Heartworm in Pets

At South Granville Animal Hospital in Creedmoor, we understand that a heartworm diagnosis for your pet can be devastating. However, there are heartworm prevention options and therapies, including emergency pet surgery, that can save their lives. In this article, we will discuss the parasite treatment protocols in case your pet becomes infected. 

What Are Heartworms?

Heartworms are parasitic roundworms that can infect both cats and dogs, but they are more commonly found in canines, especially those that love to roam. In Creedmoor, during the humid and warm summers, we see a significant number of heartworm cases. These parasites can grow up to a foot long and multiply quickly, reaching hundreds in number. Prompt action is necessary to avoid the need for pet surgery.

Heartworm Prevention & Treatment for Dogs and Cats

We provide a series of injections that kill adult heartworms, along with oral doxycycline and prednisone to minimize the chances of unwanted side effects. The treatment process may take a few months to complete in order to reduce the chances of reinfection or transmission to other animals in the household.

Treatment for Advanced Heartworms After Returning Home

If our veterinarian in Creedmoor suspects heartworms during a pet exam, we are likely to recommend a few approaches, depending on the progression of the animal's condition. Hospitalization at our clinic may involve oral doxycycline and prednisone therapy. Once you bring your furry friend home, you have a vital role to play.

To stabilize the condition, limit your pet's daily activity and keep walks to a minimum for bathroom breaks. Additionally, there are injections you can administer to ensure the elimination of all heartworms, as well as chewables to prevent their recurrence.

The key is to prevent the reoccurrence of heartworms, and our veterinarian clinic offers a line of flea and tick preventives, including Heartgard, which can help keep these invasive pests at bay. We can guide you in selecting the best products and offer a complete line of preventatives available right here at our office.

Contact South Granville Animal Hospital in Creedmoor, NC

When your pet requires heartworm preventatives or treatment, bring it to our team at South Granville Animal Hospital in Creedmoor. We offer pet preventives, over-the-counter treatments, and pet surgery options for severe cases. Contact South Granville Hospital today at (919) 528-3591 to schedule a pet safety and wellness check with our veterinarian.