The Hamilton Academy of Veterinary Medicine (HAVM) would like to remind cat and dog owners in the city and surrounding area that, with the return of spring and the mosquitoes, it is again time to have your pets tested for heartworm and to start them on their monthly Heartworm Prevention. The members of HAVM are extremely concerned. In 2008 there was a 10 fold increase in the number of "seen and treated" cases of Heartworm disease in Hamilton. This dramatic increase was particularly evident in dogs that were imported into Canada from heartworm endemic areas of the United States, specifically but not limited to the state of Louisiana. If you adopted a dog, from any source, that was from the United States as a hurricane rescue dog it is imperative that you see a veterinarian and discuss the current protocol to insure your pet is heartworm negative and how to protect them in the future. Even if you were told that your dog was tested negative prior to adoption it is still imperative that you see a veterinarian. Many of these dogs were imported only having had one negative heartworm test. The American Heartworm Society's current protocol for dogs, 8 months of age and older, coming from heartworm endemic areas, requires that the dog have three negative heartworm tests. The initial test should be followed up with a second test at 4 months and the final test at 9 months, after the initial test. During this period the dog should also be on a monthly heartworm preventative. The HAVM does not want to see any family lose their family pet to this preventable disease. It is still possible for us to control this disease in Ontario. 1) If you have a dog, see your veterinarian now for a heartworm test. 2) If you have adopted a hurricane dog see your veterinarian and advise them. 3) If you are planning to adopt a hurricane dog or any dog from a heartworm endemic area of the United States, be aware that unless they have had 3 negative heartworm tests, and have been on monthly preventative during the entire time, there is a very good chance that they may be heartworm positive. Heartworm is difficult and can be expensive to treat. If you are contemplating adopting a dog from Louisiana it is important to ask about the dog's testing and treatment before you commit. Your veterinarian is your best resource for understanding and managing this disease. We care about your pet's well being. - www.hamiltonvetsacademy.ca