Medical Reports: Preventing Parasites

WSVN -- Stephanie Nicoli spends most of her day studying to become a nurse.

Stephanie Nicoli, Bailey's Owner: "Hi baby."

So she enjoys taking a break to snuggle with her 5-month-old puppy Bailey.

Stephanie Nicoli, Bailey's Owner: "She's my first dog, so it's a whole new experience."

And she's learning that taking care of a puppy can be a lot of work.

Stephanie Nicoli, Bailey's Owner: "Feeding her, walking her, make sure she's healthy."

Bailey gets regular check-ups at the Banfield Pet Hospital in Pembroke Pines.

Dr. Jesus Aramendi, Banfield Veterinary Hospital Pembroke Pines: "Heartworm disease is a life-threatening condition for pets."

Stephanie had heard of heartworm but didn't know the disease comes from an infected mosquito.

Stephanie Nicoli, Bailey's Owner: "Very surprised. I had no idea, I had no idea."

Dr. Jesus Aramendi, Banfield Veterinary Hospital Pembroke Pines: "It's transmitted by a mosquito when it bites an infected pet and it bites a healthy pet afterwards."

Then the parasites quickly invade the heart.

Dr. Jesus Aramendi, Banfield Veterinary Hospital Pembroke Pines: "You can see in this area of the heart in the pulmonary vessels, the adult heartworms accumulate in this area."

Because Florida is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, we are one of the top ten states for heartworms.

Symptoms in dogs can include coughing, weight loss, lethargy, and eventually congestive heart failure.

Cats may have asthma-like symptoms that can cause sudden death.

But there is good news.

Dr. Jesus Aramendi, Banfield Veterinary Hospital Pembroke Pines: "It's 100 percent preventable."

But dogs and cats have to be treated before they get bit.

Dr. Jesus Aramendi, Banfield Veterinary Hospital Pembroke Pines: "There are several medications out there that are heartworm preventative. All of those you get through your veterinarian."

Your vet has pills or other medication your pet should take once a month.

Dr. Jesus Aramendi, Banfield Veterinary Hospital Pembroke Pines: "Do it on a monthly basis, and you will never have a problem with this."

Stephanie makes sure Bailey takes hers and says it's a small price to pay to make sure she's happy and healthy for years to come.

Stephanie Nicoli, Bailey's Owner: "In the long run, it's worth her health."

Alexis Rivera: "The vet also says it's important to get your pet tested for heartworm disease and other parasites every year."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Banfield Pet Hospital

11950 Pines Blvd.

Pembroke Pines, FL 33026

(954) 442-4311

www.banfield.com