Metro Atlanta Vets Say Heartworm On Rise
Posted on August 09, 2010 20:10
Veterinarians Say Bad Economy To Blame
By Lesley Tanner
Metro Atlanta veterinarians are reporting higher than normal instances of heartworm. The deadly disease is a parasite spread by mosquitoes and is easily prevented with proper medication.
Donna Rosser was concerned about her dog's health after she adopted a pet from the Fayette County animal shelter two weeks ago.
"I was concerned about heartworm over anything because you really don't know,' said Rosser.
Rosser immediately brought her adopted dog Iris to Dr. Mike Younker at the Fayette Veterinary Medical Center to be tested for heartworms. Younker said the clinic has seen a 25 percent increase in the disease this year.
"Knowing that we were on the fence with Iris, to hear it's on the increase, I think we were just really lucky that she was fine," said Rosser.
Younker said he was surprised by the number of cases they've treated. He belives the down economy is to blame.
"We often thought veterinary medicine was recession proof because people will do anything for their pets," said Younker.
But as the economy continued to fall, Younker said he saw a decrease in clients willing to pay for the preventative pills. The problem got even worse because the only company that makes the cure for heartworm has a supply shortage.
"They've pretty much had to ration the drug out to special cases, most severe cases," said Younker. "We even have to apply to get the drug when we want to treat a dog for heartworms."
Rosser said she understands the cost of owning a dog can be a burden, but said heartworm treatment in one her pets can't afford to miss.
"I think I would skip some treats before I would skip the heartworm medication," said Rosser.
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