Heartworm Testing

Heartworm is a fatal disease transmitted to your dog from the bite of an infected mosquito. If you are travelling with your dog outside of Alberta (excluding Saskatchewan) they require heartworm prevention medication. Our veterinarians recommend performing a heartworm test every two years on your dog to ensure they do not have heartworm disease before treatment is given. A heartworm test requires a blood sample from your dog; it is interpreted by our in-house lab machine for quick results.

What are the symptoms of heartworms in a dog?

Most of the time your dog will not show any symptoms. Early signs can include coughing and more severe signs include weight loss and fainting. A heartworm test is the best method to see if your dog has contracted heartworm disease. If you have any questions about heartworm, please contact Lomsnes Veterinary Hospital.

How do dogs get heartworm?

Heartworm is a fatal disease passed to your dog from an infected mosquito biting your dog. Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to heartworm. If you are planning on travelling with your dog outside of Alberta (excluding Saskatchewan) they will require heartworm medication. Please contact Lomsnes Veterinary Hospital if you are planning on travelling with your dog.

What are the treatment options for heartworms?

Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to heartworm. Topical and oral treatments are available to you through our veterinarians to help prevent heartworm. When travelling outside of Alberta (excluding Saskatchewan) it is important to give your dog prevention medication. If they should get heartworm our veterinarians will provide a treatment plan and go over it with you as it is a case by case treatment. If you suspect your dog may have heartworm contact Lomsnes Veterinary Hospital.

Why is recovery and heartworm treatment challenging?

Recovery and treatment are very difficult because once the worms mature they travel into your dog’s heart and other organs. It can be a lengthy and dangerous process. Heartworm disease requires an individualized treatment plan to ensure the least possible organ damage. Our veterinarians will discuss numerous option available if your dog is diagnosed with heartworm.