Heartworm Testing

Travel out of province or pets originating from out of province are at risk of contracting Heartworm. This is a potentially fatal parasite transmitted by mosquitos. Adult infections settle in the blood vessels of a pet’s heart and lungs.

What are the symptoms of heartworm?

We strongly recommend that you take your pet in for annual checkups, as conditions like heartworm are often undetectable during the early stages. Only until it has become more advanced will symptoms begin to appear. These signs include: exercise intolerance, lethargy, coughing, and difficulties breathing.

What are the treatment options for heartworm?

The best way to treat heartworm is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. A review of your pet’s parasite prevention program will assess if it includes heartworm protection.  As Alberta is heartworm free, please let us know if you plan on travelling out of province so that we can advise you appropriately. Once infected, treatment is both expensive and complex. Please contact our team to ensure that your pet is properly protected with anti-parasite medications.