How is heartworm diagnosed?

A veterinarian uses blood tests to check a dog for heartworms. An antigen test detects specific heartworm proteins, called antigens, which are released by adult female heartworms into the dog’s bloodstream. In most cases, antigen tests can accurately detect infections with one or more adult female heartworms.

Can heartworm be cured?

No one wants to hear that their dog has heartworm, but the good news is that most infected dogs can be successfully treated. The goal is to first stabilize your dog if he is showing signs of disease, then kill all adult and immature worms while keeping the side effects of treatment to a minimum.

How is heartworm treated?

An injectable drug, melarsomine (brand name Immiticide®), is given to kill adult heartworms. Melarsomine kills the adult heartworms in the heart and adjacent vessels. This drug is administered in a series of injections. Your veterinarian will determine the specific injection schedule according to your dog’s condition.

Can you test for heartworms at home?

The DiroCHEK Canine Heartworm Antigen Test Kit is an easy-to-use enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kit for the detection of Dirofilaria immitis antigen in canines and felines.

How soon do heartworm symptoms show?

Heartworm signs in dogs tend to show up when the worm reaches maturity, typically around 6 months post-implantation.

Are dogs in pain when they have heartworms?

But can your dog feel heartworms? In a way, yes. Your dog can feel the discomfort that goes hand-in-hand with the heartworms hatching from larvae stages into adulthood. They can also feel them migrating from one spot to another inside their body, specifically if they’re affecting your dog’s lungs and breathing.

How can you tell the difference between kennel cough and heartworms?

Here are five warning signs your dog may have heartworms.

• Persistent cough. Unlike a regular cough or a kennel cough, which is strong and sporadic, a heartworm- related cough is dry and persistent.
• Lethargy. If your pet suddenly loses interest in going for walks or being active, it may be a sign of heartworm.
• Weight loss.

Can you treat heartworms in dogs at home?

Continue to give heartworm preventatives monthly at home. Give the first injection of melarsomine to kill adult heartworms. Restrict exercise and closely monitor for side effects for the next 30 days. Give the second injection of melarsomine 30 days after the first.

How much does a heartworm test cost?

It’s recommended that all dogs be tested annually for heartworm disease, even if they are on heartworm prevention. A heartworm test may range from approximately $35 to $75.

What are the signs of heartworm disease?

The most obvious clinical signs of heartworm disease are a soft, dry cough, shortness of breath, weakness, nervousness, listlessness and loss of stamina. Most of these symptoms make an appearance after a dog exercises.

Heartworms are diagnosed by taking x-rays and blood tests. Heartworms live primarily in the right hand side of the heart and lung. An x-ray will reveal an unusually large heart, especially the right side that has expanded to accommodate the growing infestation.

What do you need to know about heartworm disease?

Heartworms are a life-threatening parasite transmitted by mosquitos.

How do you get heartworm disease?

Heartworm disease can be transmitted through one method alone: the bite of a mosquito. Whether the new host is a dog, cat, or in rare cases, a human, the parasite’s only means of spreading into the bloodstream is through these pests.