Heartworm Disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect dogs and cats.
Heartworms reside within the large vessels of the heart and in the heart itself. This parasite can cause serious and permanent damage to the circulatory system, which can in turn cause congestive heart failure, breathing problems and death. Heartworm disease can be prevented by a simple once monthly dosing of heartworm preventative such as Heartgard. These preventatives however can cause a life-threatening reaction if given to a pet that already has heartworm disease. Due to the possibility of this reaction we recommend that you test your pet before starting preventative, or if you have lapsed on treatment for 2 months or more. We recommend a yearly heartworm test to conform to the standards
of the American Heartworm Society.
By signing this waiver, I am voiding my guarantee from the manufacturers of heartworm preventative because I am not conforming to the recommendations of the American Heartworm Society. I understand that by giving a heartworm preventative without testing I am placing my pet at risk for serious side effects including the risk of anaphylaxis and even death. By signing this waiver I understand the risks involved with giving my pet heartworm prevention without making sure my pet does not have heartworm disease first and I agree not to hold Bethel Community Pet Hospital, LLC or its staff responsible for any side effects brought forth by this medication.
