Do we have a heartworm prevention problem?
In a recent publication in Frontiers of Veterinary Science, a startling revelation has emerged from the longitudinal Golden Retriever Lifetime Study: less than 40% of the participating dogs were on preventive heartworm medications at the study’s outset. This discovery raises significant concerns, as heartworm disease is a severe and potentially fatal condition that is entirely preventable in dogs.
The investigation, funded by the Morris Animal Foundation and conducted by researchers at Lincoln Memorial University, delved into the factors influencing heartworm preventive medication usage in the Golden Retriever cohort. The study unearthed critical factors associated with a decreased likelihood of dogs being on heartworm prevention, including dogs in the highest quartile of height, sexually intact dogs, and dogs receiving supplements. Conversely, dogs receiving other vaccines or those diagnosed with an infectious disease or ear, nose, or throat health condition during their recent health checkups were more likely to receive heartworm preventives.
Dr. Lauren Wisnieski, Associate Professor of Public Health and Research at Lincoln Memorial University and the principal investigator of the study, stressed the scarcity of research on the prevalence of prophylactic use in dogs. She highlighted the urgency of this recent project, especially given the impact of climate change, which has extended mosquito seasons in some states, making year-round vigilance imperative.
The life cycle of heartworms involves the deposition of larvae onto a dog’s or cat’s skin during a mosquito bite, where they mature over several months. Despite advancements in understanding heartworm disease, including improved diagnostic tests and safer, more effective treatments, heartworm disease remains a significant health threat to pets across all 50 states.
Heartworms can grow up to a foot long and cause lasting damage to the heart, lungs, and other vital organs. While treatment is possible, it can be financially burdensome for pet owners and often leads to a lengthy recovery process if successful.
Dr. Wisnieski emphasized the significance of this data for veterinarians in guiding their client discussions and identifying populations at risk of nonadherence to preventive measures. She stated, “Prevention is a cheaper alternative to the financial burden of treating heartworm disease later.”
With preliminary data in hand, Dr. Wisnieski and her team are now planning to expand their research scope to include a broader range of dog breeds, the impact of cost on preventive use, and the dynamic between human-animal bonds and preventive practices. This crucial research aims to shed light on better ways to protect our four-legged companions from this preventable and potentially deadly disease.
