Heartworm Testing
At Woodbury Veterinary Hospital, we focus on preventative veterinary medical practices. In other words, we want to keep your pets healthy by preventing them from getting sick. One illness that is all too common in Tennessee is heartworm disease. This is one disease that we can definitely prevent through annual testing and following a preventive treatment program.
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that can affect indoor and outdoor companion pets, but the earlier it is detected, the better the chances that your pet will recover. Heartworm larvae are transmitted to healthy animals by mosquitoes that have bitten infected animals. Without the protection provided by a preventive treatment program, heartworms can eventually affect your pet's cardiovascular health. There are few early signs of heartworm disease; heartworm positive dogs will eventually experience difficulty breathing and decreased physical activity.
If your dog’s test results come back negative, our veterinarians will start your dog on a preventive treatment that you will need to administer year-round for the rest of the animal’s life. These preventive medications come in several forms, including topical applications and tasty treats.
Heartworms exist in all 50 states, and studies have shown that Tennessee ranks in the top 5 states for heartworm disease. This means that companion pet owners in the central region of Tennessee, including the communities of Woodbury, Manchester, Smithville, and Bradyville, need to protect their pets year round with preventive heartworm treatment.
If you haven’t had your companion pet tested for heartworms, schedule an appointment today at Woodbury Veterinary Hospital. Our doctors and staff will work with you to determine the best heartworm preventative based on your pet’s individual lifestyle.