Heartworm
A heartworm test is a blood test that detects the presence of heartworm disease, a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the heart and lungs of pets.
Definition
A heartworm test is a blood test that detects the presence of heartworm disease, a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the heart and lungs of pets.
In-Depth
What You Need to Know
Heartworm disease is transmitted through mosquito bites and affects dogs, cats, and ferrets. In dogs, adult worms live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels, causing heart failure, lung disease, and organ damage. Testing is done with a simple blood test that detects heartworm proteins (antigens). The AAHA recommends annual testing for all dogs, even those on preventive medication, because missing even one dose can allow infection. Prevention is critical — monthly preventives (oral, topical, or injectable) are far simpler and less costly than treatment. Treatment for heartworm-positive dogs involves multiple injections of melarsomine over several months with strict exercise restriction.
Calls & Questions
What Patients Ask
Common phone questions about heartworm — and how Front Desk handles scheduling and call routing automatically.
Common Patient Questions
- 1Does my dog need a heartworm test?
- 2How do dogs get heartworm?
- 3What is heartworm prevention?
- 4How much does heartworm treatment cost?
How Front Desk Helps Your Practice
Front Desk schedules annual heartworm testing appointments, processes preventive medication refills, sends refill reminders, and checks appointment availability — so your staff can focus on patient care.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about heartworm.
A heartworm test is a blood test that detects the presence of heartworm disease, a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the heart and lungs of pets. Heartworm disease is transmitted through mosquito bites and affects dogs, cats, and ferrets. In dogs, adult worms live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels, causing heart failure, lung disease, and organ damage.
Your veterinary provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk schedules annual heartworm testing appointments, processes preventive medication refills, sends refill reminders, and checks appointment availability — so your staff can focus on patient care.
Your veterinary provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk schedules annual heartworm testing appointments, processes preventive medication refills, sends refill reminders, and checks appointment availability — so your staff can focus on patient care.
Your veterinary provider can answer this during your appointment. Front Desk schedules annual heartworm testing appointments, processes preventive medication refills, sends refill reminders, and checks appointment availability — so your staff can focus on patient care.
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