My dog tested negative for heartworms, then positive. Why the change?

Question

Hi, I adopted Edie a few days ago from a rescue. They got her from a small shelter down in south Texas. The shelter tested her for heartworms on 12/27/19 and she was negative. I took her to the vet today and she tested positive. The vet said the test from the shelter must have been a false negative. Is that something that happens often? And should I get a third test done to break the tie? Thank you in advance for your help. Pet's info: Dog | Australian Cattle Dog | Female | spayed | 40 lbs

Sabina Snyder, Specialty Surgery Technician · Accepted Answer

hello and thank you for your question. It is possible but very unlikly that the shelter test was a "false negative". Heartworms can take up to 6 months to mature. It is hte mature worms that breed, have babies, which spread to the bloodstream and cause an immune reponse. It is this immune response (antibodies in the bloodstream) that make a test show up positive. So your dog was already infected but not shoing a positive result yet. There was not really a mistake by the shelter, just timing. Definitely contact the shelter with the results and they may help with treatment costs. I hope your new pup feels better soon! If you have further questions please feel free to contact me for a one on one consultaion. My fees are reduced right now due to COVID-19 and I am happy to help with any concerns!

My dog tested negative for heartworms, then positive. Why the change?

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