Our Services

Heartworm Testing

Heartworms are a deadly parasite that can be transmitted to both dogs and cats through the bite of an infected mosquito. Unfortunately, communities like Boaz, Sardis City, and Guntersville, Alabama with their warm, humid conditions are the perfect environment for mosquitoes. If your pet is bitten by an infected mosquito and is not receiving a preventative treatment, the parasitic heartworms can mature inside your pet and cause permanent damage to vital organs such as the heart and lungs. If not treated, heartworms can be fatal to your pet.

At Sand Mountain Small Animal/Equine Hospital, Dr. Adams can perform a blood test to determine whether your pet is heartworm positive while you wait. If heartworms are detected, Dr. Adams will determine the best treatment options for your pet, based on their age, current condition, and the severity of the infection. If your pet tests negative, there are many options available to prevent heartworms. Our veterinarian will discuss the best course of preventative treatment with you, taking into consideration the species, size, breed, exposure risk, as well as your pet’s lifestyle. Preventative treatment options are available, including oral, topical, and injectable medications.

It is always more effective and less expensive to utilize a heartworm preventative on a routine basis than it is to treat an infection. If you are unsure of your pet’s heartworm testing or treatment history, call Sand Mountain Small Animal/Equine Hospital for more information and to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.