HEARTWORM IN KOHALA?
During the eleven years I have been practicing in North Kohala, we have been blessedly free of heartworm, at least by the results of yearly heartworm tests on dogs both on prevention and those that go without.
While other areas of the island are hotbeds of heartworm disease (Puna, Hilo, Kealakekua and parts of Kona) our dogs and cats have been spared the disease that is spread by mosquitoes from dog to dog. Heart worms literally live in the heart of our pets, and can cause serious illness.
Recently, the first positive dog that resides in Kohala was detected. This means that we may be beginning to see the development of disease here. A good way to prevent the spread of the disease is to have all dogs on preventive. That way the larva cannot develop into adults and the disease cannot be spread from dog to dog.
If your pet has not had a recent heartworm test, please have them tested. Also, preventive medication can only be prescribed to patients that have been examined by the doctor, annually.
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