Affectionate Amber
We chose Amber for pet of the week because she is not only very affectionate, she is absolutely stunning! At 2 years of age, this little lady still has enough kitten in her to be playful. She also is old enough to enjoy snuggling with her person. She gets along well with other cats, but also does well on her own. She just might be the one for you!

Jovial Javi
Javi, a male terrier/mix, three month old puppy, was found as a stray and then transferred into our care. He is super friendly and gives the best kisses! Ha I walks wonderfully on a leash. If you are interested in Javi, please fill out an adoption application.

Bedazzling Betsy
Betsy is a sweet 3-year-old young mother who gave us 5 of the cutest kittens ever - all boys!  She is now retired from motherhood and needs a loving home of her own.  She is very affectionate and loves attention.  She prefers a nice warm lap to being held and would make a great “only” cat for someone looking for a companion! 

Thoughtful Thunder
This handsome terrier/hound mix is only 4 months old, but has already stolen the hearts of ORHS volunteers. He is very curious about making friends with other dogs and walks like a champ on a leash.  Right now, Thunder is a chill little guy – but we expect he will be a large dog in a year or so!  Got room for some Thunder in your home?

Volunteer Opportunities at ORHS!  Animals at ORHS rely on amazing volunteers like you!  From dog walking and cat cuddling to dishes and laundry, the ORHS volunteer and foster programs offer a variety of ways for animal lovers to help pets in need.  Apply today!  The animals need you

Adorable Andy
Just look at this sweet, 11-year-old gentleman!  Since Andy is considered a senior pet and is used to a calm lifestyle, we want him to go to a quiet household with no young children.  A family that spends a lot of time at home and wants company on the couch or on the recliner would be the perfect fit! 

By Dr. Lonnie King

The month of April has been designated as “Heartworm Awareness Month”. This designation is a good reminder for you to make sure that you understand the serious threat of heartworms and ensure that you are taking the right steps to prevent this disease in your pets.

Heartworm Disease affects thousands of dogs and cats across Georgia every year. All 50 states and many countries around the world experience heartworm disease in pets and wildlife. In the U.S. alone, there are an estimated 1.1 million active cases and Southeastern United States is a hotspot for cases. Georgia ranks #8 in the U.S. for total cases and the disease is becoming more prevalent.

A Complex Disease

Heartworm (HW) is a preventable but very serious disease that can be fatal. It can infect dogs, cats, ferrets, and a variety of wildlife. Adult HW (scientific name, Dirofilaria immitis) look like strands of cooked spaghetti and can reach lengths of 12-14 inches.  These worms grow and lodge in the heart and lungs of infected animals and can cause restricted blood flow, damaged blood vessels and produce high levels of inflammation. The adult worms release microscopic offspring into the animal’s blood stream that are termed microfilaria. The microfilaria, in turn, will enter, survive and further mature in the bodies of mosquitoes when they bite an infected animal and then continue to be transmitted when the mosquito resumes biting other animals. The microfilaria take about 6 months to grow into adult worms which enter the heart and lungs. Dogs, cats, and other animals cannot transmit the disease directly, only mosquitoes are responsible for transmission.

Once a pet is infected with microfilaria, it takes about six months for them to become adults and lodge in the heart and lungs. Adult HW can live in pets for years continuing to produce microfilaria during this entire time and making them a risk and continuous source of infection. Infected dogs with advanced disease often demonstrate symptoms that include a mild cough, fatigue, reluctance to exercise, difficulty breathing, decreased appetite and loss of weight.

HW can never be eliminated because wildlife, including foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and opossums are susceptible, have the same life cycle as found in pets, and serve as sources of HW for other wildlife and domestic pets through mosquito bites. Georgia has a great environment for the maintenance and spread of HW because of our warm weather, water sources, mosquitoes, and lots of wildlife. Thus, the disease is a constant threat, and the natural cycle of infection occurs year around in our state.  

HW Disease in Cats

Although dogs and cats both can contract HW, the disease in cats is very different from the disease in dogs. Cats are poor hosts for HW, and the disease often will not progress, so adult worms do not develop. Even if they do, the number of adult HW found in cats is much less that found in dogs. The immune system of cats aggressively attacks microfilaria thus preventing them from maturing into adult worms. However, through this process, a huge amount of inflammation is created that can cause serious damage to lung tissue. There are usually many fewer cases of HW in cats relative to our dogs; however, the disease in cats can be very severe and even fatal. Cats with advanced disease will often cough, wheeze and vomit. About 25 percent of cases in cats are found in indoor cats. Infected mosquitoes do get inside our homes and unknowingly put these pets at risk.


Testing and Treatment

The earlier HW disease is detected, the better the chances that your pet will recover. In dogs, diagnostic tests are accurate and relatively simple. Using a blood sample, proteins (antigens) from adult worms can be detected and the microfilaria may also be found by examining the pet’s blood sample. Your local veterinarian can usually do these tests as part of a routine office visit. HW infection in cats is much more difficult to diagnose since they commonly do not have circulating microfilaria in their blood and antigen and antibody tests are not very reliable. Sometimes, X-rays or ultrasound will be used in both cats and dogs to help diagnose HW.

Treatments are available and although they have a relatively high degree of success if used before the disease becomes too advanced, the treatments can be risky, and complications may occur. The goal of the treatment in dogs is to kill both the adult worms and the microfilaria as safely as possible. This is done through a series of injections over a period of time. It is important to consider that when treatment is taking place, HW in the heart and lungs are dying and slowly being dissolved; thus, complete rest and often hospitalization is necessary. The treatment often takes several months to complete. Glucocorticoids and antibiotics are often included as part of the total treatment.  Recently, researchers have found that the adult HW are themselves infected with a bacterium (called Wolbachia) that may complicate both the course of the disease and the treatment.

Unfortunately, there are no approved treatments for cats and the treatments used for dogs, often an arsenic-containing drug, are toxic and dangerous for cats. You will need to work with your local veterinarian to plan the best treatment strategy which will often focus on reducing their very high levels of inflammation. On rare occasions, HW can be removed surgically but this is a high-risk procedure reserved for only the most severe cases.  

Managing Heartworms in Animal Shelters and Humane Societies

An estimated 30 percent of pets in the U.S. are acquired from animal shelters and this number is growing. While this is wonderful trend, animal shelters do have unique challenges in dealing with HW disease. Dogs and cats are likely to be at higher risk of HW because stray and surrendered animals have often not received veterinary care nor have they been on HW preventive medications. It is costly and time consuming for shelters to diagnose and treat HW cases. However, this should not discourage you from obtaining a “forever pet” from them. Our own Oconee Regional Humane Society (ORHS) works with local veterinary practitioners to test every dog under their care and if any are found infected, they work together to treat these dogs either prior to adoption or they will help pay for the treatment after adoption. The cost of treatment can be expensive and the ORHS conducts a “Heart-to-Heart” campaign each year to obtain donations that will exclusively be used to help pay for treating HW cases. Please watch for this campaign and hopefully support the cause generously.  

PREVENTION, PREVENTION, PREVENTION!

There is good news – HW disease is almost 100 percent preventable in both dogs and cats. There are numerous options available that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration that can be used. The best choice for your pet will be based on the pet’s lifestyle and risk factors. Remember that preventives do not kill adult worms therefore your pet needs to be tested and be negative before you begin preventive treatments. Preventives may be in the form of pills, topical medications, or injections. Chewable tablets given monthly are commonly used for both dogs and cats. By preventing HW in your pet, you not only protect them, but also help break the infection cycle and protect other pets.

All the preventive medications work by eliminating the microfilaria stage of the HW parasite circulating in the blood. Once you are certain that your pet is HW negative, preventive medications can then be started. Because puppies and kittens are also susceptible to HW infection, they should be started on preventives as early as 8-10 weeks of age. However, work with your local veterinarian because not all medications are cleared for use at early ages. Our Georgia pets are constantly exposed to infected mosquitoes twelve months of the year and for the lifetime of the pet. It has been estimated that the cost of HW treatment is fifteen times greater than the annual cost of preventive medications.

There is further good news; there can be additional benefits from today’s medications. Some HW preventive treatments used today are also effective in preventing intestinal worms such as hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. Some even will concurrently prevent flea, tick, and ear mite infestations. It is important to work with your local veterinarian to make certain that your pet tests negative for HW and you choose the best option to prevent the disease.

There is no vaccine for HW but the many effective preventives, if used properly, compensate for this deficiency. A final piece of good news is that HW do not have the ability to live in people and although we are bitten by infected mosquitoes like our pets, the parasite will not survive nor cause human disease.

As we acknowledge “Heartworm Awareness Month” this April, please remember that Georgia is major hot spot for HW disease and our dogs, cats and ferrets are at high risk over their entire lifetimes. However, as responsible, and caring pet owners, we have the tools to prevent this serious and often fatal infection. Our fury family members are counting on you to protect them!

Help ORHS Prevent Heartworm

April is Heartworm Prevention Month and the start of the annual ORHS Heart -to-Heart campaign.  Over the last year, we have rescued 15 HW positive animals.  Heartworm treatment can cost over $500 per animal.   You can help us ensure that these animals go to their adoptive homes ready for long and healthy lives.  Can you please help us?

April is Heartworm Prevention Month and the start of the annual ORHS Heart -to-Heart campaign.  Over the last year, we have rescued 15 HW positive animals.  Heartworm treatment can cost over $500 per animal.   You can help us ensure that these animals go to their adoptive homes ready for long and healthy lives.  Can you please help us? 

Adorable Annie
This pretty, petite, 5-year-old lady is very, very sweet and will easily bond to you if you’re looking for a couch companion!  Annie is a grey and white domestic shorthair.  She loves sunbathing on the ORHS catio and enjoys a little supervised outdoor time.  Contact us for a meet and greet with Annie.

Marvelous Molly
Sometimes big dog hearts come in small dog bodies, and at about 20 lbs., Molly is the perfect example. She is a Jack Russell terrier-mix and is slowly showing us how smart and confident she is becoming.  She needs a patient adoptor with lots of time to give her all the love and attention she deserves. Could that be you?

Remarkable Rooster
This high-steppin’ fella (he actually struts on his walks) sure has a lot of character and like to show it!  He is a 3-year-old Jack Russel Terrier/mix that was found as a stray and is adjusting nicely to life as an indoor dog. We feel he would do best in a home with older children.  He’s playful and fun!

Cuddly Cowboy
Cowboy earned his name after being found living in a horse stable.  He was very young when he came to us, but is now 9-months old.  He is a very shy little guy, but is happy to be petted. His silky black fur is gorgeous and he loves to be brushed.

Kissable Kiki
This sweet, loving, 4-year-old came to us when her owners both passed away and we are doing all we can to find her furr-ever home as soon as possible.  With her beautiful coat and those amazing blue eyes (which are adorably slightly crossed) we think this home is close by.  We believe Kiki would do very well as a single kitty in a quiet home.  Could that be yours?

Adorable Angus

One-year-old Angus was found with a wire as a collar – but he didn’t let this affect his love of people or his outlook on life at all!  He is 50 lbs. of fun – ready for a walk or to learn agility tricks in the yard.  His neck injury is healing nicely and he is ready to put that part of his life behind him.  He is looking for brighter days ahead.

In one word, Layla is wiggly!  She holds the record for the fastest tail wags and will greet you with a play bow.  She walks great on a leash and loves to interact with the adult dogs and the puppies at the shelter. She is only 3-years-old and would love to have you teach her some new tricks

Snoopy is the patriarch of the ORHS cats and we think he is the absolute best!  Being 11 years old, he is a super social guy who strangely enough, enjoys water – he even has his very own “kitty pool” at the center.  He also enjoys lounging on his hammock in the catio and watching the birds.  We think it is time Snoopy finds a furever home – could it be yours

Angelic Angelo
This cute little 5-month-old kitty was found in a garbage dumpster but hit the jackpot when he arrived at ORHS.  He is adorable and is an absolute love when he gets to know you.  Angelo loves to play by himself but is becoming more social over time.  We believe he would prefer to be the only pet in the household.  Contact us to make an appointment to meet Angelo!

Cuddly Christa
Sometimes we see that big dog hearts come in small dog bodies – such as with our sweet Christa.  She is a 1-year-old terrier mix, weighing only about 20 lb. – the perfect size for extended lap time!  Her personality has blossomed since coming to us as a stray.  She now has a waggly tail, listens well, walks nicely on leash and just wants to be a part of the action.  Are you her person?

Initiated by Doris Day and her Animal League in 1995, this annual campaign urges dog and cat lovers to save animal lives and control population by spaying and neutering.  This will help already living animals find their loving forever homes.  Every life is worth saving and every effort helps.  Your donations to ORHS allow us to spay or neuter every animal in our care before heading home. 

Quality Quincy
3-year-old Quincy is an amazing guy that seems to be everything an orange tabby should be: social, playful and pretty much the total package.  Tabbys are known to be friendly and love to hang with their families – they are gentle by nature and enjoy being and center of attention – always ready to play!  

Charming Charlie
Charlie is a 2-year-old shepherd/mix weighing about 40 lbs. -  the perfect size for many.  He is gentle and sweet and desperately wants to please.  He has fast become a favorite among ORHS volunteers. He walks nicely on leash and is learning basic commands.  We don’t know much about his past – but we know he is looking for a bright future.  Could it be with you?

Good Golly – it’s Molly!

Molly is an absolutely adorable 1-year-old little lady.  She is very affectionate and loves to snuggle in your arms…or perhaps on your bed!  She has a super sweet personality and would be a great companion to existing pets or as an only kitty!  Her black and orange coloring is very unique!

Meet Maggie!

This 10-month-old retriever/lab mix has it all – beauty, brains and personality, too!  She loves people and dogs, and enjoys playing with her ORHS friends!  She walks great on a leash and knows sit, shake and down…for a treat, of course!  Maggie will make a great addition to any family.

At just about 3-months of age, Rusty has already lived a full life.  He was born onto a property where he was one of many dogs – but when he came to us his individuality and personality started to shine.  He is a sweet, laid-back pup who has lots of love to give.  He’ll greet you with a tail wag and plead for attention with his darling eyes.  His mom, Ivy is also available for adoption.