Remain vigilent in battle against deadly heartworms

by Cate Ogden – 

The heart has become a symbol for February, signifying love and Valentine’s Day. Sadly, a heart infested with worms does not stand for love and happiness, but rather for neglect, pain and, in this case, a loss of a precious hound’s life. This article is dedicated to Loretta’s memory in hopes that another animal’s life will not be lost to this terrible threat of heartworm.

Loretta came to the Middlesex Animal Shelter as a stray. Since close to 80% of the strays that come to us are already infected with heartworm, Middlesex Pet Friends for Life (MPFL) had her tested for heartworm infestation and, unfortunately, she was positive. We then began treatment in the hopes of being able to cure her.

Sadly, about two weeks ago, she took a turn for the worse. One of our volunteers rushed her to a specialist veterinary hospital in Richmond, where she lost her brave battle and took her last breath.

The frustrating thing is that Loretta’s loss could have easily been prevented. Heartworm infestation is an insidious cruel disease that can so easily be avoided. There are monthly chewables, monthly topicals and even a yearly injectable for prevention. Regrettably, many pet owners don’t treat their fur babies, either out of ignorance of the disease or just unforgivable neglect.

In Loretta’s memory please treat your furry Valentines for heartworms.

(Cate Ogden is president of the Middlesex Pet Friends for Life Board of Directors. Her email address is roc@va.metrocast.net.)