How to Test for Heartworms

Heartworm disease is a widespread condition--it affects animals in all 50 states. Heartworms are a type of round worm spread through mosquito bites. These worms, which can live in the hearts of animals for years, can cause series health problems and even death. Dogs are the pets most susceptible to heartworms. Most veterinarians recommend active medical prevention to combat this condition. To have your dog tested, a veterinarian may perform a combination of procedures to look for the presence of heartworms.

Instructions

1. Take your dog to a veterinarian. Heartworm disease is a condition that cannot be diagnosed at home. Even the medical tests run by licensed professionals are not always 100 percent conclusive.

2. Hold your animal still if you are asked to do so when your veterinarian uses a syringe to draw a sample of your dog's blood. You may not have to do this if a veterinarian technician holds the dog for you.

3. Expect one or more of the following tests: (1) Heartworm antigen test, which tests for the presence of active, sexually mature female heartworms in the bloodstream; (2) blood tests that look for microfilaria (young, larval heartworms); (3) tests that examine whether a dog has had heartworms at some point by looking for antibodies that are produced within the dog in reaction to larval heartworms; and/or (4) X-rays.

4. Prevent future infection. If your dog does not have heartworms, your veterinarian most likely will recommend you put the animal on heartworm-prevention medication. This medication can be administered orally, topically or by injection. It is important you consistently keep the dog on prevention year 'round to maintain the most effective protection for your pet. The cost of preventative medicine is much less than the cost of treatment for a dog who already has heartworm disease.

5. Decide on a course of action if your animal is found to be infected. If your pet tests positive for heartworms, discuss your options with your veterinarian. If the disease is caught early enough, your dog may be eligible for medical treatment. This usually consists of a series of injections during which most animals are hospitalized. If your dog is hospitalized, you must limit the animal's physical activity for a period of time once it comes home.

References

• Beam, Diana. (n.d.) "Heartworm Disease in Dogs and Cats." Retrieved May 29, 2009 from The Pet Center website: http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/hw.html.
• (2009). "What Is Heartworm Disease?" Retrieved May 29, 2009, from American Heartworm Society website: http://www.heartwormsociety.org/article_1141.html.