Heartworm Test

by Pawlicy Advisor
Dictionary
>
Veterinary Terms
>
Heartworm Test

What is a heartworm test?

There are two main tests a veterinarian can perform to detect heartworm infection:

  • An antigen test that can detect antigens, specific heartworm proteins released into the animal’s bloodstream by adult female heartworms. The earliest that these proteins can be detected is approximately five months after the pet is bitten by an infected mosquito.
  • Another test detects microfilariae in a pet’s bloodstream which indicates that the animal is infected with adult heartworms. The earliest that microfilariae can be detected is about six months after the dog is bitten by an infected mosquito.

How does heartworm testing work?

Heartworm prevention is something you should definitely take into consideration when it comes to your pet’s health, and getting a pet insurance policy that provides some coverage is a great way to make sure your four-legged companion is protected.

Heartworm preventatives and diagnostic tests are included in most wellness plans offered by pet insurance companies. Pet parents can either buy a wellness plan separately or add one to their policy coverage, depending on the provider.

Average cost for heartworm test

A heartworm test may range from $35 to $75, but heartworm in cats is typically more expensive because the available test methods are more complex than heartworm tests for dogs

If your pet is infected with the disease, the total vet cost could range from $400 to $1,000 for the diagnostic tests, imaging (such as heart ultrasound and chest x-rays), injections, and hospitalization. In severe cases, in which the parasites require surgical extraction, the cost might reach $4,000.

Because heartworm disease can be so expensive and potentially fatal for the animal, many pet parents opt for policies that cover heartworm testing and treatment.

Continue Reading

Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a type of medicine that focuses on caring for one’s overall well-being using specially prepared natural substances, such as herbs and minerals, to trigger a healing response.
Read More.
Hospitalization
Hospitalization is the act of admitting your pet into an animal hospital to be for emergency treatment and continued monitoring.
Read More.
Hydrotherapy
In veterinary practice, hydrotherapy is a form of alternative therapy that incorporates the use of water to heal and strengthen an animal’s weakened body due to injury or illness.
Read More.

See related articles

Ringworm is among the most common infectious skin diseases in cats. Find out more about the symptoms of ringworm in cats, how the disease is treated, and how you can prevent it.

8 minute read

Ringworm in Cats: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Benadryl is a safe and effective drug for dogs, but be cautious. Check in with your vet first, especially if there are other health conditions present.

5 minute read

Benadryl for Dogs: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

Want to learn more about Lyme disease in dogs, understand the symptoms, and find out how to cut the costs? Surgery Technician Aliyah explains everything you need to know.

8 minute read

Lyme Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & How to Cut The Costs

Learn the basic cost of a vet visit, how breeds can influence vet costs, what to expect, and how to save veterinary bills.

14 minute read

How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost? Here's Everything You Need To Know

Wondering if pet insurance is worth it for your dog or cat? We cover EVERYTHING pet parents should consider when making the decision to enroll in coverage.

16 minute read

Is Pet Insurance Worth It? Here's A Vet's Perspective

A family with pets that are insured by Pawlicy Advisor
Pawlicy Advisor is the leading independent marketplace for finding the best coverage for your pet at the lowest rate.
Join 2,438,795+ insured dogs and cats across the US.
Get a Quote
Our pet insurance partners
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Logo
Pets Best Pet Insurance Logo
Embrace Pet Insurance Logo
Pumpkin Pet Insurance Logo
MetLife Pet Insurance Logo
Prudent Pet Insurance Logo