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Heartworm

Heartworm Testing in Dogs

  Lately, we have received many questions concerning a heartworm test that also checks for antibodies to Lyme disease and Ehrlichia, two tick borne diseases. Although this may seem like a good idea, this sort of combination testing can be misleading. The heartworm portion of the test confirms the presence of a protein secreted by the heartworm itself; meaning if no heartworm, then no protein, and without protein, there will be no positive test. The Lyme and Ehrlichia portions of this test, however, only look for antibodies your body has produced. A positive antibody test DOES NOT equal disease. Many of us have antibodies to chicken pox and measles, yet we do not have either of these diseases. The same holds true for our pets. Antibodies may develop from a vaccination or from exposure to the disease itself, but without clinical signs of disease, antibodies themselves DO NOT mean infection. Positive antibody levels should be followed with additional testing to quantify the amount of antibody present and be evaluated with the individual in mind. The clinical signs of Lyme and Ehrlichia include lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, and lameness. If the individual does not exhibit these clinical signs, antibiotics are not necessary, and their inappropriate use may only lead to bacterial resistance.   Instead of a heartworm test with Lyme and Ehrlichia on a clinically normal dog, we recommend evaluation of a pet’s liver and kidney function through a heartworm panel or heartworm profile. A heartworm panel provides baseline information on liver and kidney function as well as glucose and protein levels. It is recommended for those individuals between the ages of four and eight years. A heartworm profile provides more in-depth information including electrolytes and is recommended for all individuals over the age of eight years. With the use of these additional tests, we hope to identify potentially life threatening illnesses early and prevent further damage.  
 

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