Heartworm cases increase according to Kansas City animal nonprofit

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The number of dogs treated for a dangerous disease surged this year according to information from a Kansas City nonprofit.

Pet Resource Center of Kansas City said nearly 160 dogs have tested positive for heartworm at its clinics this year.

The nonprofit kept track of the numbers starting on January 1. it reported 31 positive cases in September alone.

The figures reflect cases identified at the clinic, not the overall rate of heartworm infection in the Kansas City area.

Heartworm disease spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. The worms live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels, where they can cause serious damage. Untreated infections can lead to heart failure, lung disease or death, according to the nonprofit.

Dogs may show few or no symptoms early on. As the disease progresses, signs can include coughing, fatigue, weight loss and difficulty breathing.

Treatment typically includes medications followed by three melarsomine injections. Dogs must be kept calm throughout treatment and for several weeks after the final injection because dying worms can obstruct blood vessels in the lungs, creating a risk of serious complications.

The Pet Resource Center recommends an annual heartworm test and veterinarian-recommended prevention year-round, even for dogs that spend most of their time indoors. Owners whose dogs have missed preventive doses or have not been tested recently should talk with a veterinarian about next steps.