After having one of our outside dogs that had heartworms, I think the screening is necessary. I think heartworm meds are essential. Heartworms are terrible. It is terrible to see your dog have to suffer through the treatment. We actually had got the dog from someone else who apparently never had him on meds. He did live a long time after we got him treated. But it was a very rough few months for him during the treatment time. My girls are rarely outside at all. However, I do have them on meds and I do get the tests done. IMHO, I think both are necessary. My vet didn't charge that much for the test. I don't know what they are trying to charge you but I don't think it was that expensive here. |