Heartworm testing refers to a procedure done to check if a dog or cat has been infected with heartworms, which are parasitic worms that live in the heart and blood vessels.
Full definition
Depending on specific indicators, other tests can be performed,
including heartworm tests in dogs and feline leukemia virus tests in cats.
The study was based on analysis
of heartworm tests completed in 2001 by 18,000 veterinary clinics across the country.
We will be glad to talk to you about the need for yearly
heartworm tests in your dog and how you can prevent this fatal disease.
As you learn about the similarities and differences here, however, remember the bottom line: both dogs and cats
need heartworm testing and year - round heartworm prevention.
To protect your cat they should be on heartworm preventive year round and receive their annual
heartworm test at 9 months of age.
This is why early detection
with heartworm tests annually or as needed for at risk pets is so important, and treatment is much more safe when done before clinical signs appear.
We recommend an annual fecal testing to detect any intestinal parasites and
also heartworm testing (which includes detection of heartworm presence and three tick - borne diseases).
Dogs should not be put on a heartworm preventative without a negative
heartworm test from their veterinarian.
Call our office today with any questions or stop by and pick up 12 months of heartworm prevention (with a
current heartworm test on file).
If your pet has not been on a year - round prevention, it is important to have your pet be thoroughly examined, and have a fecal and
heartworm test ran.
Products: In order to purchase heartworm prevention for your dog you must show proof of a negative
heartworm test within 12 months and that your pet has been consistently on prevention.
It is safe to wait to perform an
initial heartworm test at about fifteen months of age, when rabies and distemper booster vaccinations are given.
We'll do a thorough exam, including a
simple heartworm test, which also tests for tick - borne diseases, to make sure your pet is at his / her optimum health.
If your dog's annual
heartworm test comes back positive it means that your dog became infected with heartworm in the previous warm season.
You may have heard veterinary professionals talk
about heartworm testing and prevention, but do you understand the seriousness of the disease?
All pets are required to be up to date on their vaccinations and a
recent heartworm test for our canine patients.
Maintained accurate pharmacy records and controlled drug, anesthesia, fecal, and
heartworm test logs.
Fortunately, with a few precautions such as twice a
year heartworm testing and the proper preventative medicine, your pet can avoid this deadly disease.
Some veterinarians
process heartworm tests right in their hospitals while others sent the samples to a diagnostic laboratory.
By providing affordable
heartworm testing services and preventative medication, we stress the importance of having your pet tested annually to help keep your dog or cat healthy and heartworm free.
Depending on the area you live in, most dogs also require heartworm preventative given monthly for some or all of the year, as well as
periodic heartworm tests.
We
advised heartworm testing every 6 months for dogs as a part of your dog's regular 6 month early detection examination and testing program.
Some companies will guarantee their product providing you use the heartworm prevention year round and are performing
yearly heartworm tests.
Your pet must have a negative
heartworm test from your veterinarian before a preventative is administered, as giving a preventative if your pet is heartworm positive can be dangerous or even deadly.
Phrases with «heartworm testing»