Protecting your pet from heartwarm disease

Thousands of dogs are infected with heartworm disease every year and some local experts say there are certain areas in northwest Ohio that are seeing an increase in cases.

Like all the stray and abandoned animals, being cared for at the Toledo Animal Shelter Gordy is being tested for heartworm. Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes.

Dr. Brent Couts from the Toledo Animal Shelter says, "Over the last year or so we've seen at least twice as many cases. Normally a clinic will see about 15 cases a year and it seems to be going up from there."

According to Dr. Couts, some local areas are seeing an increase in cases. "Swanton, Whitehouse, Holland all the way up through Sylvania. And because mosquitoes are carried on the wind it could potentially be spreading east from there."

Some say the tight economy is part of the reason for the increase in cases. As people try to save money they cut out heartworm treatments. Vets say it will cost a lot more if your pet gets the disease.

"By the time we do the blood work, x-rays and the treatment itself you're into generally about $700 to $800. Whereas the prevention, depending on the size of your pet, will cost you about $30 to $50 a year," says Dr. Steve Reece of Anthony Wayne Animal Hospital.

Cats can get heartworm as well. Vets say to make sure your pet is protected, give heartworm medicine year-round. Vets say they won't be surprised if the number of local cases is higher than usual again next year. Gordy, the dog who was tested for heartworm in this story, does not have the disease. For all the information on heartworm go to heartwormsociety.org

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