Heartworm disease, spread by mosquitoes, damages the heart and lungs and can cause serious, lasting illness in dogs. Year-round prevention and annual testing are the safest and most effective ways to protect your pet.

Discovering Heartworm Disease in Dog's

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Veterinary Emergency Clinic

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Our goal is to provide high-quality, compassionate care and comfort to both our patients and their families. Our work is our passion, and we strive to continually educate our doctors and staff to ensure commitment to excellence.

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Cats & Small Dogs: $450 - $500<br>
Medium/Large Dogs: $550 - $600<br>
(prices vary based on medications needed for different sized patients)
<br><br>
Fees includes: DVM examination,, 12-hour block of care in our hospital, fluid management (fluids supplied by the referring veterinarian), pain management, antibiotics (up to 4 injections) or oral medications as prescribed by the referring veterinarian (if indicated), and I-stat w/PCV/TS (as indicated).

Treatments &amp; monitoring included in this package:

<ul>
  <li>Patient must be stable with no major electrolyte or blood glucose derangements</li>
  <li>Minimal blood work (including electrolytes as a bare minimum) checked by referring DVM within 8–12 hours of presentation</li>
  <li>IV catheter placement and treatments should be initiated at the referring clinic prior to transfer</li>
<li>IV fluids should be supplied by the referring veterinarian</li>
</ul>

Add-ons to basic overnight care fees can be added and an estimate will be provided to the client if indicated.

Package for Overnight Post-Operative Care

We launched NPVEC Overnight Monitoring specifically with the needs of the veterinary community and pet owners in mind. Referring veterinary feedback helped us tailor the program to better serve you, your patients, and your clients.

<ul>
  <li>Fluids and additives as started by the referring DVM</li>
  <li>Medication administration at the same doses and routes of administration as prescribed by referring DVM</li>
  <li>PCV/TS 1 to 2 times during a 12 hour period</li>
<li>Monitoring/Observation</li>
<li>Rewarming &amp; TLC</li>
</ul>

<ul>
  <li>Patient requires additional blood work outside of PCV/TS</li>
  <li>Patient requires additional diagnostics such as ECG, radiographs, or ultrasound</li>
  <li>Medical condition of patient becomes less stable</li>
<li>Need for oxygen, vasopressor or excessive nursing care</li>
</ul>

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<span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Boarding, bathing, and daycare reservations can be made online via our webpage or by downloading the Blue Springs Pet Resort app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store.</span><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Please note that our reservation system requires payment by credit card and we cannot accept other forms of payment for Pet Resort services.&nbsp;</span><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Select your preference below and set up your account to get connected with us. ***Please create only one account per family.***</span><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">We look forward to seeing your pet soon!</span><span style="color: rgba(31, 31, 32, 0.9); font-family: &quot;Open Sans&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></span></div>

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<span style="color: rgb(81, 82, 83); font-family: Figtree, sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Our animal clinic serves the veterinary needs of Winter Springs, Casselberry, Oviedo, Longwood, Orlando, and other Central Florida communities</span>

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<p dir="auto">Heartworm. It's more than just a buzzword you hear at your vet's office; it's a condition that could impact your dog's health and happiness for the rest of their lives. Every dog, from the tiniest Chihuahua to the towering Great Dane, is at risk of heartworm disease. Geography plays a role, with areas having high mosquito populations seeing more cases. However, no state in the U.S. is heartworm-free.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Let's explore what heartworm disease is, how it's transmitted, its symptoms, prognosis, and, most importantly, prevention and treatment., As a veterinarian, I've witnessed firsthand the impact of heartworm disease on our canine friends and the distress it causes to pet owners. This blog aims to shed light on heartworm disease, from its transmission to prevention and treatment options, empowering you with the knowledge to protect your pets.</p><h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>The How of Heartworm</strong></h2><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. The unsung villain in the spread of heartworm is none other than the mosquito. The disease is transmitted when a mosquito bites an infected animal and then bites your dog, transferring the heartworm larvae into your dog’s bloodstream. This means that any dog, regardless of age, breed, or living conditions, can get heartworm disease if an infected mosquito bites them. Yes, even indoor dogs are at risk!</p><p dir="auto">When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up heartworm larvae. These larvae mature into the infectious stage larvae within the mosquito. When this mosquito bites your dog, it transfers the larvae into your pet's bloodstream. These worms take up residence in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of affected pets, causing severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to other organs. The disease is as scary as it sounds, but understanding it is the first step towards protection.</p><h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>Thy Symptoms</strong></h2><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Heartworm disease is a master of disguise. In its early stages, your dog might show no symptoms at all. As the disease progresses, signs can range from a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, and fatigue after moderate activity to more severe symptoms like a swollen belly due to excess fluid. Weight loss, difficulty breathing, and pale gums are also red flags.</p><h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>Preventing Heartworm Disease</strong></h2><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">The real deal in managing heartworm disease is prevention. Prevention is undoubtedly better than a cure, especially when it comes to heartworm disease. Preventive medications are highly effective when administered properly and on a strict schedule. These medications are available in various forms, including monthly chewable tablets, topical solutions, and injectable products administered by a veterinarian.</p><p dir="auto">All dogs, regardless of their lifestyle or location, should be on heartworm prevention and should be tested annually because no preventive method is 100% foolproof. The test confirms the effectiveness of the preventive regimen. The lifecycle of heartworms means they can take several months to mature and be detected, and annual testing helps catch infections acquired since the last test.</p><h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>Year-round Protection</strong></h3><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Remember, it only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to put your dog at risk. Monthly heartworm preventatives are the best way to protect your dog. These medications are safe and effective, and come in various forms, including pills, topicals, and injections.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">I recommend year-round heartworm prevention, even in areas where mosquitoes are seasonal. Mosquitoes can survive indoors during winter, and brief periods of warm weather can activate them. By maintaining year-round prevention, you guarantee continuous protection against heartworm disease and other parasitic infections that these preventatives often cover.</p><h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>Treatment for Heartworm Disease</strong></h2><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">If your dog is diagnosed with heartworm disease, treatment options are available, but can be complex and costly. The goal of treatment is to kill all adult and immature worms while minimizing the side effects of the treatment. The American Heartworm Society currently recommends a protocol involving several steps:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Stabilization: </strong>If the disease has caused significant health issues, we first stabilize your dog with appropriate therapy.</p></li><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Adulticide Therapy:</strong> This involves the administration of a drug called melarsomine dihydrochloride, which kills adult heartworms. It requires multiple injections and strict confinement to reduce exercise-induced complications.</p></li><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Microfilaricide Treatment: </strong>After adult worms are treated, we then address the microfilariae (baby worms) with a different medication.</p></li><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Follow-up Testing:</strong> Several months post-treatment, we conduct tests to ensure all heartworms have been eliminated.</p></li></ul><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">If detected early, the prognosis for heartworm disease can be very good, though treatment is not without its risks. The process to eliminate adult worms can be tough on your dog, and strict rest is required to prevent complications. Prevention is far safer, less expensive, and easier, which is why veterinarians advocate for regular use of preventive medications.</p><h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>Keeping Our Dogs Healthy</strong></h2><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">While heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition, it's also preventable and manageable with early detection. My message to all dog owners is simple: keep up with regular vet visits, maintain your dog on a heartworm preventative year-round, and be as committed to your dog's health as they are to making you happy. Together, we can keep heartworm at bay and help our furry friends live long, healthy lives.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to heartworm disease. Don't wait until it's too late; talk to your vet about starting a heartworm prevention regimen today. Your four-legged friend will thank you!</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">If you have questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly. Don't forget to follow us on social media, Facebook, and Instagram.<br><br></p>

Heartworm disease, caused by parasitic worms, affects dogs of all breeds and ages. Transmitted by mosquitoes, it can lead to severe health issues like heart failure and lung disease. Prevention is key, with monthly medications that are highly effective when used properly. Treatment is possible but complex and costly. Regular vet visits, year-round prevention, and annual testing are essential to keeping your dog safe from this potentially fatal disease.

Discovering Heartworm Disease in Dogs

At Veterinary Emergency Clinic, we are just as passionate about our team as we are about pets.

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Our goal is to provide high-quality, compassionate care and comfort to both our patients and their families. We look forward to going above and beyond to care for your pet in their time of need.

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Proudly serving local families for over 30 years with trusted, compassionate veterinary care.

Caring for Pets Since 1992

We meet rigorous AAHA standards to deliver advanced medicine and exceptional patient safety.

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We collaborate closely with your primary veterinarian to support seamless, coordinated care.

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<p>Here at <strong>Veterinary Emergency Clinic</strong>, we accept many different payment options, including all major credit cards (person paying needs to be there), Scratchpay,and  CareCredit (NO CHECKS or third-party payment)</p>

Learn more about the payment options we accept below.



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Discovering Heartworm Disease in Dogs

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