Q: Our vet thinks that we should give heartworm medicine to our
Chihuahua dog, Millie. She never goes outside
… she even uses special papers in the house when she has to
potty. So there isn’t much chance that a mosquito can infect
her.
Q: Our vet thinks that we should give heartworm medicine to our Chihuahua dog, Millie. She never goes outside… she even uses special papers in the house when she has to potty. So there isn’t much chance that a mosquito can infect her. I thought the only way she could get heartworm was if a mosquito bit her. So I don’t understand why she needs prevention. What do you think?
A: Never is the big word here. Only if she truly never gets outside, (and if mosquitoes never get into your home), then she probably can’t be infected with this disease.
But what if you decide to take a trip out of the area? Let’s say your Aunt Bessie calls you from up in Auburn, or some other area where heartworm is a serious problem. And let’s say that when you visit her, mosquitoes are in the house. Or worse, you decide to go out for a walk and take Millie with you. If one mosquito bites her, she could be infected and in danger of developing heartworm disease and congestive heart failure.
In some parts of South County, heartworm mosquitoes are not a problem. But there are geographic pockets where infective mosquitoes exist in high numbers. One such local area is on the west side around Redwood Retreat and Uvas Roads. Regions of the Santa Cruz mountains and Sierra Foothills are also heavy with this disease. And all it takes is just one bite from one “bad” mosquito to give the disease to another dog.
Most veterinarians use caution when discussing heartworm with clients. Prevention medication is relatively inexpensive and effectively prevents this terrible disease.
There are special dogs like Millie who “never” go outside. But sometimes in special circumstances, they get out for just a short moment and are at risk. Any chance for exposure just isn’t worth the risk. Consider prevention an insurance against a deadly disease.
Q: Should a dog that was spayed two years ago come into heat? My brother’s dog was fixed two years ago, but now she is in heat, bleeding and everything. What should he do?
A: A spayed female shouldn’t show any signs of estrus after surgery. Her surgery, an ovariohysterectomy, removed both the uterus and ovaries where estrogen hormone was produced. Spayed females have no estrogen cycle. But in rare cases, there can be secretion of estrogen hormone from small spots on the liver or spleen. This is extremely unusual, but can cause a dog to seem as though she is in heat.
It’s also possible that your brother’s dog has a vaginal infection. Vaginitis can sometimes cause bleeding and signs similar to estrus. Certain bladder conditions also cause what appears to be vaginal bleeding. Have a veterinarian examine her right away to determine the cause of her condition.
West Nile Update: The government reports that West Nile Virus has been detected in six Southern California counties. The virus seems to be spreading before peak mosquito season begins in May.
Mosquitoes are the principle vector for West Nile disease. Public health experts warn that mosquito populations have increased, and that could make West Nile a hazard throughout California this year.
Santa Clara County vector control officials are telling people to eliminate any free-standing water by emptying all containers that hold stale water, perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Old garbage cans, old tires, even unused livestock waterers are all potential mosquito havens.
West Nile is mainly a danger to birds, horses and people, so horse, donkey, and burro owners need to have their animals vaccinated.. Dogs and cats seem to have natural immunity and are relatively safe even if they are exposed.
Be vigilant, and be sure to report promptly any dead birds to the California hotline for West Nile Virus. The phone number is 1-877-WNV-BIRD.
