4Dx Testing & Heartworm Prevention
What is 4Dx testing?
4Dx testing is used to identify whether your pet is carrying heartworms, or has been infected with a tick borne disease. The goal of annual testing is to be able to detect any issues early on before your pet becomes symptomatic, and begin treatment right away if needed.
What is heartworm disease?
Heartworm is spread through a bite from a mosquito that is carrying heartworm, which is then passed on to your pet. The worms mature into adults, mate, and produce offspring while living inside the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of an infected animal. It is a serious disease that can results in lung disease, heart failure, other organ damage, and death if left untreated.
Why is 4Dx testing important?
It is highly recommended to start with testing before administering heartworm prevention to identify whether your pet is safe to receive prevention , or whether they require heartworm treatment. For animals who have high numbers of heartworm larvae in their bloodstreams, taking preventative medications can be dangerous as killing off large numbers of larvae can cause allergic reactions in pets.
What prevention is available?
There are a variety of preventative products available and most are given monthly, either as a topical liquid applied on the skin or as an oral tablet. Both chewable and non-chewable oral tablets are available. Some heartworm preventives contain other ingredients that are effective against certain intestinal worms (such as roundworms and hookworms) and other parasites (such as fleas, ticks, and ear mites).