Heartworms are a roundworm that lives in the lung arteries and heart of domesticated animals such as dogs and cats and also species of wild mammals such as wolves, ferrets, foxes, sea lions and coyotes. The heartworms grow to block major arteries and can get into the lungs. The result can be heart and lung failure. This serious disease requires several trips to the vet and two months of limited activity for the infected animal.
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Initial Diagnosis
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The heartworm test requires a blood sample that most veterinarians evaluate on-site in about 20 minutes. Some send the samples to an outside lab which takes longer and increases the cost of the test. X-rays or ultrasounds may be used to find heartworms, but this expensive method of $100-$140 is not necessary unless the animal is known to be infected. The cost of the initial heartworm blood test ranges from $20 to $40 in 2009.
Physical Examination
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Once a dog is diagnosed with heartworms, the vet needs to perform a physical exam including x-rays to make sure the dog is ready to start treatment. The physical exam and x-rays costs $150 to $200, again depending on the veterinary offices. This step allows the veterinarian to know whether there are other problems with the dog's health.
Treatment
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First the vet will administer a drug called Immiticide into the dog's back muscles. The effects of this drug are painful to the dog and may require a pain reliever. The dog will then have to return to the vet the next day for another shot of Immiticide or return a month later for two shots given one day apart. The cost of these treatments ranges from $300 to $600 including the veterinary fees and drug fees.
Total Cost
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With the initial cost of the heartworm test, the physical exam before treatment, and the treatment itself, you could spend between $470 to $840 on the complete treatment. The vet may want a follow-up exam with a blood test and x-rays to ensure that the heartworms are out of the dog's system. After heartworms are gone, you must continue with the preventative treatment for the remainder of the dog's life.
Prevention
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Prevention of heartworms is a more cost effective and safe solution. Because heartworms are found in every state, a year-round treatment is the best way to keep your dog healthy. Medications like Heartguard, Iverhart, Interceptor and Sentinel, a flea and heartworm combo, are given orally once per month to prevent heartworms from entering a dog's system. These cost from $40 to $80 for a 12-dose package.
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