Big Heartworm Test and Prevention special has begun!

Update: March 15, 2013

Big Heartworm special last throught the Month of April!!

The heartworm count has risen!!!

Heartworm is being discovered at higher  rates in our coyote population and in our dogs. Some cats are becoming positive too!

The mosquito will bite an infected animal, suck blood containing a larval stage. In the mosquito, the larvae develops into a more mature larval stage which is then injected into another dog. In that dog, that larvae grows into an adult which then occupies the vessel that travels from the heart to the lungs.  Multiple worms at the site can block circulation.

Symptoms that you may see are exercise intolerance (your dog will get tired more easily on a walk or during play), fatigue in general, coughing, and ultimately, collapse. The problem is that by the time you see these symptoms, the worm burden can be too high and it may be too late to save your dog.

Treatment is tough on your pet. After staging the diseaes by performing blood tests and xrays, a series of very painful shots are given in the muscle. The medication kills the adult worm. The individual worms shower into the bloodstream potentially causing clots anywhere in the body. Any organ can be affected.

Screening is easy!   Just make an appointment to bring your dog in for a tiny blood draw. We can give you results within 10-15 minutes!

Prevention is easy!! We carry Heartgard Plus which also helps prevent roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.

If you have a cat that spends a lot of time outdoors in a mosquito burdened area, please make an appointment so we can discuss testing and prevention for your cat

Our special is….. 15% off heartworm tests and prevention.  If your pet’s annual exam was performed within the last 10 months you can get 6 months of prevention. If your pet’s annual exam was performed within the last 2 months, you can get 12 months of product!

Call to make an appointment now to protect your pet at 760-945-0606.