If my dog tests positive, do I need additional tests?

We will often do some follow-up tests. We'll look for the larval stage of that heartworm, the microfilariae, on a blood drop under the microscope to confirm that the heartworms are there. Sometimes we do a secondary confirmation with a send-out lab to be extra sure. But most times, that initial test is definitive.

Yes. If your dog tests positive, we will usually send out a confirmation on a test at the lab, which is a little different test. So yes, they do.

Yes, if your dog tests positive for heartworm disease, additional tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the disease. These tests may include a complete blood count, urine tests to check for organ damage, chest x-rays to assess the lungs and heart size, and potentially a heart ultrasound.

There is a confirmatory test that can be sent to an outside lab. The in-clinic tests are very accurate and sensitive, usually around 98 to 99 percent accurate. However, if a pet has consistently been on heartworm prevention and tests positive, a confirmatory test will often be sent out to make sure before starting treatment that they are truly positive.

Yes, additional testing may be recommended in case of positive results, as there can be some false positives. To confirm the diagnosis, we usually send an extra sample to the lab.