Heartworm Care in North Richland Hills
Heartworm disease is a serious illness affecting dogs, cats, and ferrets, caused by a parasitic roundworm known as the heartworm. It’s preventable with regular administration of heartworm prophylaxis as recommended by a veterinarian, and Cornerstone Animal Hospital offers a wide range of affordable prevention options for your pet.
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Where Is Heartworm Disease Prevalent?
For heartworm prevalence in the USA, please visit The Heartworm Society. North Texas sees year-round mosquito activity, which makes consistent prevention especially important for pets in North Richland Hills and surrounding communities.
Is Heartworm Disease Preventable?
Heartworm disease can be prevented by administering heartworm prophylaxis medication as advised by your veterinarian. At Cornerstone Animal Hospital, we offer many affordable options as part of our broader parasite control program. Be sure to check out our current promotions on heartworm medications.
Symptoms of Heartworm Disease
Dogs with mild heartworm infection often show no symptoms or may have only a mild, occasional cough. Moderate cases typically show coughing and exercise intolerance. Severe infections can cause anemia, fainting, and right-sided chronic heart failure. If you notice any of these signs, schedule an exam through our preventive care team as soon as possible.
Diagnosing Heartworm Disease
The simplest way to diagnose heartworm infection is through a heartworm test at your veterinarian’s office. At Cornerstone Animal Hospital, the test takes less than fifteen minutes using our on-site laboratory services. Dogs six months or older should test negative before starting prevention. Even puppies started on prevention early should be tested at six months, since it takes about six months for heartworms to mature and become detectable.
If heartworm is suspected, additional diagnostics like electrocardiograms, X-rays, and urine analysis may be performed.
How Infection Happens
Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes carrying infective larvae. These larvae migrate through the pet’s body over about six months, eventually reaching the heart and lungs. Adult heartworms can grow up to 12 inches long and release microfilariae (immature worms) into the bloodstream. The severity of the disease depends on worm load, duration, and the pet’s response.
Heartworm Treatment
If your pet tests positive, prompt treatment is necessary. Initial treatment aims to kill adult heartworms and involves careful staging through exams, X-rays, bloodwork, ECG, and urine tests. Severe cases may pose treatment risks. Adulticide injections are given three times, with close monitoring and hospitalization to manage reactions. Supportive care and pain management are provided, and pre-treatment with antibiotics is common. Monthly preventive medication helps eliminate young larvae, and pets are re-tested 4-6 months after treatment.
Post-Treatment Management
After treatment, activity should be strictly limited for 4-6 weeks. We recommend a follow-up antigen test 4-6 months post-treatment. If still positive, additional treatment or surgery may be needed.
For more information on heartworm prevention, please contact us at (817) 514-8387.
How often does my pet need heartworm prevention?
Most heartworm preventatives are given monthly year-round. Your veterinarian can recommend the best option based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk.
Can indoor pets get heartworm disease?
Yes, since heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, even indoor pets can be at risk if mosquitoes get inside the home.
How is heartworm disease diagnosed?
We perform a simple heartworm test in our on-site lab that takes less than fifteen minutes to give results.
Is heartworm treatment safe for my pet?
Treatment is carefully staged and monitored, with your pet’s activity restricted and hospitalization used as needed to manage the process safely.
How long does it take for heartworms to be detectable after infection?
It takes about six months for heartworm larvae to mature into a stage that can be detected by testing.
What are the signs of heartworm disease in dogs?
Mild cases may show no symptoms or an occasional cough, while moderate to severe cases can cause exercise intolerance, anemia, fainting, or heart failure.
Do cats need heartworm prevention too?
Yes, cats and ferrets can also contract heartworm disease, so year-round prevention is recommended for them as well.