What are heartworms?
Heartworms are parasitic worms that can be found in your pet's heart, lungs, and related blood vessels. The life cycle of heartworms begins when mosquitoes ingest microfilaria, which are baby heartworms, when they bite an infected animal, and develop into larvae inside the mosquito. The infected mosquito then bites another dog and infects that animal with the heartworm larvae. Once inside the new host, the larvae take about five months to mature and can grow up to a foot long within the dog's heart and lungs.
Heartworm disease can lead to serious health problems such as lung disease and heart failure, but it is possible to treat dogs that have tested positive for heartworms. The best way to prevent heartworms is to keep your pet on heartworm prevention medication year-round. Additionally, it is recommended that pets are tested for heartworms once a year to ensure they are healthy and free of heartworm infection.
How does treatment work?
When a dog tests positive for heartworms, the first step is to schedule a consultation with our veterinarian to discuss possible treatment options. Our veterinarian will use bloodwork and X-rays to assess the severity and progression of the disease, and your pet will most likely begin antibiotics to prepare them for the treatment process.
Our standard protocol for treating heartworm disease is Melarsomine Injections, which are typically administered two to three times over the course of two months. These injections require an overnight stay of one to two nights and are accompanied by a few medications that must be given for one to two months. This treatment option is quicker and more effective than others, and in most cases, the first round of treatment is sufficient to eliminate the heartworms.
It's essential to note that all dogs, regardless of their heartworm status, should be on heartworm prevention. Even after successful treatment, dogs can be reinfected with heartworms.
If you have concerns about the cost of treatment or other factors, speak with our veterinarian to determine whether alternative treatment options are suitable for your pet.
Pricing
Consultation
$175
During your pet's consultation, we will take bloodwork and x-rays ($145) and begin antibiotics ($30) to prepare your dog for treatment. Consultations cannot be booked online.
Heartworm Prevention
Simparica Trio $25/mo.
ProHeart 12 $50 - 150
Simparica Trio is a pill you give once a month to protect your pet against heartworms, fleas, ticks, and some intestinal parasites. ProHeart 12 is a once yearly injection, your dog is protected from heartworms for 12 months.
Heartworm Treatment
$214 - $589
This pricing is based on your pet's weight.