Columbia Animal Shelter spreading awareness during National Heartworm Awareness Month
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– April is National Heartworm Awareness Month and Columbia Animal Shelter is spreading awareness in the community about disease prevention and treatment.
South Carolina ranks third highest in the country for heartworm disease.
Dr. Jennifer Bonovich with Columbia Animal Services says heartworm disease is a worm like parasite infection that lives inside the dog’s heart and lungs and is spread by mosquitoes.
It’s a silent disease that if left untreated can result in death. That’s why preventatives and yearly exams are necessary.
Dr. Bonovich shared some experiences of having to conduct emergency surgeries for dogs who were in the midst of heart failure.
