Page 10 - Martin Downs Bulletin - October '21

Page 10, Martin Downs

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Feline Heartworms Unfortunately, heartworm disease in cats can be 30 percent of heartworm-infected cats were considered

fatal, and sudden-death may be the first sign that a cat “indoor-only.”
is infected. When young heartworms reach the heart and Unlike dogs, there is no treatment for heartworm disease
arteries of the lungs, the cat’s body usually responds with in cats. If your cat is infected, your vet may prescribe
a severe immune reaction to try and kill the worms. This steroids to try and reduce your cat’s inflammatory response
immune response causes inflammation in the arteries and to the heartworms. Supportive care is really all that can
airways which can result in coughing, difficulty breathing, be provided.
wheezing, or vomiting. Long-term damage to the lungs can Fortunately, preventing heartworm disease in cats is
occur. Heartworm disease in cats can easily be mistaken easy. A topical or oral medication, used monthly, is all
for feline asthma. that is needed to keep your cat from becoming infected.
Young heartworms that don’t die early on will grow to If your cat isn’t on a monthly heartworm preventative,
an adult size of approximately eight inches long and will please contact us at Palm City Animal Medical Center
Heartworm disease is a year-round risk to our pets in survive for two to three years in the cat. When the adult today. We would be happy to answer any questions that
Florida. Our warm, humid climate means that mosquitos worms ultimately die, fragments of the worms can lodge you have about feline heartworm disease, and can help
carrying heartworms are capable of infecting our pets at any in the lungs and blood vessels causing acute inflammatory you choose a heartworm preventative that will work best
time of the year. events that can result in death of the cat. Feline heartworms for you and your pet.
And while most of Florida’s dog owners know that can also migrate to the brain, eyes, and spinal cord, which Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical
heartworm prevention is an essential part of dog ownership, can result in neurological signs in infected cats. Center is dedicated to providing the best possible care
very few of Florida’s cat owners realize that cats require The Companion Animal Parasite Council reports that for your pets. With focuses on compassionate care in
heartworm prevention too. as many as 20.9 percent of cats in Florida have been surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative
Cats are infected with heartworms when they are bitten by infected with heartworm disease at some point in their medicine, extensive diagnostics, and emergency service,
a mosquito that is carrying heartworm larvae. Once bitten, the life. National rates of infection are reported to be between Palm City Animal Medical Center combines exceptional
heartworm larvae develop in the cat’s skin, fat, and muscle 12 to 15.9 percent. medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and their
tissue. Approximately two months later, young heartworms If you open your doors, then your cat is at risk. It only owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit
emerge and travel via the bloodstream to the cat’s heart and takes one bite from an infected mosquito to infect your www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on
large arteries of the lungs. cat with heartworm disease. Studies have found that Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
CHarItY news

14th Annual Festival Of Trees Tykes and Teens, a leading provider of the highest 14th Annual Festival Of Trees And Lights Event
And Lights Benefiting Tykes quality, evidence-based mental health services and Schedule
programs for children and adolescents for 25 years, is
• Sunday, Nov. 14, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
And Teens once again kicking off the holiday season with its 14th Family Day – free and Open to the Public
annual Festival of Trees and Lights. Taking place at the • Monday, Nov. 15, 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Taking Place Nov. 14 To 20 In Downtown Flagler Center in Downtown Stuart from Nov. 14 to Joy to the Girls Cocktail Party ($55)
Stuart 20, the much-anticipated, annual week-long series of • Tuesday, Nov. 16, 7:45 to 9 a.m.
festivities brings joy and cheer to the Treasure Coast while Networking Breakfast with Stuart/Martin, Palm City,
Tickets Available Now At www.tykesandteens.org raising vital funds for the high quality mental health care and Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce
that Tykes and Teens provides. • Wednesday, Nov. 17, 3 to 5:30 p.m.
“The past year and a half Afternoon Champagne Tea ($55)
has been difficult for everyone • Friday, Nov. 19, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
and mental health services in “A Not So Silent Night” Live Auction and Cocktail
our community have become Party ($150)
more important than ever,” • Saturday, Nov. 20, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
said Tykes and Teens CEO Breakfast and Photos with Santa – free with online
Eric Garza, MHA, LCSW. registration
“Children and families are For more information and to purchase tickets, go
experiencing unprecedented online to www.tykesandteens.org/festival-of-trees/ or
uncertainty and fear, feelings email courtneyn@tykesandteens.org.
of anxiety and depression are 2021 Festival of Trees and Lights Sponsors: Bessemer
high, and issues of abuse and Trust; Bart’s Blue Star Foundation; Culver’s of Stuart
neglect have risen. As a result, and Jensen Beach; Macy’s; Paula and Wayne Hundt;
the need for Tykes and Teens’ Rehmann; Rick Carroll Insurance; Searcy Denney Scarola
counseling services has nearly Barnhart & Shipley, PA; Two Men and A Truck; Espinal
tripled over previous years. Stern & Whittington; Sandhill Cove; UBU Brands; Philip
Grande Dame and Head Reindeer: Amy Elizabeth Thornton and Bob Thornton of The need for additional funding DeBerard, Injury Attorney; Colorado Pawn & Jewelry;
O’Donnell Impact Windows and Storm Protection. Dames: Jessica Bohner of Premier for these services is vital and Elliot Paul & Company Auctions; Gumbo Limbo Coastal
Realty Group; Sara Borlaug of Capstone IT; Amanda Foster of Rude Bwoy Spirits; the revenue raised during the Kids; Spritz City Bistro; Stuart Main Street.
Christina Franco of Hampton Inn and Suites Stuart North; Robin Hall of Out2News.com; Festival of Trees and Lights It’s only September, but this year’s Tykes and Teens’
Evie Klaassen of Colorado Pawn and Jewelry; Meghan Shirey of Ocean Republic Brewing; helps to ensure all children energetic team of 2021 Dames and Deer ambassadors
and Lisa Teetor of CSI: Palm Beach. Reindeer: Sam Bruning of Southern Magnolia and families seeking help can are busily working to make the 14th annual Festival of
Investment Management, Lamar Moore of Ecostrike, Gary Owen of OWEN Insurance receive the highest quality Trees and Lights the best ever – and most importantly,
Group, Matthew Right of F45 Training South Stuart, Dale Rockefeller of Culver’s, Chet care, regardless of their ability helping deliver quality children’s mental health programs
Tart of Vistage Florida, and Jason Young of CPR Investments. to pay.” and services to those in need in our community!

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