Ticks at a Glance

Tick species and populations vary according to region, ecology, and environmental patterns.* The veterinary team is the first line of defense against the transmission of tick-borne diseases, and education is the best weapon. Common Ticks & Diseases They Transmit •Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum): Noted for its long mouth parts and a single white spot on the back of adult females. Found in wooded areas and grassy meadows. Associated with white-tailed deer. Potential pathogens transmitted include Ehrlichia chaffeensis, E ewingii, Francisella tularensis, and Cytauxzoon felis. •Gulf Coast Tick (Amblyomma maculatum): Mouth parts are similar in length to the Lone Star tick, but the scutum (back plate) is more ornate and lacks a white dot. Range is also limited compared with the Lone Star tick. Capable of transmitting Hepatozoon americanum and Rickettsia parkeri. •Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes scapularis): Also known as the Deer tick, identified by long mouth parts and a black scutum on the adult female. As suggested by its nickname, also is associated with white- tailed deer. Capable of transmitting Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti. •American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis): Found in Eastern and Central U.S., as well as areas of the Pacific Coast. Identified by a distinctive ornate scutum and short mouth parts. Commonly encountered along roadways and trails and in forests. Potential vectored pathogens include Rickettsia rickettsii, Francisella tularensis, and Cytauxzoon felis. •Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus): Identified by short mouth parts and a brown scutum. Thrives in dry environments. This tick is a 3-host tick but is unique in that all 3 hosts can be dogs, or the same dog, accounting for home and kennel infestations. Agents vectored include Ehrlichia canis, E ewingii, E chaffeensis, Rickettsia rickettsii, Babesia canis, B gibsoni, Hepatozoon canis, and possibly Anaplasma platys. •Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (Dermacentor andersoni): Like the American Dog tick, commonly found along roadways, trails, and in forests of the Rocky Mountain region. Can potentially transmit Rickettsia rickettsii and Francisella tularensis. •Western Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes pacificus): Like the Blacklegged tick, transmission of organisms responsible for anaplasmosis and Lyme disease is possible. Commonly found near the West Coast. Environmental Control •Remove brush piles and mow and trim tall grass •Avoid attracting deer and control other hosts (eg, mice) •Apply environmental acaricides to yards, kennels, or other areas where dogs congregate Patient-Specific Control •Keep cats indoors •Treat outdoor cats with approved acaricides year-round •Use topical acaricides year-round; consider the strategic application of additional products for patients with high exposure (eg, hunting dogs) •Use long-acting collars, which are effective and may improve compliance. Every year, client misconceptions about ticks lead to needless morbidity from tick-borne illnesses. Although many clients have strong doubts about the need for year-round protection, client education—especially when presented without judgment—saves lives. Every team member can help clients make good decisions by knowing the facts and communicating them with conviction.

Heartworm in Texas

Did you know that if you live in Texas and your dog stays outside or goes outside that he has a 100% chance of getting heart worms? In our climate, where it never gets cold enough to kill off all the mosquitoes, your dogs are at high-risk. In Texas, heart worms are not something your dog *may* get; heart worms are something your dog *will* get - it's only a matter of time. And heart worms, if left untreated, will kill your beloved dog. The adult heartworm lives in the right chamber of the heart and pulmonary artery which routes blood through the lungs where carbon dioxide is removed and oxygen is added to the red blood cells. I have actually seen hearts so chucked full of worms that only a trickle of blood can get through. This all begins with a single mosquito bite! The mosquito bites an infected dog and picks up some microfilaria from the blood meal. The microfilaria live about two weeks in the salivary glands of the mosquito. Now is that a tiny worm or what? When the mosquito bites a dog or cat it punches a little hole with some pinchers. It then releases some saliva that prevents the blood from clotting. As the mosquito sits back sipping at the blood some microfilaria find their way into the wound. The microfilaria then begin to migrate through the tissue following veins to the heart. As the larva migrate they molt and continue growing in size ( since insects have a rigid exterior they must molt or shed the exterior to grow in size). This process takes about six months to reach adult size in the heart and begin giving birth to offspring, the microfilaria. The process then can continue. Note: The offspring cannot grow to adults without coming out of the animal and spending time in the mosquito at cooler temperatures. In other words, the mosquito is necessary. If it released one microfilaria into the wound only one adult heartworm would lodge in the body of the pet. The more times the pet is stung by infected mosquitos, the more heart worms they can aquire. Treatment is expensive: $400-600, so preventing heart worms is much less costly in the long run, not to mention healthy for your pet! That is why it is essential to give your dog Heart worm preventative each and every month. It is not optional! Before starting your dog on a preventative program, you must have her tested for heart worms. Use the stickers that come with the heart worm preventative and put them on your calendar, so your dog receives the medicine the same day every month. Now you can relax, knowing your dog is protected. Call us today at 940-855-0451 to set up your appointment!

Vectra 3D

We are proud to announce that we sell Vectra 3D. It is the latest addition to our flea and tick arsenal. Biting ecto-parasites have been a growing concern in the northeast for the last 5 years or so … and just like with everything else, these parasites are evolving past our preventative products. Many flea and tick products lose efficacy in the 4th week after application … they don’t kill fast enough … some of them only kill if the animal is bitten … They simply aren’t working to our satisfaction anymore. How is Vectra 3D different? Using Vectra 3D once monthly, year round will provide your dog with powerful protection against fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, including after bathing and swimming for 30 days … not up to 30 days … Unlike other products, there is no protection drop off after 21 days. I’ll say it again: Vectra 3D protects your dog, and household for 30 days. This product works by effectively preventing disease transmission. It is a flea, tick and mosquito REPELLENT/KILLER. Applying Vectra 3D will begin to kill fleas already occupying your animal in 6hrs. We all know that the longer these ecto-parasites remain on your dog, the greater the chance your dog could get sick. Vectra 3D effectively prevents all stages of the flea life cycle, controlling adult fleas, flea eggs, flea larvae and adolescent fleas essentially breaking the life cycle at every juncture. This product also repels and kills 3 different species of mosquitoes including those that transmit heartworm disease to dogs and cats. It also repels and kills 4 types of ticks that transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and tick paralysis. All of these diseases are now very prevalent in the northeast. Vectra 3D is proven effective even after bathing, swimming, and exposure to rain! You don’t have to wait 2 days before and after exposure to water to apply Vectra 3D. It drys in 4 hours, so if you apply it right before bedtime … it will be dry and your dog will be ready to go for your 6am walk. Does Vectra protect against mosquitos? Simply hold the tube upright, place thumb and index finger around the applicator tip (under the large disk). With your other hand, grasp the stem of the applicator tip (above the smaller disk). To puncture the tamper proof seal, press down firmly until both disks meet. The product is now ready to use.tubed flea and tick prevention with vectra Vectra 3D is made for dogs and cats, but it is very important to give this medication properly as the Vectra 3D for dogs CANNOT BE USED ON CATS! Vectra 3D for dogs is toxic to cats during the 4 hour necessary dry time. If you apply the liquid as directed (at night before bed) … simply keep the dogs and cats separate for the duration of your slumber. They will be able to once again socialize by morning without consequence. If your cat does come into contact (i.e. the dog product is applied accidentally to the cat, or the cat grooms the dog where the medication was applied before the required drying period is over) contact your veterinarian immediately to avoid any harmful effects. Before deciding to carry this product in our clinic, we did extensive research, met with company representatives, and we are currently dosing our own pets. We have been very pleased with the results, and our full confidence is behind this product. Please feel free to e-mail us or call us if you are interested in more information, or if you would like to purchase this product. This product is only available for purchase through your veterinarian. Online pharmacies are not allowed (by law) to sell this product. If you come across such a pharmacy please notify your veterinarian as this is an illegal use/distribution of this product.

Thunderstorm Phobia in Your Pets

Thunderstorm phobia or anxiety in dogs is a fairly common and very real problem for many dogs. Dogs with thunderstorm phobia become extremely frantic and overwhelmed with fear during storms. Astraphobia is the technical term for this: the fear of thunder and lightning. Owners who see their dogs experiencing this fear usually feel helpless and frustrated. Find out what causes thunderstorm phobia in dogs and learn how to manage it for the sake of your dog and your own peace of mind. There is no way to know for certain what causes a dog to become afraid of thunderstorms. However, based on what we do know about dogs, we can speculate. There are probably multiple reasons for thunderstorm phobia, and the reasons vary from dog to dog. The most obvious reason is due to the loud noise of the thunder. Many dogs suffer from noise phobia, and the thunder is just one of several frightening noises (others include fireworks, gunshots, etc). However, the cause of fear may not be limited to noise. Changes in barometric pressure and humidity can affect your dog's senses and possibly even cause discomfort in the ears. Arthritic dogs or those with orthopedic disorders may experience more pain than usual. Another possible reason for thunderstorm phobia is association with a traumatic experience. You may not know what happened, but it is possible that something very stressful or frightening occurred in your dog's past during a thunderstorm. Finally, genetic make-up may be a contributing factor to fear of thunderstorms, or even the sole cause. Thunderstorm Phobia Signs if your dog seems anxious, hyperactive, destructive or reclusive during storms, you are probably dealing with thunderstorm phobia. The signs are usually quite obvious, so you probably already know your dog is phobic of storms. Many dogs will pace, pant or quietly whine. Some are clingy and seek attention. Other dogs will hide, frozen with fear. All of these signs can go unnoticed at first, and you may be unknowingly encouraging the behavior. Your dog's fearful behavior may be subtle at first but can become worse with time, eventually becoming full-blown panic attacks that are very dangerous for your dog. It is not uncommon for dogs with thunderstorm phobia to urinate and/or defecate inappropriately. Telltale signs of anxiety and fear can begin long before the storm arrives, so take note of signs that occur during normal weather. Your dog is probably the best weather forecaster you can find. Preventing and Treating Thunderstorm Phobia, there are some things you can do to prevent your dog from reacting adversely to the triggers of thunderstorms, or at least minimize the reaction. First of all, never leave your dog outside during storms. Next, examine your own behavior and that of other people in the home. Your dog will react to human anxiety, fear and stress, even if it is not related to the storm. Do your best to remain relaxed and upbeat. Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to go about your usual routine. Do not pay special attention to your dog when he is exhibiting signs of fear or anxiety. Though it may seem like your dog needs comforting, coddling and praising your dog reinforces and rewards the unwanted behavior. There are ways you can indirectly comfort your dog during thunderstorms (or other sources of fear and anxiety). One thing you can try is to provide a comfortable hiding place in the quietest part of your home. A crate with a soft bed inside and covered with a sheet might make your dog feel safer. Try playing music or white noise to drown out the noise. Consider trying a CD like Through a Dog's Ear. In addition, using Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) in the "safe place" might also help. Some dogs benefit from a type of wrap, like the Thundershirt, that is believed to provide some comfort during times of anxiety, stress and fear. If your dog does calm down and stops reacting to the storm, respond with calm praise and rewards. Consider distracting your dog from the remainder of the storm by practicing basic commands or playing a game of tug-of-war. Dogs with severe thunderstorm phobia will need the help of a professional. A veterinary behaviorist can help you establish a desensitization or conditioning program. Talk to your primary veterinarian about potential treatments, including herbal therapies such as Stress Away. In most cases, prescription medication is very successful in conjunction with desensitization or conditioning. Though many dog owners shy away from these types of medications, the benefit outweighs the means in serious cases. Your vet may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication like Xanax (alprazolam) or Valium (diazepam) that can be given at the first sign of a storm. Some dogs will need to be on longer-term medications that are given daily to keep anxiety under control. Because thunderstorm phobia is likely to become worse over time, it is important to take action when you first notice the signs. Do not wait to address the phobia until it is very severe - it will be that much harder to reverse. Just as stress is a health risk for humans, the same applies for dogs. Thunderstorm phobia can become a very serious problems that will adversely affect your dog's health and quality of life. Act now for the sake of your dog.

Heartworm Medication Importance

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the arteries of the lungs and occasionally in the right side of the heart of dogs, cats and other species of mammals, including wolves, foxes, ferrets, sea lions and (in rare instances) humans. Heartworms are classified as nematodes (roundworms) and are filarids, one of many species of roundworms. Dogs and cats of any age or breed are susceptible to infection. Learn more...

Where is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states. The map below shows particularly endemic areas based on the number of cases reported by clinics.

History

The first published description of heartworm in dogs in the United States appeared more than 100 years ago in an issue of "The Western Journal of Medicine and Surgery."¹ Heartworm in cats was first described in the early 1920's.^{2, 3}
Since then, naturally acquired heartworm infection in cats and dogs is identified as a worldwide clinical problem. Despite improved diagnostic methods, effective preventives and increasing awareness among veterinary professionals and pet owners, cases of heartworm infection continue to appear in pets around the world.
¹ Osborne, TC. Worms found in the Heart and Bloodvessels of a Dog; Symptoms of Hydrophobia. The Western Journal of Medicine and Surgery, 1847.
² Riley, WA. Dirofilaria immitis in the heart of a cat. J Parasitol 1922;9:48
³ Travassos, LP. Notas Helminthologicas. Brazil-Med. An. 1921;35 2(6):67

How Heartworm Happens: The Life Cycle

First, adult female heartworms release their young, called microfilariae, into an animal's bloodstream. Then, mosquitoes become infected with microfilariae while taking blood meal from the infected animal. During the next 10 to 14 days, the microfilariae mature to the infective larval stage within the mosquito. After that, the mosquito bites another dog, cat or other susceptible animal, and the infective larvae enter through the bite wound. It then takes a little over 6 months for the infective larvae to mature into adult worms. In dogs, the worms may live for up to 7 years. Microfilariae cannot mature into adult heartworms without first passing through a mosquito.

What Are the Signs of Heartworm Disease?

For both dogs and cats, clinical signs of heartworm disease may not be recognized in the early stages, as the number of heartworms in an animal tends to accumulate gradually over a period of months and sometimes years and after repeated mosquito bites.
Recently infected dogs may exhibit no signs of the disease, while heavily infected dogs may eventually show clinical signs, including a mild, persistent cough, reluctance to move or exercise, fatigue after only moderate exercise, reduced appetite and weight loss.
Cats may exhibit clinical signs that are very non-specific, mimicking many other feline diseases. Chronic clinical signs include vomiting, gagging, difficulty or rapid breathing, lethargy and weight loss. Signs associated with the first stage of heartworm disease, when the heartworms enter a blood vessel and are carried to the pulmonary arteries, are often mistaken for feline asthma or allergic bronchitis, when in fact they are actually due to a syndrome newly defined as Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD).

How Do You Detect Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm infection in apparently healthy animals is usually detected with blood tests for a heartworm substance called an "antigen" or microfilariae, although neither test is consistently positive until about seven months after infection has occurred.
Heartworm infection may also occasionally be detected through ultrasound and/or x-ray images of the heart and lungs, although these tests are usually used in animals already known to be infected.

Prevention

Because heartworm disease is preventable, the AHS recommends that pet owners take steps now to talk to their veterinarian about how to best protect their pets from this dangerous disease. Heartworm prevention is safe, easy and inexpensive. While treatment for heartworm disease in dogs is possible, it is a complicated and expensive process, taking weeks for infected animals to recover. There is no effective treatment for heartworm disease in cats, so it is imperative that disease prevention measures be taken for cats.
There are a variety of options for preventing heartworm infection in both dogs and cats, including daily and monthly tablets and chewables, monthly topicals and a six-month injectable product available only for dogs. All of these methods are extremely effective, and when administered properly on a timely schedule, heartworm infection can be completely prevented. These medications interrupt heartworm development before adult worms reach the lungs and cause disease.
It is your responsibility to faithfully maintain the prevention program you have selected in consultation with your veterinarian.

Treatment

Heartworms in the heart of a dog

Usually, all but the most advanced cases of heartworm disease can be successfully treated in dogs. Currently, there are no products in the United States approved for the treatment of heartworm infection in cats. Cats have proven to be more resistant hosts to heartworm than dogs, and often appear to be able to rid themselves of infection spontaneously. Unfortunately, many cats tend to react severely to the dead worms as they are being cleared by the body, and this can result in a shock reaction, a life-threatening situation. Veterinarians will often attempt to treat an infected cat with supportive therapy measures to minimize this reaction; however it is always best to prevent the disease.

Heartworms in the Pulmonary Artery of a dog

Adult heartworms in dogs are killed using a drug called an adulticide that is injected into the muscle through a series of treatments. Treatment may be administered on an outpatient basis, but hospitalization is usually recommended. When the dog is sent home, exercise should be limited to leash walking for the duration of the recovery period, which can last from one to two months. This decreases the risk of partial or complete blockage of blood flow through the lungs by dead worms.
Re-infection during treatment is prevented by administration of a heartworm preventive. These preventives may also eliminate microfilariae if they are present. Dogs in heart failure and those with caval syndrome require special attention.

Affects of Fleas and Ticks on You and Your Pet.

Where Did My Pet Get Fleas and Ticks?
     You probably won’t even notice that your pet is already suffering from a flea infestation because you’d seldom see them scratching at first. But as time goes by, the insects that are living in your pet’s fur multiply. Soon, you’ll not only notice excessive scratching, but you’ll also see skin irritation. Furthermore, such insects cannot be contained. If you allow your pet to roam inside your house, then the fleas and ticks will find their way to other food sources, which will be you and your family.
So, how did your beloved cuddly companion get infected?
It’s actually quite easy for your pet to get fleas or ticks. For one, stray dogs or cats easily spread these bloodsucking insects. Other wild animals, such as raccoons, which just passed by your neighborhood can distribute the eggs of such ectoparasites too. Once the eggs hatch, the insects will just be waiting to jump on your canine or feline companion as it frolics in your yard. Ticks also crawl up on shrubs or grass so that it’ll be easier for them to leap onto a possible host.
 Flea and Tick Effects on Animals
 When ticks and fleas feed on animals, they inject foreign substances that cause skin irritation. So, it’s very common for animals to experience skin irritation. Flea allergy is a more serious condition wherein the infected animal bites and scratches until its skin becomes raw and its hair falls off.
Pets can also get tapeworms and other dangerous conditions from such bloodsucking insects, such as canine anaplasmosis, canine hepatozoonosis, as well as anemia. Other tick-borne diseases that can severely affect humans, such as Lyme disease, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis, can also be fatal to animals. But not all disease-causing organisms affect dogs and cats the same way. For instance, cats don’t get Lyme disease but they can contract tularemia. Hence, once you notice fleas and ticks on your domestic furry companions, act immediately to get rid of the pests.
Also, visit your vet if you believe that your animal is sick because of a pest infestation. Flea and Tick Effects on People Just like bed bugs, fleas can transmit pathogens that cause tapeworms, murine typhus, cat scratch fever (bartonella henselae), and also the rare but serious bubonic plague.
As for ticks, there are different species that transmit organisms that cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tularemia, to name a few. The most common condition that people experience from fleas and ticks is skin irritation. The bite of such creatures can be extremely itchy and overly scratching the affected area can injure the skin. Once the skin is injured, it’s easier for other organisms to cause infection. Call us at 940-855-0451 today to assure your pets and you are protected against theses pesky insects.

Flea and Tick Prevention

Flea and tick prevention is an important part of taking good care of your cat or dog. That’s because pets can get a variety of diseases from fleas and ticks. And flea and tick bites can make your pet (and you!) very uncomfortable. But flea and tick preventives contain substances that can be harmful if not handled properly, so it’s important to know how to use these products safely.

When to Use Flea and Tick Control Products

When should you treat your cat or dog with flea or tick products? It depends on where you live. Fleas are worst during warm weather months, but they can live inside all year long. Spring and summer can also be the worst time for ticks. In some areas of the U.S., they survive year-round. If you see signs of fleas or ticks on your pet, be sure to treat them right away. Otherwise, start treating at the beginning of flea or tick season.

Types of Flea and Tick Prevention

Many products are available for flea control in cats and dogs. Some products also prevent ticks or other pests. The most popular products for their effectiveness at A Caring Heart Veterinary Hospital are: Vectra, Trifexis, Preventic Collars, Ovitrol, Siphotrol and Knockout.

Flea and Tick Prevention: Medication Safety Guidelines

1. Check with your vet before using flea and tick products, even if you purchase them over the counter. This is especially important for elderly or sick pets, puppies or kittens, pets who are on other medications, or pets who are pregnant or nursing. For these and pets that have had reactions to tick and flea products, your vet may suggest using a flea comb instead to pick up fleas, eggs, and ticks. Deposit them in hot, soapy water.

2. Read and carefully follow instructions when using flea and tick products. Do not use dog products on cats or cat products on dogs. Cats are very sensitive to insecticides – a few drops of a spot-on treatment designed for dogs can be fatal to a cat. Only apply the amount needed for the size of your cat or dog. Never double up on products – applying powders in addition to spot-on products, for example.

3. Wear gloves or wash your hands with soap and water after applying a flea and tick preventive. Be sure to follow the instructions for proper storage and disposal of packaging.

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4. When applying spray or spot-on flea and tick preventives, keep pets separate while the product dries. This will keep them from grooming each other and swallowing the chemicals.

5. After applying a product, watch your cat or dog for signs of a reaction, especially if it’s the first time you’re using it. Call your vet if your pet has symptoms such as:

• Poor appetite
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Excessive salivation
• Depression

If you cat or dog has a bad reaction to flea and tick products such as spot-ons, sprays, or powders, immediately bathe your pet thoroughly with soap and water and follow any instructions from the package insert. Call your vet at 940-855-0451 and report problems to the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378.