6 Northumberland Street, Danville, Pa 17821
Phone: 570-271-1828
Fax: 570-271-1835

 

1225 W. Spruce St. Coal Township Pa, 17866
Phone: 570-644-1006
Fax: 570-644-1109

 

Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is a serious illness that can rob your dog of health and even it’s life.

Heartworm larvae are transmitted by infected mosquitoes that bite the dog and deposit heartworm larvae on the dog’s skin. The larvae migrate through the tissue and into the bloodstream of the dog, where they continue developing. By the time clinical signs of heartworm appear, the disease can already be in its advanced stages.

Heartworms spend their adult lives in the right side of the heart and the large vessels that connect the heart to the lungs. The adult worms block the heart and major blood vessels leading from the heart to the lungs, liver, and kidneys, and can grow up to 12 inches long.

Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states. All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection before starting a preventative program. Our veterinarians recommend year round preventative care and yearly heartworm testing.