Heartworm Testing for Pets

Heartworms are parasites that can cause serious health problems for your pet. Heartworm is more commonly diagnosed in dogs, but cats can also suffer from heartworm-associated respiratory diseases when they are infected. To prevent heartworms our veterinarians, recommend regular testing and following a prevention plan. If left untreated, heartworms can cause lung disease, heart failure, organ damage and even death. Our clinic can create a prevention plan and provide treatment for your loyal companion. 


What is heartworm disease in pets?

Heartworms are transmitted to your pets through mosquito bites. Mosquitoes carry heartworms then pass them on to dogs and cats, where they mature and produce offspring. The worms live inside the heart, blood vessels and lungs of the infected animal.

What are signs of heartworms in pets?

The signs of heartworm vary based on how severe the infection is. In some cases, there are no signs of the disease until it is advanced. Symptoms may range from mild to life-threatening. Some signs include:

• Coughing
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Swollen abdomen
• Heart failure

How is heartworm disease diagnosed in my pet?

Our team will first run a blood test to detect the presence of heartworms. Since heartworms damage major organs such as the kidneys, liver and heart, we will run tests and X-Rays to determine how well they are functioning. If the tests show that your pet is infected, our veterinarians will provide appropriate treatment.

How can I prevent heartworms in my pet?

Preventing a heartworm infection is less expensive than treating it. There aren’t any approved treatments for cats. To prevent heartworms, pets should be given monthly heartworm preventatives. Some heartworm prevention medication protects your pets from other parasites. To find out more about preventative medications, call us at 519-641-8383.