Heartworm Disease

The American Heartworm Society, a group of scientists dedicated to the study and elimination of heartworm disease recently reported that heartworm disease is increasing in incidence nationwide. This mosquito borne disease has been reported in all 50 states and has been in the Des Moines area since about 1973. Heartworm disease is easily prevented but difficult and expensive to treat. With the ideal conditions for mosquito reproduction this summer it is likely that we could experience an increased number of cases next spring. There is about a 6 month delay from when a dog is infected from a carrier mosquito bite until the heartworms develop into the adult stage in the heart and cause symptoms or death. Bottom line: Be sure to give the heartworm preventative to your dog every month. If you dog hasn't been tested in the past year please make an appointment and begin the preventative as soon as possible. We recommend year around preventative as the new heartworm preventatives also contain medications to prevent intestinal parasites as well. Iverhart Max provides the most comprehensive protection for both heartworm and intestinal parasites. Also be aware that heartworm preventatives and prescription monthly flea medications are sold exclusively to veterinarians. Products sold over the internet are diverted and possibly counterfeit products and their authenticity and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed. For more information on heartworm disease check out the American Heartworm Society's website at www.heartwormsociety.org and click on pet owner resources.

Important Info on Rabies Revaccination

The State of Iowa has recently clarified rabies revaccination requirements. A memo from the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association to their member veterinarians states: "An initial rabies vaccine should be boostered in one year. At that point, Iowa law follows the vaccine manufacturer's recommendation for booster vaccination. (then) If a 3 year vaccine is administered, the vaccine should be boostered prior (emphasis mine) to the 3 year expiration date....Iowa Department of Agriculture rules require a booster in one year if the 3 year vaccine has expired." Basically this means if you are 1 day late getting a revaccination of a 3 year vaccine your dog is considered unvaccinated for rabies and we can only issue a 1 year certificate and must booster again in 1 year rather than 3.

Why a blog?

On an almost daily basis several bits of information come across my desk that would be of help to our clients and other pet owners. I thought that a blog would be the easiest and quickest way to pass that information along. In addition, I thought it would be fun to feature a particular patient or an interesting case. I'm looking forward to the opportunity for more communication with you and I hope you will check in with our blog frequently.