Heartworm disease is one of the most serious health threats facing dogs and cats, yet it often progresses with no visible symptoms until the damage is already done. Early detection of heartworm isn’t just helpful; it’s lifesaving. At MyVet in Chesapeake, we emphasize routine heartworm screenings because we have seen how this “silent” disease can catch even the most attentive pet owners off guard.
How Heartworm Disease Can Go Undetected in Pets
Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) begin their journey as microscopic larvae, transmitted to pets through the bite of an infected mosquito. These larvae slowly migrate through the bloodstream and settle in the heart, lungs, and surrounding vessels. Over the course of six months, they mature into adult worms—sometimes reaching up to 12 inches long.
During this time, your pet might seem completely normal. There are no obvious signs, no changes in appetite or behavior—just silent, progressive damage taking place inside their body. By the time symptoms like coughing, fatigue, or breathing difficulty show up, the disease may already be advanced.
Early Heartworm Detection and Why It Matters
Annual heartworm testing for dogs gives veterinarians the chance to catch an infection in its early stages before it leads to irreversible heart and lung damage. Early detection:
- Allows for safer and more effective treatment
- Prevents long-term complications like heart enlargement and respiratory issues
- Reduces the cost and length of treatment
- Can be lifesaving in severe cases
Heartworm testing is usually fast and easy. A small blood sample from your pet is used for antigen testing, which detects proteins released by adult female heartworms. Results are often available within minutes during a routine wellness visit. If a positive result occurs, follow-up diagnostics such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or additional blood work will be needed to assess how far the disease has progressed.
Early detection for cats is sometimes more difficult. However, it is even more critical, as there is currently no approved treatment to eliminate adult heartworms in cats. Managing the disease for felines is about symptom control.
Signs That Your Pet Already Has Heartworm
By the time symptoms develop, heartworm disease is already in full swing. Symptoms of heartworm disease in cats are often vomiting, difficulty breathing, or sudden collapse. Dogs may experience:
- Persistent coughing
- Exercise intolerance
- Labored breathing
- Weight loss or lethargy
- Swollen abdomen
- Collapse
Heartworm Prevention and Testing Are the Best Protection
Early detection is only one side of the equation. Routine monthly or annual heartworm prevention works hand-in-hand with testing to keep your pet safe. Even if your pet is on year-round prevention, annual testing ensures no infections have slipped through due to missed doses or issues with medication efficacy. A “test and protect” approach is best: annual heartworm testing paired with consistent prevention.
Don’t Wait for Heartworm Disease Symptoms to Show
When it comes to heartworm disease, what you don’t see can hurt your pet. Early detection is your best line of defense, and one simple test each year can make all the difference. MyVet in Chesapeake is committed to catching heartworm early, treating it quickly, and helping your pets live longer lives. Is your pet due for a heartworm test? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule an appointment at our vet clinic in Chesapeake, VA for a fast, simple screening, and protect your pet before symptoms ever appear.