Heartworm Testing

Heartworms are still quite rate in Québec thanks to the province’s climate. That said, several cases are still diagnosed each year. It’s important to protect your pet from this parasite, especially if you ever take them outside of the country.

What are the symptoms of heartworm?

It may take several months for your pet to exhibit any signs of heartworms. Symptoms begin to appear only after the worms reproduce and spread throughout your pet’s body. Symptoms include:

• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Fatigue

What are the treatments for heartworm?

We always advise our clients to invest in preventative heartworm treatments. Once the worms have set up shop in your pet, they’re hard to get rid of. Worms settle in the heart and pulmonary arteries, so treatments can be risky and very taxing for your pet. On the other hand, a simple preventive antiparasitic treatment can eliminate worms in the larval stage before they have a chance to reproduce. You can find both topical and oral antiparasitic options.

How can I tell if my pet has heartworms?

A simple blood test can be used to diagnose heartworms. Thanks to our in-house laboratory, we can get test results in just a few hours