Intestinal Parasites & Heartworm Disease
Intestinal parasites (including roundworms and tapeworms) have become more of a problem in the Cheyenne area.
Exposure to wild animals, including birds, rabbits, squirrels, mice, raccoons and their feces can cause diseases in dogs and cats. Experts agree that there is a year round threat for infection in all regions of the country.
Some intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and Giardia) can infect humans.
A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) document that 14% of the U.S. human population is infected with canine and feline roundworms. Children are at greatest risk. (See copy of ll/5/08, CDC News Release on reverse side.)
In the past, we used to recommend that all pets receive an annual dewormer during their exam.
- We now recommend an affordable monthly chewable dewormer that you give at home -- Iverhart Max.
- In addition to deworming, our products (Iverhart Max, Interceptor and Heartguard) are also a monthly heartworm disease preventative, so you can safely travel outside of Wyoming.
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by 8-12 inch long parasitic worms that live in the arteries of the lungs and occasionally on the right side of the dog's heart. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes after feeding on an infected dog. Heartworm disease is rare in cats.
In 2007, over 350,000 cases of heartworm disease were reported in the US; it is found in all 50 states. Heartworm disease has been diagnosed in Gillette and Torrington, and in the black-footed ferret colony in Central Wyoming. We do not have heartworms at 6,000 feet in Cheyenne. We do see heartworm disease in Greeley, Ft Collins and Denver, and throughout Nebraska. Veterinarians in Colorado and Nebraska recommend that all dogs be given a heartworm preventative monthly throughout the year.
A dog can be put on Iverhart Max/Interceptor as early as eight (8) weeks of age. Once a dog is over six (6) months of age, a heartworm test is required when placed on Iverhart Max/Interceptor. If the medication is given continuously, then testing is required every two year. If only given during the spring and summer, the heartworm test is required each year.
BEL AIR, Md. (November 5, 2007) - About 14 % percent of the U.S. population is infected with Toxocara, or internal roundworms, contracted from dogs and cats. That's according to the results of a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study announced today at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene in Philadelphia.
The CDC study shows the transmission of Toxocara from dogs and cats to people is most common in young children and youth under age 20, and more common in non-Hispanic Blacks than in Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Whites of all age groups. It is highest in lower socioeconomic and less-educated populations. All children, however, are more susceptible to infection given their propensity to play in and sometimes eat contaminated soil.
Infections are acquired by accidental ingestion of Toxocara eggs found in environments contaminated with feces of infected dogs and cats. This includes play areas and sandboxes.
"The results of this study demonstrate that Toxocara infection in the United States is more widespread and common than previously understood," Said Peter Schantz, VMD, PhD, an epidemiologist in the Division of Parasitic Diseases at the CDC and a founding board member of the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). "Although most persons infected with Toxocara have no apparent symptoms, this infectious agent is capable of causing blindness and other serious systemic illness, which makes it a public health issue."
While rare, the visual impairment most often affects children. Since toxocariasis is not a reportable infection, true numbers of cases of visual impairment and other syndromes are not known, according to Schantz.
The nonprofit CAPC was formed to educate pet owners about zoonotic disease and steps they can take to virtually eliminate the risk of pets making people sick.
"The CAPC recommends that pet owners administer year-round medicines that control internal and external parasites - such as roundworms, heartworm, fleas and ticks - for the life of their dog or cat no matter where they live," Said Michael Paul, DVM, executive director of the CAPC. "If you prevent parasitic infections in companion animals, you greatly reduce the chances of zoonotic transmission to people."
The American Animal Hospital Association, the American Association of Feline Practitioners, and Schantz of the CDC, all endorse the CAPC guidelines that call for year-round parasite control in companion animals to protect both pets and people from zoonotic disease. Parasite control today is simple, safe and effective. Treating dogs and cats for parasites with a monthly product is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep pets healthy and eliminate related health risks to humans.
Despite the availability of effective treatments to prevent them, parasites - some deadly - remain a common fact of life for dogs and cats. Most companion animals have the potential for exposure to parasites all year long. Experts agree there is a year-round threat in all regions of the country, even those that experience below-freezing temperatures, since parasites such as fleas and ticks thrive inside homes regardless of weather conditions outdoors.
ABOUT THE CAPA
The nonprofit CAPC is an independent council of veterinarians and other animal health care professionals established to create guidelines for the optimal control of internal and external parasites that threaten the health of pets and people. It brings together broad expertise in parasitology, internal medicine, public health, veterinary law, private practice and association leadership.
ABOUT THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
As the sentinel for the health of people in the United States and throughout the world, CDC strives to protect people's health and safety, provide reliable health information, and improve health through strong partnerships. For more information on Toxocara infection, visit the CDC Toxocariasis Fact Sheet. As a federal agency, CDC does not promote or endorse specific products.
Hours & Location
Monday - Friday: 7:30 am — 8:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am — 5:00 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am — 5:00 pm
5520 Yellowstone Rd.
Cheyenne, WY 82009
- 307.778.3007 - all hours
- ruth@avenuespetclinic.com
APC Family
You might also see, or more likely hear, a variety of Schnauzers (Dr. Hartshorn's) and one Borzoi (Ruth's).