Coop, a 7-year-old mixed breed dog presented to Stagecoach Pet Hospital for coughing.

Coop was neutered as a puppy. He is up to date on all vaccines. He is not on monthly heartworm prevention but he is on flea prevention.

Physical Exam:

Coop has a normal body temperature as well as heart rate and respiratory rate. His lungs sound normal and he did not cough during his examination with the doctor.

Diagnostic Tests:

A heartworm test was performed and it was POSITIVE.

What are heartworms?

Dogs acquire heartworms from infected mosquitoes. Heartworms live in the right side of the heart and the pulmonary arteries clogging up the circulation and causing inflammation. Heartworms can affect a dog's health and quality of life.

Clinical Signs: coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy

Treatment for Heartworms:

Coop was started on a few medications to help with the cough. Heartworm treatment with immiticide was scheduled.

Coop did great with the treatment and is now heartworm free 6 months later!

Prevention is key! We recommend monthly heartworm prevention year-round.