Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1996-05-22, Page 15Second Section - May 22,1996 AND•atND t><i1VE-IN •The Quest Jun Claude VanDamm• •Fear $1. 1.8003958819 Risk of heartworm growing in Ontario Last year 42 cases of heartworm were,,eported in Ontario in 80 communities By Heather Mir T -A Reporter EXETER - Since a Kirkton area dog recently tested positive for heartworm, local veterinarians are stressing the importance of check- ing dogs annually for the disease. The dog, which is being treated at the Exeter Animal Hospital, is believed to have come into contact with the disease locally since it did not travel out of the area. According to a re- cent Guelph University study, 42 positive heartworm cases were reported in Ontario last year. In 1995 the disease struck 80 towns compared with 70 three years ago and this trend is growing. The majority of heartworm cases in Canada were reported in Ontario. Canine heartworm disease is a se- rious threat to dogs and is spread solely by mosquitoes. It frequently has no symptoms until the disease has progressed significantly. In the later stages, the disease causes fa- tigue, coughing and may damage the heart and lungs. Untreated, the dog can die of heart failure. "It frequently will kill the dog...unless the worm burden is light," said Dr. Ellen Shapiro of the Exeter Animal Hos- pital. "It's such a devastating disease." Heartworm is a' large parasitic worm that thrives in a dog's heart. It feeds on the nutrients in the blood stream and can grow up to 30 centimetres in length. In severe cases, as many as 500 worms can infect a dog. "Worms pack the heart and when there's no more room they migrate to the blood vessels in. the lungs, then to the liver," explained Dr. Walt Ingwerson of the Ontario "It frequently will kill the dog...unless the worm burden is light." Medical Association in a recent press release. "The heart is put un- der stress by blood having to wind its way around the worms and by thickening the vessels, which di- minishes blood flow." When a mosquito bites a dog is infected with heartworm it takes up immature worms as well as blood. Over 10 to 14 days, these worms grow into larvae and are transmitted to other dogs when bit- ten. It is possible, therefore, for a single infected dog to present a hazard to all dogs in the community during mosquito season. Trans- mission becomes more frequent as the summer progresses. Each year, University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College reports owners can easily prevent heart- worm disease by taking the dog for an annual blood test and giving pre- ventative medication during mos- quito season. Prevention programs should start by the beginning of June and con - Owe until November but Shapiro it's not too late to begin in ber. Ideally, dogs should have a blood test each year and 4tart a prevention program such as Interceptor, which also provides protection against hookworm, roundworm and whipworm. Prevention may cost between $45 and $50 while treatment for bean - worm including an x-ray. b*aod- wark, medication and two or 'thione day hospital stay can cost tiom $400 to $600. ; "Screening makes econotaic feriae," said Shapiro. The disease can leave residual Scarring on the heart and lungs af- ter treatment that includes a series f injections. During the treat - exercise must be restricted 1614lx to eight week to avoid se- rious lung damage. 4 In the case of heartworm, the is much worse than the pre - cation, which can be given as a of chewable tablets. „. , vanced case of hea worm disease may d velop one or more the following signs.' ach` re ?Ong tire easily during ex. rcise • collapse due to heart failure • general listlessness Treatment for heart- worm eartworm is potentially dangerous for the dog nd can be very cost . Prevention Is bey, far a better optlo Dr. filen Shapiro of the Exeter An/ilnal Hospital drews blood from a timid Peggy while Registered Veterinary Technician Wilma Lagerwerf holds her. The blood sample will be tested for heartworm disease before starting a prevention program beginning June 1. Above Peggy, a year-old Beagle, Is comforted by owner Darlene Edwards. Where Are They Now? is an extended series on South Huron strict High School graduates and their career choices Jody I&irp,pgI: raprmi,,g. ftgs ZURICH -'The trend has been towards getting bigger and I've kind of bucked that trend and become more specialized instead," said Jody Durand of his hog farming operation. Durand began mixed fanning near Zurich in 1987 before he started in the hog business and later expanded from 75 to 90 sows. He believes in the importance of being specialized, up-to-date and competitive in the hog industry. One of the challenges of the business, he explained, is the fact...marketing boards are pressured to allow a free market, which may make profitability more difficult for smaller operator. "I'm a big part (of) the resistance to that pressure," he said, adding the Ontario Pork Producer's Marketing Board has created a market where regardless of size, farmers are able to produce comparable amounts. "There is money in this business if you're smart and you do a good job," he said. "I have the ability to control my own destiny as far as profitability goes." He also likes the fact farming allows him to be his own boss and provides opportunities to spend time with his wife, Cheryl and four children, Elise, Ginelle, A.J. and Rachelle. Being very active in the political side of the industry, Durand is secretary -treasurer for the Huron County Pork Producer's Association as well as a treasurer for the Huron County Pork Club. He also expresses his views ase columnist for Hog Farmer magazine, a job that began through writing letters to the editor of Ontario Farmer three years ago. "1 don't like complaining solution," be said. "You have to be hard- working of course and dedicated to your goal or your vision," while maintaining an "ability to adapt to change." Asa teen he wanted to help farm with his father, who advised him to go to college first. A 1983 graduate of South Huron District High School, he remembers being one of a few boys in a french class and recalls a homecoming 1982 sign consisting of people standing in a football field. After taking an agriculture business management course at Centralia College of Agricultural Technology, Durand was hired at Hensall Co-op as a crop specialist for two years, then began to work part- time for a local cash crop farms Durand's future expansion plans Include keeping his options open and providing the opportunity to take up other interests. "My wife and I are really involved in community activities," he said, adding he is this year's Zurich's Bean Fest president. Baseball, hockey and church readings make up his with no pastimes. W 1 \ 1) !1 1i1.1