Heartworm Testing
Protect Your Pet with Heartworm Testing at Nimbus Pet Hospital
Heartworm disease remains one of the most serious threats to your pet’s health. This potentially fatal condition, transmitted through mosquito bites, can affect dogs, cats, and ferrets, even those who rarely venture outdoors. At Nimbus Pet Hospital, serving Tigard and Beaverton, we provide comprehensive heartworm testing to catch infections early and keep your furry family members safe.
Understanding Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis that infiltrates the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels. When an infected mosquito bites your pet, microscopic larvae enter their bloodstream. Over the next 6-7 months in dogs (8 months in cats), these larvae mature into adult worms that can reach up to 14 inches in length.
Dogs are particularly vulnerable because they serve as natural hosts for heartworms. A severely infected dog can harbor hundreds of worms, causing obstruction of blood vessels and potentially fatal heart damage. While cats are not natural hosts, they can still contract the disease and develop heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD), which can be life-threatening.
Why Choose Nimbus Pet Hospital for Heartworm Testing?
- Quick and Accurate Results: We use advanced diagnostic technology that provides results within 10 minutes. Our testing requires only a small blood sample, making the process quick and minimally invasive for your pet.
- Experienced and Compassionate Care: Our veterinary team has extensive experience in diagnosing and managing heartworm disease. We understand that testing can be stressful for both pets and their owners, so we take extra care to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
- Comprehensive Approach: Beyond testing, we provide guidance on prevention strategies tailored to your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors. We’ll help you understand which preventive medications are right for your pet and ensure they stay protected year-round.
What Heartworm Testing Can Reveal
Regular heartworm testing allows us to:
- Detect infections early before symptoms appear
- Identify the presence of adult heartworms using antigen testing
- Determine if your pet has been exposed to heartworms through antibody testing
- Monitor the effectiveness of preventive medications
- Establish a baseline before starting heartworm prevention
Early detection is crucial. Many pets show no signs of heartworm disease in its early stages, but once symptoms like coughing, fatigue, and decreased appetite appear, the infection may already be advanced.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When should my pet be tested for heartworms?
The American Heartworm Society recommends testing all dogs 7 months and older before starting preventive medication. After that, annual testing ensures your pet remains protected. Puppies under 6 months typically don’t need testing since heartworm larvae require time to mature.
Can indoor pets get heartworms?
Yes. Mosquitoes can easily find their way indoors, putting even pets who never go outside at risk. Homes with pools, ponds, or other standing water are particularly attractive to mosquitoes.
How often should my pet be tested?
We recommend annual heartworm testing for all pets, even those on year-round preventive medication. This ensures we catch any potential infections early and verify that your preventive program is working effectively.
What happens if my pet tests positive?
If your pet tests positive, we’ll discuss treatment options based on the severity of the infection. Treatment typically involves medications to eliminate adult worms, along with strict rest to prevent complications. We’ll guide you through every step of the process.
Are heartworms only a concern during mosquito season?
No. While mosquito activity peaks in warmer months, heartworm prevention should be year-round. Gaps in prevention can leave your pet vulnerable, and many preventive medications also protect against intestinal parasites.
Schedule Your Pet’s Heartworm Test Today
Don’t wait until symptoms appear. Heartworm disease is much easier and less expensive to prevent than to treat. At Nimbus Pet Hospital, we’re committed to helping pets in Tigard and Beaverton live longer, healthier lives through proactive preventive care.
Contact us today to schedule a heartworm test for your pet. Our caring team is ready to answer your questions and provide the expert care your furry friend deserves.