Heartworm Testing

Heartworm is a potentially fatal parasite that your pet can get from being bitten by mosquitos. Once infected, heartworm makes their way into the blood vessels in your pet’s heart and lungs. Left untreated, a heartworm can cause permanent damage to your pet’s blood vessels and can be potentially fatal, leading to multiple organ failure. For this reason, early detection is key. This can only be done through an in-hospital examination.

What are the symptoms of heartworm?

During the early days of infection, heartworm is completely undetectable by the human eye. Your pet will most likely not display any sort of changes in their behaviour. Once the condition becomes more severe and progressed, that is the main point at which symptoms will begin to appear. These signs include: exercise intolerance, lethargy, coughing, and difficulties breathing.

What are the treatment options for heartworm?

The best course of action against heartworm is prevention. If your pet is taking their regular parasite prevention medications, they will have sufficient protection from heartworm. Once infected, treatment is both expensive and complex. Heartworms have to be removed from your pet’s chest manually and then through injections to kill the adult heartworms. We encourage you to call us and schedule an appointment to ensure that your pet is properly protected with medications against heartworm and other parasites.

Can I get rid of heartworm without going to the veterinary clinic?

As you may know, a quick search on the internet will lead you to several at-home remedies for getting rid of these parasites. That being said, it really is best to leave treatment to your veterinarian, especially due to the dangerous long-term effects of heartworm disease. You can save time and money by consulting with our team, instead of trying potentially unsafe DIY methods.