What are Heartworms?
Heartworms are roundworms that, as the name suggests, live in the heart and also the lungs of mammals.  They begin here as a form of mocrofilaria which once in the circulatory system of the mammal are spread to others by mosquitoes.

How do I know if my pet has Heartworms?
Dogs with heartworms will typically have a cough that is especially noted after exercise.  They may also become listless, lose weight and cough up phlegm that may contain blood.  Symptoms alone, however, are not enough to determine whether your pet is infected or not.  If heartworm is suspected, we will draw a blood sample from your pet and run one or two tests to establish whether this is the case or not.

How are Heartworms prevented?
Our Doctors can prescribe a preventative designed specifically for the weight of your animal.  This is a monthly medication.  In this area of the country, we recommend heartworm preventative year round.  Even dogs on a preventative should be tested annually.  You can minimize mosquito populations by ensuring your property is well drained and cleared of stagnant water.

How is Heartworm infection treated?
After the dog is diagnosed as heartworm positive, we take a chest x-ray to determine the severity of the infection.  The severity will determine the course of treatment.  Your dog will then be admitted into the hospital to have the heartworm treatment medication administered.  If after 4 months an antigen test is negative, your dog is assumed to be free of heartworms.  Dogs that are infected can be safely put on a preventive to prevent additional infection.