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The Cost of Canine Heartworm Treatment

also see Heartworm Treatment for Dogs 

also see Canine Heartworm Disease

also see Whipworm

also see Dog Illness

also see Heartworm Cats

also see Canine Heartworm

Canine heartworm treatment can be expensive, not just because of the treatment itself but because of the tests and hospital stay that is often necessary.

The following is a list of various diagnostic tools for heartworm infection:

These tests can potentially run into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Heartworm Treatment

Most dogs with heartworm infections can be treated successfully. The goal of treatment is to kill all adult worms, juvenile worms and the larvae. The earlier the disease is treated, the higher the success rate.

There are two types of treatments: a drug administered intravenously and another through shots administered by injections into the lumbar (lower back) muscles. Each requires hospital stays of at least 8 hours and possibly an overnight stay, which can cost more than a thousand dollars. The cost of the medication varies according to the type chosen for use in treatment.

Prevention

Prevention is safer and less costly than treating the disease. Heartworm medicine, such as daily and monthly chewables and tablets, are available as well as monthly topicals, such as Heartgard, and a six-month injectable. These products are extremely effective and will prevent heartworm infection when used properly. Some of these products also prevent intestinal dog parasites, which can infect the dog's owner, with an estimated 3 to 6 million people infected each year.

also see Choosing a Treatment for Mange in Dogs

also see How Vets Diagnose Canine Heartworm Disease

also see Scheduling Seasonal Canine Heartworm Examinations

also see Allergy Problems in Dogs