Quote:
Originally Posted by MING  I give my Lola her heartworm medicine every month. Every year at this time my vet sends me a card to come in for her heartworm test. The test up here around Chicago costs almost $50. I have always taken her for the test but this time I'm questioning it a little. I was told that the heartworm medicine doesn't prevent heartworm. Up here in the mid west I don't think heartworm is a epidemic almost non existent in il. I was wondering does everyone else go for the yearly test even though you are giving the medicine? |
When you state, "heartworm medicine doesn't prevent heartworm", you are somewhat correct, however, the preventatives do the following:
"These medications interrupt heartworm development before adult worms reach the lungs and cause disease."
The preventatives cannot kill off adult heartworms, only microfilariae. Immiticide treatment kills off adult heartworms. You do NOT want to go through that. You are always better off giving preventatives.
For information regarding the number of reported cases of heartworm in your area, see:
American Heartworm Society | What Is Heartworm Disease?