ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 6, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In response to the dramatic 80% increase of heartworm positive dogs entering Orange County Animals Services' shelter, the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando Veterinary Clinic is offering a discount "Heartworm Check-up for Dogs" for just $25 at its Orlando location, 2727 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL 32839. The Heartworm Check-up includes a blood test to determine presence of heartworm disease and a limited examination by a veterinarian. These services normally cost $47.50. Heartworm Check-ups are available now through the end of February on a walk-in basis. Walk-in hours for the veterinary clinic hours are from 9 am to 4 pm seven day a week.
Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and can be deadly, if left untreated. "Dogs get heartworms by being bitten by mosquitoes," says Dr. Rebecca Rhoades, Medical Director for the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. "Keeping dogs on heartworm prevention is required year-round to keep them healthy here in Florida." Heartworm prevention, prescribed for dogs who test negative for heartworm disease, is available as a topical solution or an oral medication for about $10 a month.
"Adult Heartworms can be deadly by causing severe damage to a dogs cardiovascular system (heart, veins, arteries, and lungs) resulting in heart failure," Rhoades continued. "If a dog becomes infected and their test shows up positive, we will recommend a heartworm treatment consultation appointment which includes bloodwork to assess organ function and chest radiographs to assess the status of the heart and lungs. Heartworm treatment runs approximately $600 and requires several months to complete. Heartworm disease, however, is completely preventable."
About Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando
Formerly the SPCA of Central Florida, the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando is the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Central Florida. Today, Pet Alliance is laser focused on saving the lives of dogs and cats. As the "go to " experts, the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando provides emergency shelter, affordable veterinary care, "meals on wheels" for dogs and cats, and community education, helping tens of thousands of animals each year across Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties. Funding for Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando programs comes from individual and corporate donors within the communities it serves. More information about Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando is available at www.PetAllianceOrlando.org .