Date on Honors Thesis
5-2022
Major
Pre-veterinary Medicine
Minor
Spanish
Examining Committee Member
Dr. Laura Ken Hoffman, Advisor
Examining Committee Member
Dr. William Dewees, Committee Member
Examining Committee Member
Ms. Dean Ann Provine, Committee Member
Abstract/Description
Dirofilaria immitis is a common and largely preventable mosquito-borne parasite that causes dirofilariasis, or heartworm disease, in a number of animal species. The necessity of heartworm prevention in the canine patient is undisputed and well-known among veterinary professionals, yet there are still many dogs not protected from this fatal parasite. Heartworm prevention traditionally requires a once-a-month administration of medication; therefore, its efficacy relies on owner compliance. The barriers to canines receiving heartworm prevention were assessed using a survey targeted at pet owners whose dogs have seen the veterinarian in the past year. The main barriers identified were inadequate client communication and understanding, expense of prevention, and forgetfulness. The goal of this research is to establish the barriers to pets receiving monthly heartworm prevention so that veterinary professionals can be made aware and work to address them in order to reduce the number of dogs infected.
Recommended Citation
Fischels, Emily, "Barriers to Client Compliance and Understanding of Heartworm Prevention in the Canine Patient" (2022). Honors College Theses. 98.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/honorstheses/98