heartwormsHeartworm Disease is a serious disease that results in severe lung disease, heart failure, other organ damage, and death in dogs. Heartworms are spread through mosquito bites and positive heartworm cases are now found in all 50 states. Heartworm treatment is effective but expensive. It requires patience, time, and dedication. Once treatment is complete, it is important to avoid future recurrences by administering monthly heartworm preventative, which can be purchased from your veterinarian. 

You can learn more about heartworm disease in pets here. 

PCPA partners with Dr. Ryan Cate and his caring staff at Riverstone Veterinary Hospital in Brock, TX to provide the treatment for many of the shelter dogs that test positive for heartworms.

The entire treatment takes from 4-6 months. PCPA pays for all costs for the heartworm treatment at Riverstone. Any other veterinary costs, at Riverstone or at any veterinary clinic, are the responsibility of the owner

What to Expect: 

After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email informing you to contact Riverstone to schedule your new dog’s first appointment. A PCPA volunteer will reach out to answer any questions you may have about the process or your responsibilities.

It is very important that the dog attends ALL appointments. If the adopter is unable to do so, they must contact PCPA and Riverstone to re-schedule. Excellent communication is imperative for the timeliness and cost-effectiveness of our program. 

If the dog does not attend all heartworm treatment appointments and/or does not purchase heartworm prevention, the adopter will repay PCPA $250 to reimburse the heartworm treatment fund.

The staff at Riverstone will explain the protocol for the heartworm treatment and answer any questions you may have. Understanding the exercise restrictions and safeguards for your dog is very important, so please ask any questions you may have. Riverstone will prescribe prescriptions for your dog as well as set up future appointments for you.

Heartworm Treatment Guidelines