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Are heartworms visible? - Ridgetowne Animal Clinic

No, heartworms are not visible. Both the microfilaria (transmitted from the mosquito) and the adult heartworm live inside the heart, lungs, and major vessels. They are not visible when looking at your dog.

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Is heartworm painful? - Ridgetowne Animal Clinic

No, as far as we know, heartworm disease is not a painful condition for dogs, thankfully.

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What are the possible signs that my dog has heartworms? - Ridgetowne Animal Clinic

Common symptoms include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, and fatigue after moderate exercise. Dogs may also appear lethargic. These are the initial signs of heartworm disease.

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how soon after infection will a dog show signs of heartworm? - Ridgetowne Animal Clinic

It varies, as dogs often remain asymptomatic during the early stages of heartworm disease. It can take 6-12 months or even 12-24 months for symptoms to develop. The longer the infection persists, the more symptoms will start to appear.

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How significant is my dog’s risk for heartworm? - Ridgetowne Animal Clinic

In regions like Mississippi, the risk of heartworm infection is significant. The Mississippi Delta, from central Mississippi down to the Louisiana coast, has the highest number of heartworm cases in the entire United States. Year-round prevention is strongly recommended for dogs living in these areas.

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How does my dog’s lifestyle affect their risk for heartworm? - Ridgetowne Animal Clinic

Dogs that spend more time outdoors and are more active, such as those going on hikes and walks, are at a higher risk of developing heartworm disease due to increased exposure to infected mosquitoes. However, even indoor dogs can be at risk, as mosquitoes can enter homes and bite dogs there.

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How are heartworms transmitted? - Ridgetowne Animal Clinic

Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, it picks up microfilariae (baby heartworms). These microfilariae develop into infective larvae within 10-14 days. The mosquito then bites another animal, depositing the larvae into the new host. In regions with a high mosquito population, such as Mississippi, heartworm transmission occurs year-round.

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What causes dog heartworm? - Ridgetowne Animal Clinic

Heartworms in dogs are caused by foot-long worms that primarily live in the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels. These worms can cause heart failure, lung disease, or other serious health issues in dogs.

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How do cat wellness exams influence subsequent treatments? - Briar Patch Veterinary Hospital

Wellness exams help establish a baseline for your cat's health and can reveal any new changes or issues that may require follow-up treatments. If your cat is found to be healthy, this information sets a foundation for future exams. However, if the exam reveals a new condition, such as a heart murmur or growth, early detection and treatment can help prevent more serious health problems from developing. Wellness exams are essential for maintaining your cat's overall well-being and identifying potential issues before they become severe.

Contributed by Sierra Bouchard DVM from

How long do cat wellness exams usually take? - Briar Patch Veterinary Hospital

Cat wellness exams typically take about 30 minutes. This allows time for the veterinarian to address your questions, perform a complete exam on your cat, and collect any necessary samples or run diagnostics. It also provides time for treatments if needed.

Contributed by Sierra Bouchard DVM from
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