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Heartworm diagnosis

HeartwormDisease · Heartworm signs & symptoms · Heartworm diagnosis · Heartworm treatment · Heartworm related articles

Diagnosis of Heartworm Disease

Heartworm Disease is diagnosed with blood tests and X-rays. Blood tests are helpful in 3 ways: they can show tiny microfilaria, the presence of proteins from the adult worms, or the presence of immune antibodies indicating the pet has been stimulated to attack the heartworms. Some pets have blood tests that also show a high level of eosinophils, the type of white blood cell that is elevated in the presence of allergies or parasites.

X-rays diagnose Heartworm Disease by revealing an unusually large heart that is expanded on the right side—because it is full of worms. The vessels to the lungs are also unusual: enlarged and tortuous. In some pets, x-rays show an allergic reaction throughout the lungs that is caused by the heartworms.

Why is a blood test necessary? Can’t I just put my pet on Heartworm medication?

Heartworm medication requires an annual test and a prescription because this medication has the potential to harm—even kill—a pet that is already infected with heartworms.

Check out our Heartworm disease FAQ section.

See the advantages of different Heartworm medications here.

The articles here were answered by a variety of pharmacists and veterinarians

Date	Category	Topic
02/11/06	Other	CAT COUGH
12/23/05	Heartworm Medicine	CAN WE GIVE OUR CAT THE MECICINE WHILE SHE HAS SYMPTOMS
11/21/05	Cough	REALLY BAD COUGH
10/31/05	Heartworm Medicine	HEARTWORMS
05/01/05	Hormonal/Endocrine	SOLOXINE


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TIPS: Search for answers by entering keywords, Use multiple keywords

Dogs:

Cough

Exercise intolerance

Weight loss

Fainting

Edema

Cats:

difficulty breathing

coughing/gagging

heavy/ fast breathing

vomiting

anorexia/weight loss

lethargy

seizures

fainting

lack of coordination

Heartworms are carried by mosquitoes

Heartworms can be fatal

Can be difficult to treat but is easy to prevent

Cats generally have fewer worms than dogs, with a shorter lifespan, but the consequences are typically more serious.

For cats, studies show 50 % of cats infected with heartworm larvae have significant disease of the small arteries supplying blood to the lungs

Pets living outdoors

Pets living near standing water

Pets living in southern or eastern US or along rivers

Heartworm medications for Dogs:

Heartworm medications for Cats:

Supplements

Heartgard Chewables

Interceptor

Revolution

This information is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet.

The information about medications is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian.

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