HEARTWORM SEASON

Each spring we try to remind our clients that heartworm season is again upon us. Heartworm is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, and while the disease is treatable, prevention is much preferred. WVC offers heartworm protection and heartworm blood testing. We recommend that all dog owners have their pets (dogs over six months of age) tested for heartworm each spring and placed on monthly preventive pills for the months of June through November.

Heartworm is easily diagnosed by a simple blood test. We perform the lab test in our hospital, and can have the results in a few minutes. In the late stages of infection, the patient will develop heart failure and the disease becomes very difficult to treat. Fortunately, this stage of the disease is easily avoidable through testing and prophylactic measures. Call us to set up an appointment to discuss heartworm testing and prevention methods for your pet.