Page 7 - Hobe Sound Reflections - April '21

Hobe Sound, Page 7

tip of the tail

Heartworm Disease And Your of five larval stages, L1 (microfilariae) to L5 (adult Dogs and cats differ greatly in diagnosis and treatment
Pets heartworms). The life cycle begins when a mosquito bites for heartworms. In dogs, heartworm infection is diagnosed
a heartworm-infected dog and ingests microfilariae. Inside
through a simple blood test performed by a veterinarian.
the mosquito, microfilariae develop to L2, then to L3. This Once a diagnosis is made, additional testing may be
development usually takes a few weeks, and is dependent indicated to determine the severity of disease and to
on ambient temperature. The ambient temperature must determine if the dog can safely be treated for heartworms.
be at least 57 degrees Fahrenheit in order for L1 to L3 Treatment consists of multiple intramuscular injections of
development to occur. When an animal is bitten by an an organic arsenical medication. During treatment, which
infected mosquito, L3 larvae are deposited into the is usually one to two months, dogs must be completely
animal’s skin. During the next few months, heartworms rested to help ensure they do not experience complications.
develop from L3 to L5. The adult heartworms then enter Complications with treatment include pain at the injection
the animal’s circulatory system, migrating to the heart and site, blood clot formation, and lung inflammation. After
surrounding blood vessels. Microfilariae are produced by treatment is completed, another blood test will need to be
the adult heartworms approximately five to seven months performed to confirm successful treatment. Cats can be
after entering the host animal. much more difficult to diagnose with heartworm disease.
Because heartworms live primarily in the blood vessels, While blood tests can be used to verify a heartworm
they can cause severe damage to the circulatory system. infection, additional testing, such as an echocardiogram, is
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life This damage can lead to blood clot formation, lung disease, often needed to definitively diagnose heartworm disease.
threatening disease. Heartworms, also known as Dirofilaria and heart failure. In severe heartworm disease, kidney and Additionally, there is no approved medication to treat
immitis, are parasites that are transmitted by mosquitoes, liver failure may also occur. heartworms in cats. Cats with heartworm disease may
and may infect more than 30 species of animals, including The symptoms of heartworm disease depend on the spontaneously clear the heartworms within a few years;
dogs and cats. Adult heartworms are found primarily in number of adult heartworms present, the location of the other cats may progress to develop heart and lung disease.
the blood vessels around the heart and lungs and in the worms, and the length of time an animal has been infected Heartworm prevention is recommended to prevent
heart. The number of adult heartworms in infected animals with heartworms. When first infected with heartworms, infections in dogs and cats. There are several prescription
can vary from a single heartworm to more than a hundred animals will likely have no signs of infection. With mild products available for heartworm prevention that also can
heartworms. Though widely distributed throughout the disease, the most common symptom is cough. As heartworm prevent certain intestinal parasites and in combination
United States, the highest heartworm infection rates are disease progresses, additional symptoms can be noted, with other medications prevent or kill fleas. Ask your
found in states along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. including exercise intolerance, weakness, and difficulty veterinarian which one they recommend.
The life cycle of the heartworm is complex and consists breathing. In severe cases, death may occur. Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center
is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your
pets. With focuses on compassionate care in surgery,
physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative medicine,
extensive diagnostics, and emergency service, Palm City
Animal Medical Center combines exceptional medical
care with a caring philosophy for pets and their owners.
For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit www.
palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.

mediCal

matters

Is Telehealth Here To Stay?

The question confronting most patients these days:
are telehealth visits the future of medicine? Interviews
with a number of patients show their main concern about
telehealth visits is they feel they’re not getting a proper
examination, it’s simply a conversation between the
physician and patient. The physician asks the patient
how he or she is feeling and has no idea what their vital
signs are (oxygen level, blood pressure, glucose reading,
heart rate, etc.).
American Telemedicine has the ability to provide
physicians with all of the patient’s data in real time.
The Link+ by LiveCare is the key to providing this
information. The patient does not have to know how to
operate a computer, cell phone, or tablet. Vital signs are
taken and the data immediately sent to your physician.
The Link+ is HIPAA and FDA approved so Medicare and
Medicare Advantage patients can be billed for telehealth
visits.
The Link+ is like having a wellness center in your
own home. Physicians can use the Link+ for remote
patient monitoring as well as telehealth visits. All
patients, but especially those who live alone or with
underlying conditions, should have a Link+ unit to
monitor their vital signs. It also has an emergency
response button and can be worn outside the home. The
Link+ is now being offered to any individual for a small
monthly fee.
Telehealth is here to stay because physicians enjoy
the benefits it offers so it should be done the right way
using the Link+.
If you are a physician, healthcare provider, or
individual who would like a free demonstration,
please call (561) 278-2222. American Telemedicine’s
management and staff would like to wish everyone
a healthy and prosperous new year. Stay safe and
wear your mask. Louis Biasi is the CEO of American
Telemedicine.
Reprinted from South Florida Hospital News.
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