Heartworm Testing
Heartworm disease is a serious, and potentially life threatening condition that effects both dogs and cats. Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworms live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of infected pets, leading to severe lung disease, heart failure, and other organ damage. Early detection is key to preventing serious complications.
We offer comprehensive heartworm testing to ensure your pet is protected. Our test detects the presence of heartworm proteins in your pet's blood, allowing us to identify infection even before symptoms appear. Annual testing is recommended for all dogs, even those on regular preventative medication, to ensure their continued health.
Cats should be put on a preventive treatment and tested as recommended by our veterinarian. Cats are not a natural host for heartworms however, just a few can make a cat very ill. Prevention in cats is critical because there is no approved drug treatment for heartworm infection in cats. If your cat tests positive for heartworms, he or she can be helped with good veterinary care and a long-term management plan.
At Prien Lake Animal Hospital we offer several preventive medications, including monthly oral medications to injectables that last 6 months to 1 year, that will need to be administered year-round for the rest of your pet's life.
For dogs and cats not on prevention, or newly adopted pets, our heartworm tests provide peace of mind by quickly identifying whether your pet has been exposed. If your pet tests positive, we provide immediate treatment options and a management plan to minimize damage and restore their health."
If you haven’t had your companion pet tested for heartworms, schedule an appointment today at Prien Lake Animal Hospital. Our doctors and staff will work with you to determine the best heartworm preventative based on your pet’s individual lifestyle.