Through the end of the month, the Humane Society of Utah is offering heartworm tests for dogs at a special price of only $16 per dog instead of the regular $21 fee at the society's clinic.
The HSU clinic, 4242 S. 300 West, is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays for this service and no appointment is necessary.
Heartworm is one of the most deadly parasites that can infect dogs, and, if left untreated, leads to extreme suffering and eventual death of the host animal. Until recently the disease was almost unheard of in Utah, but over the past few years, transmitted by mosquito bites, it has rapidly spread to nearly every part of the state.
It is occurring with increasing frequency in this area, according to the Humane Society's veterinarians. "We had a dog come in who tested positive for the parasite, and he had never been out of the state," says clinic director Pauline Edwards.
"Because of all the animals who were brought here after Hurricane Katrina from the Gulf Coast — where heartworm is a huge problem — we're going to be seeing it more and more often here.
"Now is the time to start getting dogs tested and put on medication. As the weather warms up, mosquitoes are becoming active, and they are the vectors that carry the disease to dogs."
Heartworm disease is difficult and expensive to cure, but it is extremely easy to prevent. Once the animal is tested to be sure it does not already harbor the parasite, a good-tasting chew tablet is administered once a month throughout the mosquito season.
The preventive medication is also available at the Humane Society for the regular price, which is $14 to $31 for a six-month supply, depending on the dog's weight. This fee will be discounted by $2 if a full year's supply is purchased.
For more information, call the HSU clinic at 261-2919, ex. 230.