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 ...back Parasite Control Parasites. All of us as pet owners wish we never had to deal with a flea, tick, or intestinal worm. Many pets have a problem with internal or external parasites at some point in their lives, but we can take a few simple steps to help keep our pets healthy and comfortable. Some external parasites that affect our pets include ticks, fleas, mites, and those that cause various forms of mange. Ticks can cause several diseases, and they are of particular concern because ticks can also bite humans to produce the same diseases. The Northeast is well noted as a "hot spot" for Lyme disease, with high infectious rates being reported in the Capital District area. Pets can be tested for Lyme and related diseases, and there are new tick repellents available to reduce your pet's exposure to tick borne infections. Pet owners should inspect their pets regularly for ticks, especially after trips outside to the woods or mountains. By thoroughly combing your pet within 4-6 hours of exposure to tick-infested areas, you can help prevent ticks from attaching to your pet. If your pet becomes infested with numerous ticks, please consult your veterinarian. Fleas on your pet or in your home can be enough to drive you crazy! These little critters are not only annoying though, they can be downright dangerous to your pet's health. Fleas may cause skin irritation, hair loss, extreme discomfort, and allergic reactions. A severe infestation may cause anemia or even death, particularly in vulnerable pets (young puppies and kittens, older animals, or chronically ill pets). Unfortunately, fleas are very hardy creatures, and it can be challenging to get rid of them. Recent advances in flea control product have given us new weapons that can help prevent flea infestations from ever occurring. Insect growth regulators, or IGRs, are safe and act like flea hormones to interrupt the life cycle of the flea, preventing them from maturing into adult fleas. These come in various forms, and are only available through a veterinarian. Make sure to use the products as directed; some products can be toxic to cats. Please consult your pet care team for information on how to prevent fleas from gaining a hold in your life, and how to battle them if your pet or home becomes infested. Ear mites are another common external parasite that can cause great discomfort for your pet. The primary symptoms of ear mites are scratching at the ears, shaking of the head, and a dark discharge. These symptoms mimic other ear diseases, so an accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Ear mites are microscopic, and a lab test is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Ear mites are treated with a therapy regime that combines gentle cleansing with a topical ointment that includes an anti-inflammatory to soothe inflamed ears, antibiotics to minimize secondary bacterial infection, and an anti-paracidicital to kill the mites. In certain cases, your veterinarian may recommend an injection of Ivermectin. Demodectic and sarcoptic mange are also caused by external parasites. Diagnosis of these conditions requires laboratory testing for confirmation as other conditions may cause a pet to look "mangy". Mange can be treated by different medications, and your veterinarian can best advise you as to a specific course of treatment. If you suspect mange in your pet, please seek immediate assistance from your veterinarian. The internal parasite group includes four main groups of worms and some types of protozoa. Common worms for your pet include tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. The protozoa of primary concern for cats and dogs include coccidian, toxoplasma, giardia, and ameba. Diagnosis of these internal parasites is done in your veterinarian's laboratory through a check of your pet's fecal sample. It is important that the fecal sample is fresh (within twelve hours) of the time of examination to ensure accuracy of the diagnosis. A fecal check includes a microscopic examination of the sample to determine which, if any, worms and/or protozoa are present. Since different parasites require different medications, it is important to accurately identify all threats to your pet's health. Most parasite treatments only take a few days, but rechecking your pet's fecal sample is necessary three to four weeks after deworming. Your pet care team can also make recommendations about preventing re-infestation. Consult your veterinarian if your pet has a change in appetite, coughing, diarrhea, weight loss, or a change in their hair coat. Some otherwise healthy animals will not demonstrate any clinical signs of parasite infestation. Remember, an annual fecal check is recommended as part of your pet's overall well care program. Heartworms are parasites that can cause life-threatening disease, and they can affect both cats and dogs. Heartworm is spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. While heartworm has been more prevalent in dogs, it has been discovered in cats as well. At this time, there are good treatment options for dogs who have contracted heartworm, there are limited options available for cats. Fortunately, there have been many advances in heartworm prevention that can help your pet. When your pet comes in for an initial exam or an annual physical, your technician and veterinarian will recommend a blood test to screen for heartworm. Puppies and kittens should begin a prevention program at eight weeks of age. Other pets may begin a prevention program after the screening test shows them to be free from heartworm. If you give an animal that has heartworm the prevention medicine, it can have deadly consequences. Please only use prevention medication from your veterinarian following appropriate laboratory work. Several options for heartworm prevention now exist. Please consult with your pet care team to determine the best option for your pet. |
 Latham Animal Hospital 326 Troy Schenectady Rd Latham, NY 12110 P: (518) 785-1481 F: (518) 785-1499 info@capitalvets.com  |