Heartworm Testing
Annually, the Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center receives thousands of dogs and many are placed by adoption. Prior to adoption, adult dogs (6 months and older) are tested for heartworms. Heartworm is a clinical or subclinical disease complex caused by the filarial worm, Dirofilaria immitis, and transmitted by mosquitoes.
The two (2) tests used at the Center consist of a direct smear and nucleopore filter screen. Both tests check for micro-filariae shed by adult female heartworms. These tests are only about 66% accurate. It is recommended that all adult dogs adopted at the Center be retested by your veterinarian. The preferred test would be an occult test which is rated at approximately 97% accurate. This method tests for antigens produced by adult worms and carried in the blood stream.
Dogs placed on heartworm prevention with heartworm infection could do more harm then good to your dog. (Diethylcarbamazine shock syndrome)
Please talk with your veterinarian as to which prevention is recommended for your dog and if heartworm positive, the extent of infection and treatment.