Keeping your companion animal free of parasites improves his quality of life. It also protects other animals in the household, you, and human family members from exposure to disease. The Pavilion Crossing Animal Hospital team in Riverview, FL, provides complete parasite testing and control services for pets that live in Riverview, Brandon, Bloomingdale, Ybor City, Tampa Bay, and Wesley Chapel area.
Common pet parasites
Zoonoses are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to people. Worms are the most prevalent concern. A worm test for dogs may reveal:
- Hookworms
- Roundworms
- Tapeworms
- Whipworms
These types of worm in cats can also be transmitted to humans. Coccidia, giardia, and toxoplasmosis are additional internal parasites specific to dogs and cats.
Pets also get external parasites such as:
- Fleas
- Ticks
- Ear mites
- Mange mites
Vector-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and others are transmitted by certain external parasites. Effective dog parasite treatment or cat parasite treatment greatly reduces the human risk of vector-borne diseases.
Heartworm is a particular concern in Florida
Heartworm larvae is transmitted by mosquitoes, so the condition is widespread in this climate. Even indoor pets are at risk. These parasites, which can grow to over a foot in length, live in blood vessels in your pet’s heart and lungs, impeding blood flow to vital organs.
A dog heartworm test determines if the parasites are present. If so, the doctor prescribes a rigorous course of treatment to eliminate the worms. However, the dog may be left with permanent organ damage. There is no approved drug therapy for the treatment of heartworm in cats.
The good news is that heartworm is easily prevented in dogs and cats, with an oral medication.
We also provide a full range of solutions for other parasites to keep your pet healthy and comfortable and your family safe. Medicated baths for dogs and cats get rid of fleas and ticks. Then, a topic or oral treatment provides continued prevention. Prescription medications are also effective on mites and worms.Â
Pavilion Crossing Animal Hospital is more than a veterinary clinic. We are part of the community in Riverview, Brandon, Bloomingdale, Ybor City, Tampa Bay, and Wesley Chapel area, FL, attuned to the pet parasite testing and control needs of our neighbors in the area. Call (813) 670-8881 to schedule an appointment for your pet with our expert veterinarians.
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Dr. Keshava Eega
Pavilion Crossing Animal Hospital
Dr. Keshava Eega moved to the United States in 2003 to further his passion for practicing high-quality and modern veterinary medicine in a challenging environment. Having graduated from the College of Veterinary Science in Hyderabad, India, he then completed his Master’s in Animal Science and the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam in 2006. Dr. Eega then completed his clinical rotations at the Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine and subsequently obtained his license to practice Veterinary Medicine in the state of Florida. Dr. Eega possesses thirteen years of experience in corporate practice in Orlando as both an Associate Veterinarian and a Lead Doctor. Through the course of his tenure, he has gained vast and widespread experience and exposure in both the practice of high-quality veterinary medicine and soft tissue surgeries. He also possesses professional interests in preventive care, senior pet care, skin cases, nutrition, behavior and wellness exams, particularly for both cats and dogs. Dr. Eega also possesses Fear Free certification which enables him to rid pets, owners and even veterinary health care teams of fear, stress, and anxiety. Hence, in the hands of Dr. Eega, you can be assured that your pet receives modern, customized care in a comfortable environment!