PARASITES

What can live for numerous years without eating? Ticks.  We have many different parasites in Oregon that like to feed on our pets.  These include fleas, ticks, mites, lice, worms and other organisms.

  FLEAS: Fleas live year-round in our part of Oregon, and they can heavily infest our pets and homes.  Problems caused by fleas can include anemia, tapeworms (by ingesting fleas), hairloss from scratching/chewing, and constant discomfort from the bites of the fleas.  Products such as Advantage and Frontline are effective at killing fleas and preventing infestation on our pets.  We have had much less success using flea collars and powders.


  TICKS: Ticks attach themselves to our pets when they walk through wooded areas or where there is tall grass.  They attach their mouthparts to our pets' skin, inject an anti-coagulant (like a mosquito), and drink a small portion of blood.  They may remain attached for days, if not weeks, before they detach themselves.  Ticks can carry a number of diseases such as Lymes and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever; however, neither of these diseases are prevalent in our area of Oregon.  Ticks can cause problems such as anemia if there is a heavy infestation, infections at the bite wound site, and constant discomfort due to the site being itchy from the anti-coagulant.  Frontline is a commonly used, effective product for killing ticks and prevention.

  SKIN MITES AND LICE:  These are less frequently seen pests, and they are very tiny organisms that feed on our pets' blood.  They cause discomfort due to their "itchiness", and can cause extensive hairloss from chewing and scratching.  In advanced cases of mange mites, staph infections can occur.  Prescription medications are needed to kill these pests and to return your pet to health.



  EAR MITES:  These are very tiny pests that can live in our pets' ears.  They ingest blood and deposit a good amount of debris in the ears.  Frequent scratching and dirty ears may be good indications that your pet has ear mites.  There are a few easy cures for this pest, including Revolution.




  INTESTINAL WORMS:  These worms live in our pets intestines, and often cause them to lose weight or have diarrhea.  The worms (round worms, whip worms, tapeworms, etc) attach themselves to the intestine walls and continue to grow.  They cause nutrient deficiencies in our pets and can cause more serious problems if they are not removed.  The methods of contracting worms varies depending upon species, but usually involves ingestion of worm eggs by eating other animal feces, fleas, rodents, or birds.  Many puppies and kittens have worms shortly after birth, and should be de-wormed once they are 5 weeks old.  There are a number of de-worming medications available for your pets.  If you suspect your pet may have worms, bring a fecal sample to your veterinarian.  We are able to look for worm eggs in their feces and provide the correct de-wormer based upon which species are present. If you notice white, rice-looking particles or longer worm-looking particles either in your pets feces or hanging out of their behind please bring in a fecal sample so we can test and treat your pet.

HEARTWORM:  Our pets contract heartworms via the bite of an infected mosquito.  The worm eventually makes its way to the pets heart and remains there permanently.  Heavily infested pets will die from this problem.  Certain regions of Oregon have more heartworm cases than others.  The immediate vicinity of Leaburg does not appear to be a problem; however, if one travels with their pet, goes camping, or is in mosquito infested areas, it is recommended to be on heartworm preventative medications.

SALMON POISONING:  Salmon poisoning is caused by a parasite found within certain fish species in our local rivers.  If your pet eats a small portion of infected fish (or even licks an infected knife), it can contract this organism.  Within a few days your pet may become lethargic, have diarrhea, begin vomiting, or posess a number of other symptoms.  It is important to see a vet as soon as possible for treatment, since this can become a lethal situation.

  GIARDIA:  Giardia is an organism found in many of our nations waterways.  It is ingested when our pets drink from creeks, streams, or rivers that contain the organism.  Symptoms often include lethargia, diarrhea and vomiting.  Please seek treatment from your vet if your pet is showing any of these symptoms.