The American Heartworm Society (AHS) has released updated canine heartworm guidelines, based on new research, clinical experience, and information presented at the AHS Triennial Symposium in 2007. The 14-page guide is available as a free downloadable pdf document at www.HeartwormSociety.org.
 These guidelines are considered to be the official veterinary perspective for the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
The key recommendations as they relate to consumers include a recommendation for annual testing for heartworm disease throughout the United States, and year round adminstration of heartworm preventive mediations in an effort to prevent heartworm disease and control other zoonotic diseases such as roundworms. They recommend that puppies be started on heartworm preventives no later than 8 weeks of age.
In addition to these recommendations, the report discusses current treatment protocols and recent reports of possible resistance issues with prevention products.
Finally, the report discusses reasons for the increase in prevalence of heartworm disease in the dog that has been seen recently, including environmental changes due to both urban sprawl and climate change.
Heartworm disease is a significant and life-threatening disease that is readily prevented through the use of heartworm preventive medications. As your veterinary health care team, we urge you to speak with us about this deadly disease and our recommendations for your pet.
Caution: These news items, written by Lifelearn Inc., are licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written permission of Lifelearn Inc. Please note that the news information presented here is NOT a substitute for a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by our clinic veterinarian.
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