Heartworm

Heartworm Prevention and Treatment at Animal Health and Medical Center

All pets require regular veterinary care to help in the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases and infections by heartworms. Heartworm is a parasite that affects cats and dogs and leads to heart failure and lung damage. At Animal Health and Medical Center, we are a full-service animal hospital providing veterinary care in surgical, medical, and dental issues for a healthy pet in Abilene, TX.

Heartworm

What Causes Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm disease in pets is caused by a parasitic worm, primarily through mosquito bites. These worms live in the lungs, heart, and associated blood vessels of the affected pet, hence the name heartworms. The disease is potentially deadly as it causes damage to vital organs. If left untreated for long, heartworms' effect on arteries and hearts harms the pet's health and life quality, which is why it's crucial to seek veterinary help for early diagnosis and treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Pets

It may be hard to notice any symptoms of heartworm disease in pets during the initial stages, but symptoms will develop as the infection progresses. Prominent symptoms are seen in pets with underlying health conditions and those heavily infected. Common signs of heartworm disease include:

  • Mild and persistent coughs
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Decrease in appetite
  • Asthma-like attacks
  • Weight and appetite loss
  • Periodic vomiting

As the disease develops, pets experience heart failure and sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart. Heartworm disease is fatal to cats and dogs if left untreated. That's why a proper diagnosis is crucial to their health.

Diagnosis of Heartworms in Pets

The best way to ascertain if your pet has heartworms is by visiting our veterinary clinic for a thorough evaluation. If your pet is experiencing any symptoms, we can conduct a blood test to diagnose the possible infection. There may be no signs of heartworm disease in the early stages, but symptoms become evident and severe as the disease progresses. Our diagnosis can catch heartworm disease early on, ensuring that your pet receives proper medical attention to manage the disease.

Can I Prevent My Pet from Getting Heartworms?

There are many ways to protect your pet against heartworm disease, including administering heartworm medication. Pets require annual exams and proper heartworm and other parasitic prevention treatments for optimal health care.

Contact Us for Your Pet's Next Exam from Our Veterinarian in Abilene, TX

Our veterinarian and professional staff at Animal Health and Medical Center are dedicated to providing the care pets need to maintain their health and wellness. We offer various vet services, including parasite prevention, vaccinations, dental care, diagnostics, and more. Contact our Abilene office today at (325) 695-7140 to have your pet tested for heartworms or to learn more about the effective heartworm prevention options we have to offer.

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Monday

8:00 am - 12:30 pm

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Tuesday

8:00 am - 12:30 pm

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Wednesday

8:00 am - 12:30 pm

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Thursday

8:00 am - 12:30 pm

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Friday

8:00 am - 12:30 pm

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Saturday

Closed

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Closed

Monday
8:00 am - 12:30 pm 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 12:30 pm 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 12:30 pm 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 12:30 pm 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 12:30 pm 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Saturday
Closed Closed
Sunday
Closed Closed