Heart Worm

kibob

kibob

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Does anyone know anything about heartworm? My sister lives in Thailand and they have to treat their dogs for heartworm, I believe the treatment is in with their flea treatment (a frontline type of product). I have also heard a lot about it in America and know it can be fatal but am not aware of it in the UK.

Do we need to treat for it in the UK and if so how is it done?

Thanks guys.

J
 

I'd never heard of it either, but I know it's a widespread risk in Thailand and I have watched a few of the american "pet rescue" type programmes and they always talk about it on there and a lot of dogs have to be PTS cos they have heartworm.

Keep meaning to ask my vet but always forget (der!!!). It was the vaccine post yesterday that prompted me to ask.
 
I am an animal planet addict!!!!
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Heartworm isnt prevalent in the UK as it is spread by mosquitos but apparently there have been cases right down south (possibly mozzies have made it in from somewhere on ships??) The wormer Milbemax is used to treat it. But if it is suspected then a blood test should be done prior to treatment as depending on the severity of the infestation it is very traumatic for the animal. Also there is preventative treatment but again it must be tesetd for first as it can cause a violent reaction if the animal already has it (the worms actually live in one of the hearts ventricals)
 
Hello fellow animal planet junkie *waves*

Thanks for that, that makes sense I did think it could be mosi related. Bit worrying though as you can't get much more south than where I am, gonna ring my vet and check it out.

Thanks again.
 
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