Heartworm Testing

Heartworm disease can be found in both dogs and cats, and has been diagnosed in all fifty states. Heartworm disease is much more prevalent in areas along the Mississippi River, including Memphis, Tennessee. The experienced veterinarians at Shelby Center Hospital for Animals can work with you and your pet, regardless of their current age or their current heartworm status, to test and protect your pet from this potentially deadly disease.

What are heartworms and how can they transmitted to my pet?
Heartworms are parasites that live inside of animals that have been bitten by infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes bite animals that are currently infected with heartworms, and then bite other animals that may not be infected, including our domesticated canines and felines. If our pets are not protected by a heartworm preventative, immature heartworms transmitted by the mosquito can mature and grow up to a foot in length. These parasites can live in blood vessels, the lungs and heart of an unprotected pet, and can cause much damage, including death.

How can I find out if my pet is infected with heartworms?
The experienced veterinarians at Shelby Center Hospital for Animals have many years of experience in the prevention and diagnosis of heartworm disease. Our caring doctors can run a blood test that can determine whether your furry friend has heartworm disease. Our clinic follows the testing recommendations set forth by the American Heartworm Society, and recommends testing all dogs at approximately 8 months of age, and once a year thereafter.

Remember that heartworm prevention is always less expensive and better for your pet than the treatment of heartworm disease. Shelby Center Hospital for Animals carries the safest and most effective heartworm preventative products available in veterinary medicine. Whether you are starting a new puppy or kitten on heartworm prevention for the first time, or have an older animal that has never been tested for heartworm disease, schedule an appointment with our experienced veterinarians to have your pet evaluated for heartworm disease.

Please call one of our caring associates at (901) 372-2215 to schedule an appointment for your faithful companion today!