Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is a fairly large worm, up to 14 inches long, that in adulthood lives in the heart and pulmonary arteries of an infected dog. Dogs acquire this infection through mosquito bites as mosquitoes readily pick up larval heartworms from infected dogs and carry them to new dogs. Some geographic areas have severe heartworm problems while other areas have virtually none.

In a normal dog, blood is pumped with ease through the arteries of the lung. With the arteries plugged with worms, the heart must pump harder against the pressure of the plugged arteries. This condition is called pulmonary hypertension and the right side of the heart must drastically increase its ability for the heart to work. If worms begin backing up into the heart, there will be less space in the pumping chamber for blood to be pumped. In order to meet the body’s oxygen demand, the heart must pump faster and stronger still. There may come a point when the heart simply is not strong enough.

Early after infection, many dogs feel normal and show no signs of illness. Eventually, however, dogs with heartworm disease will become sick. Their clinical signs can include coughing, exercise intolerance, difficulty breathing, and in progressed cases, congestive heart failure. Fortunately, heartworm disease is both treatable and preventable!

The first step in treatment is clearing the migrating immature worms. By addressing the migrating immature worms first, we minimize the number of adult worms we must kill in the second step. Fewer adult worms dying at once means less risk. Fortunately, the immature worms can all be killed by monthly heartworm preventive products (i.e. Sentinel®, Interceptor®, Heartgard®, etc.). The American Heartworm Society recommends 1 to 3 months of a preventive prior to treating the adult worms. The only product currently available for the treatment of adult heartworms is Immiticide®. Treatment can be done in two to three doses, depending on how severe the infection.

Heartworm testing and the use of heartworm preventative is mandatory to prevent infection in your dog.  Even if your dog stays in the house much of the time, a heartworm preventative is still important.  Considering the severe damage that heartworms can cause and that treatment of the disease is expensive, prevention of the disease with a single monthly tablet is a great deal.

Sentinel® is the preventative that the doctors at The Drake Center recommend. It is a once-monthly tablet that clears immature worms and will suppress the female worm’s ability to reproduce. It also provides a broad spectrum of parasite control (roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms) as well as prevents any fleas feeding on the dog from laying viable eggs.

Heartworm in Cats

Heartworm disease in cats is quite a bit different from dogs. The cat is not a natural host for the heartworm, which means the migrating larval heartworm is not likely to complete its life cycle. The cat’s immune system is extremely reactive against heartworms, and for this reason, it is virtually impossible to detect immature worms in an infected cat. (The cat’s immune system removes them too quickly.) Also, symptoms of infection tend to be more immune-related than heart-failure related, unlike dogs. Cats develop lung disease, complete with respiratory distress, and chronic coughing or vomiting. Feline heartworm disease is often misdiagnosed as feline asthma. Because cats are more resistant to infection and the prevalence is low in San Diego, the doctors at The Drake Center don’t routinely recommend a monthly preventative.

Since the major signs of disease in cats are due to inflammation and immune stimulation, a medication such as prednisone (steroid) can be used to control symptoms. In general, if the cat does not appear sick, the American Heartworm Society recommends attempting to wait out the worm’s 2 to 3 year life span and simply monitor chest radiographs every 6 months.

The same heartworm adulticide therapy used in dogs is best not used in cats as it is extremely dangerous to do so and is considered a last resort. The good news is that feline heartworm infection is preventable, with monthly preventatives such as Revolution® or Advantage Multi®.

Now you and your friends  can become a fan of The Drake Center on Facebook!

Q: I’ve heard about ferrets and a cat getting the 2009 H1N1 virus. Should I get rid of my ferret or cat so my family is protected?

A: Certainly not. This is not cause for panic and extreme measures. You are much more likely to catch the flu (any type of flu, including the 2009 H1N1 flu) from an infected person than you are from an animal. So far, all of the pets infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus became infected from being around their ill owners. The main lesson here is that if you’re feeling ill and have flu-like symptoms, you should probably limit your contact with your pets (and other people, for that matter) until you are feeling better. As always, if your pet is showing signs of illness, it should be examined by a veterinarian.

Q: The 2009 H1N1 virus has infected poultry. What about my pet bird? Can it be infected?

A: We know it can infect poultry, but we don’t know if it can affect other birds (including pet birds).

Q: What symptoms would I see in my dog or cat if it developed H1N1?

A: So far, there haven’t been any reports of dogs infected with the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. Based on what’s been reported, ferrets and one cat – and probably dogs, if they can become infected with the virus – have shown signs of respiratory illness. These signs can include lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, runny nose and/or eyes, sneezing, coughing, or changes in breathing (including difficulty breathing). Keep in mind that dogs currently have their own flu virus, the H3N8 influenza (canine influenza) virus, going around. So far, this flu virus has only been spread from dog to dog. Dogs infected with the canine influenza virus show the same symptoms as dogs with kennel cough – fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, coughing, and maybe a runny nose.

Q: How serious is this disease in dogs or cats?

A:We don’t yet know. There haven’t been any reports of dogs infected with the 2009 H1N1 flu virus, and there has only been one cat confirmed to be infected. The infected cat recovered from its illness.

Q: Should I keep the people in the house who have respiratory disease away from the pet and vice-versa?

A: Until we know more about the risks of spreading the virus from person to pet, pet to pet, or pet to person, it’s a good idea to limit contact between an ill family member and other family members and pets. If your pet is ill, contact your veterinarian.

Q: Is there a vaccine that can be used for pets? Can the human H1N1 vaccine be used for pets? What about the canine influenza vaccine?

A: There is not a licensed and approved 2009 H1N1 vaccine for pets. The human H1N1 vaccine should not be used for pets. The canine influenza vaccine, which protects dogs from the H3N8 flu virus, will not protect pets against the 2009 H1N1 virus and should not be used in any species other than dogs.

Q: Someone in my home is ill and may have the 2009 H1N1 virus. Should we board our pet(s) until this person has recovered?

A: That decision is really up to you. Your pet may have already been exposed to the virus by the time the family member starts showing symptoms, so it might not be best to uproot your pet, possibly stressing them, and put them in another environment. If you’re worried your pet may become infected with the influenza virus, treat your pet like you would any other family member – follow good hygiene when you come in contact with them, and limit their exposure to ill family members.

Q: Can my pot-bellied pig get the 2009 H1N1 virus and give it to me?

A: To date, the 2009 H1N1 virus has not been reported in pot-bellied pigs. However, the possibility of human-to-pig transmission of the virus warrants extra caution by pig owners. After all, pot-bellied pigs are considered swine, and therefore may be susceptible to the virus. For the time being, a cautious approach would include all contact between your pig and anyone who is ill or has recently been exposed to an ill person. Remember that pot-bellied pigs can become ill from a number of causes, and keeping your pig healthy and free of disease helps protect your pig as well as you. If you have a pet pig and it appears ill, consult a veterinarian immediately.

Dr. Cynda Crawford, clinical assistant professor in the Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville, recently answered dozens of readers’ questions on the Consults blog, “The Dog Flu Virus: Are You or Your Pet At Risk?” Many readers had questions about flu symptoms, how the virus is spread and whether their pets should receive the newly approved vaccine for the disease. Here are 10 things Dr. Crawford believes everyone should know about canine influenza and the risks to pets and people.

What is canine influenza?
Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs caused by a novel influenza virus that was first discovered in 2004. We do not use the general term “dog flu” because it could refer to any flu-like illness in dogs due to various causes. Rather, canine influenza is a specific disease caused by a particular subtype, H3N8, of the influenza A virus.

Where does canine influenza occur?
Canine influenza has been documented in 30 states and the District of Columbia. At this time, the canine influenza virus is very prevalent in many communities in Colorado, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania. There is no evidence that canine influenza H3N8 is currently infecting dogs in other countries.

What type of infection does canine influenza virus cause?
Like influenza viruses that infect other mammals, canine influenza virus causes an acute respiratory infection in dogs. It is one of several viruses and bacteria that are associated with canine infectious respiratory disease, or what’s commonly referred to as “kennel cough.” The canine influenza virus can cause respiratory disease by itself or along with other canine respiratory pathogens.
Unlike human influenza, canine influenza is not a “seasonal” infection. Infections can occur year round.

What are the symptoms and clinical signs of canine influenza?
Like influenza viruses in other species, canine influenza virus causes a flu-like illness consisting of cough, sneezing and nasal discharge (”runny nose”). Fever can also occur, but it is usually transient and rarely noticed by pet owners. There are no clinical signs that distinguish canine influenza from other respiratory infections. That is why diagnostic tests must be performed to determine the cause of respiratory infections in dogs (see below).
Virtually all dogs exposed to the canine influenza virus become infected; about 80 percent develop a flu-like illness, while another 20 percent do not become ill. Fortunately, most dogs recover within two weeks without any further health complications. However, some dogs progress to pneumonia, which is usually due to secondary bacterial infections.
While the death rate for canine influenza is very low, the secondary pneumonia can be life-threatening in some cases. There is no evidence that dogs of particular age or breed are more susceptible to developing pneumonia from canine influenza.

Who is susceptible to canine influenza?
Because canine influenza is due to a virus that is novel to the canine population, dogs lack preexisting immunity to the virus. Dogs of any breed, age or vaccination status are therefore susceptible to infection. It is likely that dogs that have recovered from infection retain immunity to re-infection for an undetermined time period, although studies have not verified for how long.
Canine influenza is most likely to spread in facilities where dogs are housed together and where there is a high turnover of dogs in and out of the facility. Dogs in shelters, boarding and training facilities, day care centers, veterinary clinics, pet stores and grooming parlors are at highest risk for exposure to the virus, especially if these facilities are located in communities where the virus is prevalent. Dogs that mostly stay at home and walk around the neighborhood are at low risk.
Canine influenza virus does not infect people, and there is no documentation that cats have become infected by exposure to dogs with canine influenza. Nor is there any evidence that the canine virus can infect birds.

How is canine influenza transmitted?
As with other respiratory pathogens, the most efficient transmission occurs by direct contact with infected dogs and by aerosols generated by coughing and sneezing. The virus can also contaminate kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs. Fortunately, the virus is easily inactivated by washing hands, clothes and other items with soap and water.

How is canine influenza treated?
Since canine influenza is a viral infection, treatment consists mainly of supportive care while the virus runs its course, much like for human influenza. Dog owners should consult with their veterinarians if they think their dog has canine influenza. The veterinarian can determine what type of supportive care is needed, including whether antibiotics should be given for secondary bacterial infections. Dogs with pneumonia most likely require more intensive care provided in a hospital setting under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Is canine influenza contagious?
Like influenza infections in other species, canine influenza is highly contagious. Infected dogs shed virus in their respiratory secretions for 7 to 10 days, during which time the dog is contagious to other dogs. Infected dogs that do not show clinical signs are also contagious.
Once the virus has run its course, the dog is no longer contagious. Therefore, we recommend that dogs with canine influenza be isolated from other dogs for two weeks to err on the conservative side. The canine influenze virus does not cause a permanent infection.

How is canine influenza diagnosed?
Canine influenza cannot be diagnosed by clinical signs because all of the other respiratory pathogens cause similar signs of coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge. For dogs that have been ill for less than four days, veterinarians can collect swabs from the nose or throat and submit them to a diagnostic laboratory that offers a validated PCR test for canine influenza virus. The most accurate test recommended for confirmation of infection requires the collection of a small blood sample from the dog during the first week of illness, followed by collection of another sample 10 to 14 days later. The paired serum samples are submitted to a diagnostic laboratory for measurement of antibodies to CIV that were formed in response to infection.

Is there a vaccine for canine influenza?
In May 2009, the United States Department of Agriculture approved for licensure the first influenza vaccine for dogs. The vaccine was developed by Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health Corporation.
The canine influenza vaccine contains inactivated whole virus, so there is no chance that the vaccine itself can cause respiratory infections. During tests to evaluate vaccine performance, there were no side effects or safety issues in a field trial that included more than 700 dogs ranging in age from six weeks to 10 years and representing 30 breeds.
The vaccine is intended as an aid in the control of disease associated with C.I.V. infection. Although the vaccine may not prevent infection, efficacy trials have shown that vaccination significantly reduces the severity and duration of clinical illness, including the incidence and severity of damage to the lungs. In addition, the vaccine reduces the amount of virus shed and shortens the shedding interval. This means that vaccinated dogs that become infected are less likely to have severe symptoms and are not as contagious to other dogs. These benefits are similar to those provided by influenza vaccines used in other species, including people.
The canine influenza vaccine is a “lifestyle” vaccine in that it is intended for dogs at risk for exposure to C.I.V., including those that participate in activities with many other dogs or those housed in communal facilities, particularly in communities where the virus is prevalent. Dogs that may benefit from canine influenza vaccination include those that are already receiving the kennel cough vaccine for Bordetella because the risk groups are the same.
Dog owners should consult with their veterinarian to determine whether their dog’s lifestyle includes risk for exposure to C.I.V., and the protection provided by the canine influenza vaccine. The vaccine is not yet available in veterinarians’ offices, and the price has not yet been set.

For many people, nothing beats lounging in the backyard on the Fourth of July with good friends and family—including the four-legged members of the household. While it may seem like a great idea to reward Rover with scraps from the grill and bring him along to watch fireworks, in reality some festive foods and products can be potentially hazardous to your pets. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers the following tips:

• Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.
• Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.
• Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets’ reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing—or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop.
• Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pets severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes & raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.
• Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it.While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.
• Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestions can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.
• Never use fireworks around pets! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.
• Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, so please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities. Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.

Saturday, May 16th 8am-12pm.  Come join us at the Encintas Country Day School to support Rancho Coastal Humane Society.  There will be a one mile walk, animal fair and a pancake breakfast.  Call 760 753-6413 for information or visit www.rchumanesociety.org

Stop by and visit with us at our booth!  Bring a friend!

The Drake Center is proud to share this link to The North County Times.  They recently featured this article to spotlight the money we raised by selling our T-shirts and passing on the profit to Rancho Coastal Humane Society & the Helen Woodward Center.  Each center recieved $500.00

Please check it out!

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/03/29/news/community/photos/zb70fb84f26d5c24a88257584007c8f8a.txt

On November 6, 2008, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger called for an increase in the California state sales tax to address the multi-billion dollar deficit in the budget and proposed a sales tax on all veterinary services. This was part of a larger combination of program cuts and revenue increases to balance the state budget. This proposal would have added approximately 10% to the cost of veterinary care. 

The CVMA mobilized our 6,000 members and they answered. Thousands of letters were sent to legislators and the Governor’s office by CVMA members. In turn, they mobilized their clients and the opposition grew. Our voices were so loud that a special extension was added to the Governor’s budget voicemail line to handle the opposition to the veterinary tax. 

We are grateful to our members, their clients, and friends in industry, breeder groups and the animal welfare arena who assisted in this effort. We also thank our state legislators who recognized that this tax would ultimately harm the animals that we cherish and the safety of our food supply.

While this is a great accomplishment, there is still work to do as there may be budget revisions in the future. The CVMA will continue to monitor the special tax commission appointed by the Governor to restructure and modernize California’s tax system and any proposals that could affect the taxation of veterinary medicine in the future.

We are very pleased, however, that our voices have been heard and veterinary services will not be taxed in the 2009-2010 budget!

Come to the Drake Center on Sunday, December 21st from 1-3pm

A Professional Photographer will be taking pictures of your favorite furry friend with Santa!

A suggested donations of $10 – All proceeds will go directly to Rancho Coastal Humane Society.

The Drake Center for Veterinary Care

195 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas

760.753.9393

Bark Buckle Up is a nationwide campaign to educate pet parents on the importance of securing their pets safely for travel. They work with Volvo dealers, law enforcement, fire departments and rescue agencies to expose the dangers of unrestrained pets. While it is admirable for us to love our pets enough to take them along in our vehicles, it is also our obligation to do so safely. In fact, many states and provinces now require that pets be restrained

An unsecured pet is a potential danger to anyone in your car, other motorists, rescue personnel, and himself. In the event of an accident at 30mph, a 15 pound dog can cause an impact of 300 pounds. A 60 pound dog can produce a 2700 pound impact. With this equation, the dangers to the driver, passengers and dog are obvious. There are other concerns, however. Should the dog be unharmed, he could impede the rescue workers by reacting fearfully and protecting his injured family. A dog could also escape from the vehicle potentially causing another accident or he could get lost and injured later.

A secured crate/carrier is the leading recommendation for traveling with your pet. For crate trained animals it also offers familiar surroundings and the added convenience of a place to sleep when you reach your destination. Even a pet that is not accustomed to being confined can usually adapt to a crate for travel quite easily.

An alternative to a secured crate is a restraint harness that locks into the seatbelt. These are available in a variety of sizes and styles. It is best to use one with metal buckles, as plastic ones may break in a collision. Be advised that these devices have not had any official safety testing.

A pet barrier for SUV’s and wagons is considered the least desirable alternative to using a secured crate, other than no restraint at all. While it keeps the pet from entering the passenger area, it does not protect the animal from injury or other potential hazards. Some tension suspended barriers have also been known to dislodge in an accident.

Whatever restraint system you choose, get your pet used to traveling before a long trip. A little training and preparation will make for a fun and safe holiday for the whole family.