2200 West Oakland Park Blvd.

Oakland Park, FL 33311 US

2200 West Oakland Park Blvd.

Oakland Park, FL 33311 US

(954) 731-4228

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Heartworm Treatment

Your Source for Heartworm Treatment in Fort Lauderdale and Oakland Park

Pets are vulnerable to a wide range of parasites in the course of their lives -- but heartworm is no ordinary parasitic infestation, and it can shorten the course of your pet's life significantly. While prevention is always the best strategy for dealing with these potentially deadly worms, dogs (but not cats) can be successfully treated for heartworm. Our veterinarian at Oakland Park Animal Hospital, Dr. Ratnoff, can evaluate your pet's condition, administer preventative medications to get rid of immature worms and then proceed with treatment to kill the adult worms as well.

dog in oakland park

The Heartbreak of Heartworm

Heartworm passes from host to host through a somewhat complicated cycle. An infected animal carries immature worms called microfilaria in the bloodstream. These microfilaria are transferred to mosquitos that drink the blood. When the mosquito bites another animal, the tiny worms are injected into the body. Heartworms grow slowly over a period of years, reaching a foot in length inside the host animal's heart, lungs and blood vessels. The resulting cardiorespiratory and circulatory damage can eventually cause death.

Heartworm manifests itself differently in different species. Dogs may experience a slow decline into listlessness, breathing problems and other symptoms. Cats may show few significant symptoms for a long time and then suddenly go into fatal respiratory failure.

Treatment Options at Oakland Park Animal Hospital

Unfortunately, heartworm in cats currently cannot be treated without unacceptable risks. That's because when heartworms exit a cat's body, a fatal toxic reaction may result. But heartworms only live for a couple of years in cats, so our vet can treat respiratory problems and other complications during that time in the hopes that the worms will die off. The current impossibility of removing heartworm infestations in cats safely makes it that much more critical to begin preventative medications as earlin life as possible.

Dogs have more options where heartworm treatment is concerned, although the process can still prove lengthy and complex. Since only adult heartworms will be affected by the treatment, our veterinarian must first administer a course of preventative medications to kill off all the immature heartworms in the body. At the same time, we will try to stabilize your pet's baseline health. You may need to restrict your pet's activity during this period, since exercise can accelerate the damage produced by the infestation.

The actual heartworm treatment consists of several injections of a drug called Immiticide. The cycle of injections takes 60 days to complete. Our vet will then run tests to make sure the heartworm infestation is completely eliminated. You'll want to get your pet on preventative medications as soon afterward as possible to keep this problem from returning.

Talk to Our Fort Lauderdale and Oakland Park Veterinarian About Your Pet's Heartworm

Don't let heartworm take your beloved pet away from you. Contact Oakland Park Animal Hospital at (954) 731-4228 to learn more about this condition and discuss treatment options with our veterinarian!

New patients receive $25 OFF First Exam.

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-8:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

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  • "AWESOME, Dr. Spencer Ratnoff is the best he treated my cat for a fractured top k9 tooth, when He finished with him, he looked like he was born without a k9 tooth. He did that surgery so well it’s refreshing a Dr that actually cares, his team is wonderful and very attentive, I left a message and not even 10 minutes later, I got a call back. My family is forever grateful .thank you for everything."
    Maryem K.
  • "I initially had a bad experience due to the Doctor that was in on that day. I returned for a checkup for my girl 'Cali' 'Cat' and the energy Dr. Ratnoff had was much better with my girl as she can be very temperamental. I was very pleased during this visit as Dr. Ratnoff had more patience and better vibe as our pets sense negative energy. Its a shame my first experience was not pleasant but I will be back and only ensure Dr. Ratnoff with my girl. Thankyou Doc!"
    Jeff G.
  • "Probably the best Vet experience I’ve had! They listened and took great care of my dog. I felt like I understood everything that was being done, and was given an estimate beforehand."
    Joana A.
  • "Very professional, friendly and nice clean environment. I highly recommend coming here for all your pet needs!"
    CorJames S.
  • "Dr. Ratnoff has always gone above and beyond for the care of our family's pets for several years."
    John / Oakland Park, FL

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