 Every newsletter has a theme or a set of articles put together to create an interesting piece of reading material. Highlighting adoptable dogs is an important part of the monthly emails and March is no different. Except that the two special dogs I am pictured with at Dr. Oliveira's South Miami Animal Clinic (with Jorge, the vet tech) both have heartworm.
The Rescue on a whole has had a handful of infected dogs and treated each one according to their age and their weight. But heartworm is PREVENTABLE! For dogs living on the street, they are at a higher risk because no one is around to give them a preventative every thirty days. But what is the excuse for dogs owned by families who test positive for heartworm?! If one witnessed the treatment, not to mention the expense, it would be life altering.
Heartworm disease is caused by infection with a worm named Dirofilaria immitis that is transmitted through mosquito bites. "A common misconception is that dogs that live mostly indoors do not need to be on heartworm prevention. Usually dogs are taken for walks or left for a few moments outdoors early in the morning and late afternoon to relieve themselves. These are the times when mosquitoes are most active increasing the chances of infection. Also, mosquitoes can be found inside the house or apartments," comments Dr. Oliveira of South Miami Animal Hospital. "Just one bite from an infected mosquito is enough to cause heartworm disease. Once mature, the Dirofilaria takes up residence in the heart and large vessels. Once the heartworm larvae reach the heart, the worms can affect blood flow throughout the body affecting many different organs including the heart, lungs, kidneys and liver." Heartworm disease is a silent killer which has been identified in all 50 states.
The goal of the treatment is to kill all adult worms with an adulticide and all microfilariae (baby worms) with a microfilaricide. The compound used to kill the adult worm is called Melarsomine and it needs to be injected very deep in the large lumbar muscles because it is extremely irritating. Dogs need to be monitored very closely after the injection. The injection site becomes very inflamed, tender and painful and remains this way for several days. The dogs also need high doses of steroids to help with the inflammation that occurs in the lungs because of the dying worms. When dead worms are numerous and arterial injury is severe, widespread obstruction of arteries can occur. After the treatment the dog needs to be in strict cage rest and leash walked for 4-6 weeks. When the adult worms die they detach from the right side of heart and are taken to the lungs with the circulation. In the lungs the dead worms cause respiratory distress due to mechanical and chemical factors. The microfirariae are killed with an injection of ivomec one month after the adulticide treatment is completed. Dogs can die from the heartworm treatment but if not treated heartworm disease is fatal. All dogs need to be on heartworm prevention for life in order to prevent this devastating disease. Heartworm is a parasitic disease and dogs do not create immunity against the Dirofilaria. A dog that suffered from heartworm disease and was treated successfully can get re-infected if not on prevention.
There are several delivery forms for heartworm prevention (one of them being a monthly pill such as Tri-Heart Plus) and here in Florida where mosquitoes roam all year round, this disease is spread at a rapid pace. By providing a chewable tablet once a month along with an annual heartworm test, you can feel confident that you are providing the best protection for your beloved family member. There is a bonus to being on top of these pills - Tri-Heart Plus, for example, not only kills the immature form of heartworm but also used for the control of hookworms and roundworms. Talk to your Vet about which form of heartworm prevention is best for your dog.
Aaron the Beagle and Stitch the Chocolate Lab are both going through treatments under the care of Dr. Oliveira. They will be fine if they do not die from complications of heartworm treatment and will be able to lead a normal life after treatment - they are otherwise healthy and young making them optimal candidates for survival. While treatment of canine heartworm disease can successful, prevention of the disease is much safer and more economical. There are a variety of options for preventing heartworm infection and these products are extremely effective when administered properly on a timely schedule.
For more information on Aaron or Stitch, please visit our website. Both are being fostered by volunteers to make sure their recovery period is as comfortable as possible.
Carol Caridad
President, Paws 4 You Rescue
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Join Us at Our Spring Fundraiser
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School Visits
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 Gail and Melinda from Paws 4 You Rescue visited Gulliver Schools South Miami Campus on February 27th. The campus has 75 children ranging from kindergarten to fourth grade. This local school was celebrating Read Across America. Several adults shared information about their careers and how each one helps the community in different ways. Paws 4 You Rescue wanted to participate by discussing dogs and the benefits of owning and taking care of animals in general. Every presenter read to the class on this special day so Gail and Melinda read a book about dogs to the children.
Carmen is a third grader who has a huge heart for animals. She has always been "nature smart". At Gulliver, instructors encourage students that everyone learns differently and teach them about multiple intelligences. One of the intelligences is nature smart. Carmen had a lemonade stand shortly after meeting Gail and Melinda to help raise money for our Rescue. Proudly presenting all the hard earned dollars she is pictured here with Cindy, Carol and Lily the beagle.
Sebastian the beagle, Gail, Melinda and Matt visited with the Future Farmers of America at Coral Reef Senior High. Members of the FFA at this Mega-Magnet School asked questions on dog care and what goes into rescuing dogs from the pound. Thoughtful discussions touched on not only the emotional side of rescuing but the physical labor involved as well as fundraising for proper vet care.
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Our Community Relations Program reaches out to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with both the residential and business community including the local schools.
We enjoy visiting with adults and children alike about how Paws 4 You Rescue works hard every day to find homeless dogs their forever families.
Enhancing the lives of people we meet of all ages continues to be a goal of all our volunteers who work tirelessly for the dogs.
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Don't miss our billboard on on the 112 Expressway near the Miami International Airport for our Rescues Rock the Runway event this month!
YES, that is Trooper, Samantha (still up for adoption), Ginny, Honey Bee, Jack & Gucci strutting their stuff down the runway!
Have fun with us on March 27 at Cabana One in Coconut Grove!!
All the details are above or email events@paws4you.org for additional information. Hope to see you there!
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