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Pre-Surgical Information
Spaying or neutering your pet is a big step! There is a lot to consider
when we are planning your pet’s surgery. Here is some information to help
you make wise decisions.
Click here . . .
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Special LibraryOur Special Library
is a collection of informative articles on a variety of health topics.
Click here . . .
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Discharge InstructionsClick here for
information on how to care for your pet at home.
Click here . . .
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Heartworm Disease
Heartworm Disease is a major
problem in many parts of the
country. Here's the run-down
as it relates to Idaho Falls.
 Heartworm Disease does not exist in Eastern Idaho.
That makes this a very short article. Despite
promotional literature from the folks who sell Heartworm
Preventative medication, there has never been a case of
heartworm disease diagnosed in Idaho Falls in a patient
that has not been in some other heartworm-infected area.
So, here in Idaho Falls, heartworm preventatives are not
needed. End of story.
Unless you travel with your dog to an area that has
heartworm disease. Then heartworm disease can be a
problem. Heartworms are, briefly, a parasite that
lives in the hearts of dogs and cats. As you might
imagine, this is a very bad thing indeed.
Heartworms are spread by mosquitos, so every pet that
enters a heartworm area when mosquitos are out is
susceptible and at risk. A map is provided at the
right. Take it with a grain of salt, because they
have this area listed as a heartworm area and it is not.
The best way to find out is to just call up a Vet Clinic
while you are there and ask them if there is heartworm
disease in the area.
There is no need to do anything before you go. And
it is fine to wait until you get there to call around
and see if heartworm is even a problem in the area.
That's because the Heartworm Preventatives really do not
prevent anything. Mosquitos inject baby heartworms
into the pet when they bite them. That's how pets get
infected. But it takes several months for the baby
heartworms to grow up into adult heartworms and cause
problems. The Heartworm Preventatives are given
once a month, and rather than preventing infection they
simply kill off all the baby heartworms every month
before they have a chance to grow up and cause problems.
So, wait until you get back to Idaho Falls where it is
safe, and then give your pet a Heartworm Preventative.
For clients who have just moved here from a heartworm
area, cheer up. The winters here are harsh, but at least
there's no more costly heartworm preventative to buy.
We do recommend one last heartworm test for your pets,
then you can forget about the whole issue. |
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