My adopted dog had heartworms, but looks healthy. Retest needed?

Question

I just adopted a dog 1.5 yrs old, Adoption house says he has/had heart worms and has to get injection treatment, confirmed this by the pups new vet- at time of adoption 2 months ago, pup did have "singed" like hair, very skinny. Now, he is in perfect condition! Hyper energy, eating great, perfect hair, thickened up, ect. Is it worth getting a new check for Heart worms before the injection? vets in the area seem to be "heart worm happy" quick money. help! Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 35 lbs

Makenzie Kurth, DVM · Accepted Answer

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I’m so glad Carson has a new wonderful owner! You 100% need to run the test. A dog can look completely healthy and have a serious heartworm infestation that is slowly damaging the heart and major vessels. There is a very specific way of testing and treating heatworms that can be adjusted based on if there are microfilaria (baby heart worms in the blood stream) or not which is likely what they will be testing. If it is the other common test we run, you should do it because if it comes up negative, you may not need further treatment! In many cases I feel that extra testing may not be needed or may not change how I treat a problem. But heartworm disease is not one of them. Follow the protocol to the letter as best you can for the highest likelihood of success. Best of luck to you and Carson!

My adopted dog had heartworms, but looks healthy. Retest needed?

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