6701 Johnston St
Lafayette, LA 70503
Our services
Fast, accurate heartworm testing and supportive treatment protect your dog or cat from this serious but preventable parasitic disease.
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Welcome to Carson Animal Hospital, where your pet's health is our top priority. Our experienced veterinary team offers comprehensive heartworm testing and treatment for dogs and cats in Lafayette.
Heartworm testing is an essential part of preventative veterinary care. Heartworm disease is caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites, and it can be life-threatening if left untreated. Early detection through regular testing is the best way to protect your pet from this dangerous condition.
During a heartworm test, our veterinary professionals use a small blood sample to check for the presence of heartworm proteins. This quick and accurate process helps us identify infections before symptoms develop, allowing for timely treatment and a better outcome for your pet. Heartworm testing is especially important in Lafayette, where mosquito populations make heartworm exposure a year-round risk.
If your dog tests positive, our veterinarians confirm the diagnosis and evaluate how the infection is affecting the heart and lungs, often with bloodwork and chest radiographs. We follow the American Heartworm Society's treatment protocols, which typically include medications to prepare your dog, a series of injections to eliminate adult heartworms, and a period of strict rest while your dog heals. We then retest to confirm that treatment was successful.
There is no approved medication to eliminate heartworms in cats, so care for cats focuses on managing symptoms, supporting comfort, and close monitoring. For both dogs and cats, year-round prevention remains the best protection.
By prioritizing heartworm testing and prevention, you help ensure your pet stays healthy, comfortable, and free from preventable disease. Our team at Carson Animal Hospital is here to answer your questions and provide the guidance you need to keep your companion safe.
When you bring your pet to Carson Animal Hospital for heartworm care in Lafayette, you can expect a smooth, supportive experience from start to finish.
Our veterinary team will begin with a thorough review of your pet's medical history and a gentle physical exam. This helps us understand your pet's overall health and identify any signs that could indicate heartworm disease or other concerns.
We collect a small blood sample, usually from your pet's leg or neck. Our team uses gentle handling and positive reinforcement to minimize stress, making the process quick and comfortable for your pet.
At Carson Animal Hospital, we use in-house diagnostic equipment to run heartworm tests efficiently. Most results are available within minutes, so you won't have to wait long for answers about your pet's health.
If the test is negative, we discuss heartworm prevention options tailored to your pet's needs and lifestyle. If the test is positive, our veterinarians will review treatment recommendations and next steps with you, providing compassionate support every step of the way.
If treatment is recommended, we guide you through each stage, including medication schedules, activity restrictions at home, and follow-up testing, so your pet can recover as safely and comfortably as possible.
Heartworm disease can cause severe damage to your pet's heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Early detection and proper treatment are the best ways to prevent complications and protect your pet's long-term health. Our team is dedicated to helping pets in Lafayette and surrounding communities stay healthy year-round.
Testing allows us to catch heartworm infections before symptoms appear. Early intervention means less invasive treatments and a higher chance of a full recovery for your pet.
If heartworms are found, following an established treatment protocol gives your dog the best chance to recover and return to an active life, while supportive care helps cats stay comfortable.
Giving heartworm prevention to an undiagnosed, infected pet can be dangerous. Testing first ensures your pet is safe to start or continue heartworm prevention medication.
Some pets show no symptoms in the early stages of heartworm disease. However, watch for these warning signs and contact Carson Animal Hospital if you notice any of the following:
If your pet displays any of these signs, prompt heartworm testing is essential. Our veterinary team is here to help; call us to schedule an exam if you have concerns.
We recommend annual heartworm testing for all dogs in Lafayette, even if they are on year-round prevention. For puppies, we start testing at their yearly wellness exams. Cats can also benefit from heartworm testing, especially if they spend time outdoors.
More frequent testing may be needed if prevention doses are missed, if your pet has a change in health status, or during and after heartworm treatment. Our veterinarians will help you determine the ideal testing schedule based on your pet's lifestyle and risk factors. Regular heartworm testing is a simple way to give your pet the best chance at a long, healthy life.
Carson Animal Hospital is proud to offer compassionate care for every pet. Here’s what sets our heartworm testing and treatment services apart:
Heartworm testing is crucial because mosquitoes in Lafayette can transmit heartworm disease year-round. Early detection allows our team at Carson Animal Hospital to provide timely treatment and protect your pet’s health. Schedule regular testing to keep your pet safe.
Heartworm testing at Carson Animal Hospital is affordable and results are usually available within minutes, thanks to our in-house laboratory. For specific pricing, please call us at (337) 981-7998 and our staff will be happy to help.
No special preparation is needed for heartworm testing. After the test, our veterinarians will review the results and discuss next steps or prevention options. If you have questions, our team is here to support you and your pet’s needs.
In dogs, treatment follows an established protocol that typically includes preparatory medications, a series of injections to eliminate adult heartworms, and a period of strict rest, followed by retesting. There is no approved medication to eliminate heartworms in cats, so care focuses on managing symptoms and monitoring. Call (337) 981-7998 to discuss your pet's options.
To schedule heartworm testing, call Carson Animal Hospital at (337) 981-7998 or visit 6701 Johnston St, Lafayette, LA 70503. We’re open Monday–Friday 7:30 AM–5 PM and Saturday 7:30 AM–12 Noon.
Protect your pet from heartworm disease with expert heartworm testing and treatment at Carson Animal Hospital. Our convenient Lafayette location is across from the BMW dealership, making visits simple and stress-free. Call us at (337) 981-7998 or visit us at 6701 Johnston St, Lafayette, LA 70503 to book your pet’s appointment or discuss treatment options. We’re open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 7:30 AM to noon. Our team is committed to keeping pets in Lafayette and surrounding communities healthy for years to come.
Have a question about a procedure for your pet? We're happy to walk through it.
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