CANINE HEARTWORM DISEASE . . . While this method is a simple screening test, it is not recommended as a regular test method. In this test, a single drop of blood is examined under the microscope for the presence of live microfilariae. If a large number of microfilariae are present, chances are at least one will be seen seen swimming by. Of course, detection of heartworm larvae in this way require large numbers of larvae for detection (less than 20-50 microfilariae per ml of blood will not be detected). More subtle infections will be missed.

Heartworm Life Cycle

SYMPTOMS . . . An infected dog becomes less active and tires easily. Coughing, weight loss, chronic fatigue and fainting may appear in advanced disease stages. Adult heartworms are found in the heart, lungs and major blood vessels. Secondary liver and kidney disease may result. Heartworms can grow from 5 to 14 inches long. In advanced cases, a hundred or more worms have been found in a single heart.

PREVENTION . . .
A simple blood test is required before starting your pet on effective, easy-to-use preventive medication. A life threatening reaction can occur if this medication is administered to an infected pet. Annual testing is recommended even in year-round use of the medication. Make sure your pet is tested and protected. Don’t gamble with your pet’s life!

TREATMENT . . .
Successful treatment depends on early detection and close veterinary supervision. If permanent damage has occurred, prognosis is very poor. We are happy to say that most of our clients who own dogs do have them tested for heartworms and put them on preventative medication every year. It is easy and inexpensive to test for and prevent heartworm disease. The blood test requires only a brief office visit. The preventative medications usually cost from $3 to $10 per month, depending on the size of the dog.

Why risk problems for your pet or for your family?
We recommend having a stool sample checked for intestinal parasites at the time the heartworm test is done. If the stool sample is positive for intestinal parasites, your pet will need deworming to kill adult intestinal worms. The heartworm preventatives given after that will prevent your dog from becoming reinfested with the intestinal parasites. Eggs of intestinal parasites survive on grass for long periods of time, so without the heartworm medication, it is very common for dogs to pick up intestinal parasites repeatedly from their yard.
Heartworm preventatives come in both chewable beef flavored form or in non-chewables. They also come in pills that are given either once a day or once monthly. Which kind you choose depends on what is easier for you to remember to give.

Knowing how long to medicate is critical for successful prevention!
Preventative medication should be started as soon as your pet has been blood tested. In the northern or central states, the medication should be continued, either daily or monthly, until at least one month after a hard freeze in the fall. Even though it may seem cold, mosquitoes will come out to feed on warm, sunny, fall days, so it is important not to stop the medication too soon. In the south, heartworm preventative should be given year ‘round.

Untreated animals spread disease. Please don’t let yours be one!
Unfortunately, heartworm disease is here to stay, as there will always be dog owners who do not choose to put their pets on a heartworm prevention program. These unprotected animals serve as a reservoir, spreading the disease to other dogs. Please don’t let your dog become a victim of this deadly disease. Call for an appointment to get your pet started on a parasite prevention program today.

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FACT... All dogs, regardless of age, sex, size or breed, are at risk wherever mosquitoes are present. It takes only ONE infected mosquito to infect your dog.
FACT... Heartworm Disease can kill your dog.
FACT... Effective, easy-to-use preventive medication can save your dog’s life!