Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is transmitted from infested dogs to non-infested ones by the bite of mosquitoes when they take blood. Once injected by the mosquitoes into the dog, the immature heartworms migrate to the blood vessels, enter the heart, and slowly become adults. The adult heartworms then produce offspring that circulate throughout the bloodstream and are picked up by mosquitoes to infest another dog.

The adult heartworms that live in the dog can survive for years and cause severe damage to the dog’s heart and lungs. The dog’s liver and kidneys may also be damaged. Symptoms include lethargy, a persistent dry cough, a tendency to tire easily after exercise and gradual weight loss. If untreated, the disease is usually fatal.

Heartworm is becoming more and more common in Antigua & Barbuda. Your veterinarian can perform a simple blood test to determine if your dog is infested. If so, treatment should begin immediately. If the test is negative, your veterinarian can provide you with a heartworm preventative. They come in many forms including a chewable treat or a semiannual vaccine. Contact your veterinarian today. Heartworm disease is difficult to cure but easy to prevent.

Canine parvo virus

Parvo virus is a devastating disease that is fast becoming an epidemic in Antigua. The infection affects dogs of all ages and can be fatal, particularly in young puppies. The virus is shed by the millions in the affected dog’s stool, and you can easily track the organisms home to your own dogs on your shoes, or even on your car tires. Once in your yard, the virus can persist in the soil for at least 6 months and probably for much longer.

The principal symptoms of parvo virus are lethargy, foul-smelling diarrhea, and vomiting. The vomitus or stools often contain blood, and dehydration and shock may follow quickly. Immediate attention by a veterinarian at the first sign of illness is imperative.