog is diagnosed. 

Heartworm disease in dogs is very common in our area and is totally preventable. If your dog has been diagnosed with adult heartworms, we believe we offer the safest and most effective treatment protocol available. Please speak to one of our hospital team members, if you have any questions about heartworm disease prevention, or treatment. As always, THANK YOU For the opportunity to care for your pets.