Heartworm disease is a big problem for dogs in our area. Here at White Knoll Veterinary Hospital and Pet Resort, we believe that owners should understand the disease as well as how to prevent it and treat if necessary.
Heartworms can live inside a dog without causing problems until they are a full grown adult and are as long as twelve inches. They live in the right side of the heart lungs. For this reason, dogs who are affected with heartworms can suffer from both lung disease and heart failure.
There is treatment for heartworm disease in dogs, however treatment is costly and comes with risks. And even with treatment, there can be permanent damage to the heart and lungs.
Fortunately, heartworms are preventable. We highly recommend preventing heartworms instead of dealing with the disease. We will recommend heartworm testing your dog yearly and using an oral monthly or once or twice yearly injection for prevention.
Please contact us to get your dog started with a heartworm test and heartworm prevention today!