Protect pets from insect-born diseases
		by BUDDY AMATO
		When insects begin to emerge, they might carry illnesses that could affect your pets. Heartworm, Lyme disease, tapeworms and West Nile Virus are all diseases that can be transmitted from pests such as ticks, fleas and mosquitoes. Heartworm, prevalent throughout New Jersey, is a major threat to dogs and cats. The worm is transmitted into the bloodstream by mosquito bites. The parasitic worm is called a heartworm because the parasite resides in the heart of its host where it can stay for many years and may kill its host through congestive heart failure. Heartworm symptoms include coughing, weakness, fatigue and weight loss, and may not be noticeable until the disease has caused serious damage. There are many forms of treatment available, and they have the added bonus of protecting against other parasites as well. A blood test can determine if the parasite is present, and medication can prevent infection. Lyme disease, transmitted through the bite of a tick, is a major risk to dogs as well as horses. Cats seem to be relatively resistant to the disease. No only do the smaller deer ticks transmit Lyme disease, but now all ticks are believed to spread the disease. Some people also believe that mosquitoes and fleas can be carries of the disease as well. Lyme disease symptoms in pets can include lameness, joint pain, fever, and listlessness. A blood test by your veterinarian can detect Lyme disease and allow time for treatment of the disease, which usually consists of a one-month course of antibiotics. A Lyme disease vaccine for dogs has been available for years, and has proven very effective in reducing the chances of acquiring the disease. Tick control, such as collars and sprays, are also another step towards Lyme disease prevention. Tapeworms, common in dogs and cats, are transmitted by ingesting fleas during biting or grooming. Symptoms may include upper abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Tapeworms reside in the small intestines of animals, but usually do not cause any major damage. West Nile Virus is a major threat to horses and cats that is severely debilitating and often fatal. It is transmitted through the bit of a mosquito. A vaccine for horses exists, though its effectiveness is still being studied. Insect control is a vital part in the care of your pets to protect them from many different diseases. Collars and sprays can control fleas and ticks on the animal, while getting rid of even the smallest amount of standing water, in old flowerpots and wheelbarrows, will remove mosquito breeding grounds. Most veterinarians also recommend giving your pets preventative medication, if available, year round and taking them for an annual blood test. Did you know.. That Lyme disease can be transmitted through the bite of a tick? That regular blood tests of your pets can detect many diseases before they become too serious? That insect control reduces the risk of your pet becoming infected with a disease carried by insects? Grandmaster Buddy Amato operates Amato's Karate and Weapons Academy, 589 Palmer Avenue, West Keansburg and is the author of Buddys Animal Kingdom. For more information, call (732) 671-9555. Return to top More Columns Copyright Buddy Amato Amato's Goju-ryu Karate, Nunchaku, Bo-staff, Aikido, Sword, Kendo, Sais, Kick-boxing, Tai-Chi and more 589 Palmer Ave, Keansburg and is the author of Buddys Animal Kingdom, NJ 07734 (732) 671-9555