One Bite Is All It Takes...
Heartworm Disease Is A Serious Health Concern

Heartworm infection in animals is a serious health threat that can ultimately result in heart failure and death. One bite from a mosquito can transmit heartworms to your pet. Dogs are the most common victims, but cats, ferrets and other animals are susceptible. Treatment is available for dogs, although it is expensive and may cause complications. Currently, there is no effective Heartworm Disease treatment for cats. But affliction can be prevented.

Heartworms are slender white worms that can grow to as much as 14 inches in length. They obstruct blood vessels, restrict heart valve function and can also cause extensive damage to the lungs, liver and kidneys. Mosquitoes transmit microscopic larvae of heartworms between animals through the exchange of blood. It takes several months for the larvae to mature and move into the heart and other organs.

What are the symptoms of heartworm infection? Unfortunately, symptoms are not seen during the early stages of the disease and it can take up to a year for any signs of infection. Once the disease is advanced, the pet displays chronic coughing, weight loss and decreased appetite. Pets will lack energy, tire easily and may collapse from heart failure after playing or exercising. A blood test is available to determine if your pet is infected.

Preventive treatment for heartworm disease, before it advances to the point of seriously jeopardizing your pet's health, is simple and usually 100% effective. Following a blood test to determine if your pet is infected, a once-a-month medication may be administered that destroys any immature heartworms that exist in your pet's bloodstream.

The environment you live in and existence of mosquitoes can be a critical factor in your pet's exposure to heartworm disease. That's why it's important to consult with your veterinarian about your pet's susceptibility to this potentially fatal disease.

Special Alert
Important NEW Heartworm Recommendations

The American Heartworm Society along with the Center of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA/CMV) has updated guidelines so veterinarians can readily educate pet owners about this potentially fatal illness. The new guidelines recommend annual testing, testing in-between preventive product changes, and year-round prevention in order to manage heartworm disease.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Please join us at the College of Veterinary Medicine 19th Annual Pet Day and Open House on May 6th. We will have lots of goodies available for your pet!

STAFF HIGHLIGHTS!!!

New Employees:

	We would like to welcome Dr. Joey Goldthorpe to WVC. She grew up in Wisconsin where she obtained her B.A. in Psychology with emphasis in animal behavior. Dr. Goldthorpe is a 2002 OSU College of Veterinary Medicine graduate and as some of you know she has a special affection for cats. Dr. Goldthorpe shares her home with 10 cats and 2 dogs.
Diane Richards is a Certified Veterinary Technician who as recently joined our team. She was raised here in the Willamette Valley and shares her home with her 2 cats and 1 dog. In her spare time Diane enjoys bicycling, alpine skiing, horseback riding and the martial arts.
	Please welcome Chelsea Mahnk from Tucson, Arizona. Chelsea and her husband where looking for a change and decided to move to Oregon so Chelsea could join our team at WVC. She enjoys hiking, camping and kayaking, Oregon should be a perfect fit!
Some of you may remember Cassie Belveal when she worked at WVC as a receptionist but she recently rejoined WVC as a nurse. She has 2 cats and 3 dogs The newest addition is Cooper, an adorable longhaired Dachshund puppy!

Employee of the Month Recipients:

Left to Right
Danni Gatti ~ Jan 05
Veronica Nunez ~ Feb 05
Chelsea Mahnk ~ March 05

What is Giardia and should YOU be concerned?
Educating pet owners is an important part of the veterinary/client relationship, especially when it comes to zoonotic parasitic infections, which can be transmitted from animals to humans. Giardia is a common form of zoonotic infection that can be prevented with proper precautionary measures.

The Risks of Contracting Giardia
Giardia are protozoa, a microscopic single-celled organism with a flagellated teardrop shape which can take up residence in the small intestine. Both animals and humans can contract these organisms by drinking contaminated water from streams and ponds. This is particularly hazardous with pets that accompany owners on camping or out door vacations and for hunting or sporting dogs. Giardia infection is most common with dogs but infection of cats is increasing. It is the most common intestinal parasite of humans in North America today.

For your dog, just one lap of contaminated water or a bite on a contaminated stick is all it takes to contract Giardia. Pets may also become infected by eating droppings of contaminated animals and by licking their paws or fur after walking in an infected area. Beaver and other wildlife such as deer, elk and mountain goats have been identified as transmission sources in the wild. The best means of prevention is to provide you and your pet with treated drinking water while on a camping, hiking or hunting trip. This may not be a realistic option for those dogs that like to experience all aspects of the great outdoors.

Risk Factors for Giardia:
High Risk: Dogs frequently exposed to the outdoors, particularly mountain or foothill areas, or make frequent visits to dog parks.

Moderate Risk: Dogs spending moderate time outdoors or take regular walks with their owners.

Low Risk: Indoor pets and those confined to a small backyard.

Symptoms of Giardia Infection
Clinical signs of Giardia infection range from mild intestinal discomfort to a sudden onset of explosive diarrhea sometimes accompanied by a foul-smelling gas. One might also notice a lack of energy and weight loss despite a healthy appetite. Although dogs infected by Giardia show only subtle symptoms that go unnoticed, they may still infect other pets or people. Giardia can cause permanent intestinal and organ damage that can shorten your pet's life.

How to Detect Giardia Infection
Infection may be detected by looking for microscopic Giardia cysts in fresh stool samples. It is often necessary to examine several samples before one can observe Giardia cysts, since they are shed on an irregular basis.

Treatment of Giardia Infection
Treating a Giardia infection can be a multi-step process and frequently more than one course of therapy is required. All infected pets should be medicated with a drug that kills parasites. In addition, it is necessary to clean the yard of all feces daily during the treatment period and it is recommended that you bathe your pet regularly.

Willamette Veterinary Clinic, P.C.
650 SW 3rd Street
Corvallis, OR 97333
(541) 753-2223
(541) 753-5750 Emergency