Yes, PetSmart Vet Services offers heartworm testing for pets as part of their comprehensive laboratory services.
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of affected pets. Early detection through testing is crucial for effective treatment and preventing severe health complications.
Understanding Heartworm Testing at PetSmart Vet Services
PetSmart Vet Services provides a range of specialized tests designed to address specific health concerns your pet may have. Among these vital services is heartworm testing. This allows veterinarians to accurately diagnose the presence of heartworms, even in the early stages of infection, before clinical signs become apparent.
In addition to heartworm disease, PetSmart Vet Services also offers specialized testing for other significant health issues, such as:
- Tick-borne diseases: Identifying infections transmitted by ticks, which can cause a variety of symptoms.
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): A common viral infection in cats that can suppress the immune system.
These specialized tests are an important part of proactive veterinary care, helping to ensure your pet's long-term health and well-being.
Why is Heartworm Testing Important?
Regular heartworm testing is a cornerstone of preventive veterinary care, even if your pet is on year-round heartworm prevention. Here's why it's so important:
- Early Detection: Catching heartworm disease early significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and minimizes potential damage to your pet's organs.
- Confirm Prevention Effectiveness: While highly effective, no preventative is 100% foolproof. A yearly test confirms that the preventative medication is working as intended.
- Before Starting Prevention: It is critical to test your pet for heartworms before starting any preventative medication. Giving heartworm prevention to an already infected pet can cause severe, sometimes fatal, reactions.
- Symptom Awareness: Many pets show no symptoms in the early stages of heartworm disease. Testing is the only way to know if they are infected. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include:
- Mild persistent cough
- Reluctance to exercise
- Fatigue after moderate activity
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
The Heartworm Testing Process
A heartworm test is a simple blood test that can be performed during a routine vet visit. A small blood sample is collected from your pet and then analyzed to detect the presence of heartworm antigens (proteins released by adult female heartworms) or microfilariae (heartworm larvae). The results are typically available quickly.
Key Takeaways on PetSmart Vet Services:
| Service Type | Examples of Tests Offered | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Routine Bloodwork | Complete Blood Count (CBC), Chemistry Panels | Overall health assessment, organ function |
| Specialized Tests | Heartworm, Tick-borne diseases, Feline Leukemia Virus | Targeted detection of specific, serious diseases |
To learn more about the laboratory services and specialized testing available for your pet, you can visit the PetSmart Vet Services website: PetSmart Vet Services Laboratory Services
Regular veterinary check-ups that include heartworm testing are vital for protecting your beloved companion from this preventable yet serious disease.
