Heartworm Disease Testing & Treatment in Tyler, TX
Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes and is a year-round threat to dogs and cats in East Texas. At Premier Veterinary Hospital, we offer fast in-house heartworm testing, proven treatment protocols for infected dogs, and affordable prevention to keep your pet safe.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by a parasitic worm, Dirofilaria immitis, that lives in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of infected pets. Adult heartworms can grow up to 12 inches long, and a single dog can carry hundreds of worms. Over time they cause lasting damage to the heart, lungs, and arteries, even after the worms are gone.
How Pets Get Heartworms
Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up microscopic baby worms, then passes them to the next pet it bites. Those larvae mature into adult worms over about six months. With its warm climate, humidity, lakes, and long mosquito season, East Texas is one of the highest-risk regions in the country. Indoor pets are at risk too, since mosquitoes easily find their way inside.
Signs of Heartworm Disease
In the early stages, most pets show no signs at all, which is why annual testing is so important. As the disease progresses, dogs may develop a mild persistent cough, tiring easily during exercise, decreased appetite, weight loss, and a swollen belly from fluid buildup. Severe cases can lead to heart failure or a life-threatening blockage of blood flow called caval syndrome. Cats are atypical hosts and may show coughing, asthma-like breathing problems, vomiting, or sudden collapse.
Testing for Heartworms
A simple blood test performed in our in-house laboratory detects heartworm infection in dogs. We recommend testing every dog once a year, even those on year-round prevention, because missed or late doses happen. If a dog tests positive, chest radiographs, bloodwork, and sometimes an ultrasound help us determine the severity of disease before treatment begins.
Heartworm Treatment
Treatment for dogs follows the American Heartworm Society protocol and involves a series of injections that kill adult worms, along with medications to reduce inflammation and eliminate young worms. Strict exercise restriction is essential during treatment to protect the lungs. Some dogs may need time in our hospital ward for close monitoring. There is no approved treatment to kill heartworms in cats, which makes prevention even more critical for feline patients.
Prevention Is Simple and Affordable
Heartworm disease is almost entirely preventable. Monthly chewable tablets, topical treatments, and long-lasting injectable options are available through our pharmacy, and many products also protect against intestinal worms, fleas, and ticks. Prevention costs a fraction of treatment. Learn more on our parasite prevention page or ask about the best option during your pet’s wellness exam.
Heartworm Disease FAQs
How do pets get heartworm disease?
Heartworms are spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Pets cannot catch heartworms directly from each other.
Is heartworm disease common in Tyler, TX?
Yes. East Texas has a warm, humid climate and a long mosquito season, making it one of the highest-risk areas in the country for heartworm disease.
Does my dog need a heartworm test if he’s on prevention?
Yes. Annual testing is recommended for all dogs because missed or late doses, vomited pills, or product failure can still allow infection.
Can heartworm disease be treated?
In dogs, yes. Treatment involves a series of injections, supporting medications, and strict exercise restriction. There is no approved treatment for cats, so prevention is essential.
Do indoor cats need heartworm prevention?
Yes. Mosquitoes easily get indoors, and a significant number of cats diagnosed with heartworm disease are reported to be indoor-only pets.
What are the signs of heartworm disease?
Early infections usually cause no signs. Later signs include coughing, exercise intolerance, weight loss, and a swollen belly. Cats may have breathing problems or vomiting.
Should heartworm prevention be given year-round?
Yes. In East Texas, mosquitoes can be active nearly every month, so year-round prevention offers the best protection.
Schedule Your Pet’s Heartworm Test
Is your pet due for a heartworm test or a refill of prevention? Call (903) 617-6072 to book a visit with our Tyler veterinarians.