Heartwrom Test
- Thread starter Lee Sofa
- Start date
OntarioSheltie
Forums Celebrity
Heart worms return each year with the warm weather. Therefore it is necessary for dogs to be tested each year, as well as for them to receive heart worm prevention medicine.
BarbV
Forums Celebrity
I seem to recall that some vets are now saying a heartworm test is not required every year, if the pups have been on heartworm medication religiously.
I recall my vet every 2 years, I think.
I guess I'll find out soon, as I'm about to call the vet in the next day or so, to make arrangements to get meds for this summer.
I recall my vet every 2 years, I think.
I guess I'll find out soon, as I'm about to call the vet in the next day or so, to make arrangements to get meds for this summer.
OntarioSheltie
Forums Celebrity
True enough. Now that I think about it I think my vet only does the heartworm test every other year, assuming the dog has been on heartworm preventative meds every year. Sadie is just turning two so I have not had to think about it till now. I'll be talking to my vet soon also.
I know that in the past, anyway, Heartgard tablets will stop the dog from getting heartworms, and will also kill off heartworms that the dog may already have. It is a slower process of getting rid of heartworms, but it still works. So now it is not so vital to get the heartworm test, as long as you are positive that you haven't missed a single dose all year.
Caro
Moderator
My dogs get a yearly heartworm injections at the vet which means I don't have to get them tested at all - as long as I keep up the yearly shots. It's much easier than remembering the chews.
Last edited:
Ann
Moderator
Most vets say now that if you keep your pups on the heartworm med year round they only need to be tested every few years. At my vet, it's 3. We use Interceptor which kills many worm larvae as well.
heartworm test Q & A
Q: If my dog becomes infected with heartworm disease, will he actually have worms inside his heart?
Yes. Inside a dog’s heart, the worms can grow up to 35 cm long and can cause significant damage to the heart and lungs. Literally hundreds of worms may be found in an infected dog’s heart and the surrounding blood vessels. If left untreated, heartworm disease can result in death.
Q: What are the symptoms of heartworm disease?
No symptoms are apparent until the disease is very advanced. For this reason, regular testing is extremely important in dogs. The symptoms of heartworm disease develop gradually over many months, and resemble those of congestive heart failure. In advanced cases, the dog has difficulty breathing, can tolerate only very light exercise, and loses his or her appetite.
Q: Can heartworm disease be treated?
While treatment is possible, the drug required to kill the adult worms is very toxic, and must be administered under close veterinary supervision. The dog must be restricted to cage rest until all danger from treatment has passed. It is far easier, safer, and less expensive to prevent heartworm disease than it is to treat it.
Q: Why does my dog require a heartworm test?
It is important to confirm that your dog is negative prior to beginning heartworm preventative medication. If your dog is positive and he receives preventative medication, he may experience an adverse reaction as the worms and larvae die. Keep in mind that dogs with heartworm infection do not show symptoms until very late in the stage of disease. Early diagnosis is critical.
Q: If my dog becomes infected with heartworm disease, will he actually have worms inside his heart?
Yes. Inside a dog’s heart, the worms can grow up to 35 cm long and can cause significant damage to the heart and lungs. Literally hundreds of worms may be found in an infected dog’s heart and the surrounding blood vessels. If left untreated, heartworm disease can result in death.
Q: What are the symptoms of heartworm disease?
No symptoms are apparent until the disease is very advanced. For this reason, regular testing is extremely important in dogs. The symptoms of heartworm disease develop gradually over many months, and resemble those of congestive heart failure. In advanced cases, the dog has difficulty breathing, can tolerate only very light exercise, and loses his or her appetite.
Q: Can heartworm disease be treated?
While treatment is possible, the drug required to kill the adult worms is very toxic, and must be administered under close veterinary supervision. The dog must be restricted to cage rest until all danger from treatment has passed. It is far easier, safer, and less expensive to prevent heartworm disease than it is to treat it.
Q: Why does my dog require a heartworm test?
It is important to confirm that your dog is negative prior to beginning heartworm preventative medication. If your dog is positive and he receives preventative medication, he may experience an adverse reaction as the worms and larvae die. Keep in mind that dogs with heartworm infection do not show symptoms until very late in the stage of disease. Early diagnosis is critical.