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At Central Texas Vet, we go beyond standard testing.Dr. Madigan is actively developing advanced serologic testing methods to improve detection accuracy.Your dog’s evaluation may include:<ul><li>Comprehensive physical exam</li><li>Cardiac screening</li><li>Specialized blood testing for T. cruzi</li><li>Advanced diagnostics when needed</li></ul>Early detection allows for better management and improved outcomes.

Dr. Roy Madigan, D.V.M., is not just a veterinarian. He is one of the leading experts in canine Chagas disease in the United States.<ul><li>Founder of Vida Pharmacal, focused on breakthrough parasitic disease treatments</li><li>Filed the first veterinary drug patent for anti-T. cruzi activity in dogs</li><li>Principal scientist for the U.S. military working dog Chagas treatment study</li><li>Veterinary lead for the Texas Chagas Task Force alongside the CDC and UT Health</li><li>Pioneer in developing diagnostic and treatment protocols for infected dogs</li></ul>Your pet is being treated by the same expert helping shape how Chagas disease is understood nationwide.

Dr. Roy Madigan, D.V.M., is not just a veterinarian. He is one of the leading experts in canine Chagas disease in the United States.
 
• Founder of Vida Pharmacal, focused on breakthrough parasitic disease treatments
 • Filed the first veterinary drug patent for anti-T. cruzi activity in dogs
 • Principal scientist for the U.S. military working dog Chagas treatment study
 • Veterinary lead for the Texas Chagas Task Force alongside the CDC and UT Health
 • Pioneer in developing diagnostic and treatment protocols for infected dogs
 
Your pet is being treated by the same expert helping shape how Chagas disease is understood nationwide.

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by “kissing bugs” commonly found in Texas.Once infected, dogs may appear normal while the parasite attacks the heart and other organs.Without intervention, Chagas can lead to:<ul><li>Heart disease</li><li>Arrhythmias</li><li>Sudden death</li></ul>

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Early Detection. Advanced Treatment. Led by One of the Nation’s Top Experts.

Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Chagas disease progresses in stages. The earlier it is identified:<ul><li>The more treatment options are available</li><li>The better heart damage can be managed</li><li>The higher the chance of improving quality of life</li></ul>Waiting can mean irreversible cardiac damage.

If your dog may have been exposed to kissing bugs, do not wait. Chagas disease can silently damage the heart before symptoms appear. Early diagnosis can make the difference.

Chagas disease is often silent early on, but warning signs may include:<ul><li>Lethargy or decreased activity</li><li>Fainting or collapse</li><li>Irregular heartbeat</li><li>Difficulty breathing</li><li>Unexplained weight loss</li></ul>If your dog spends time outdoors, lives in Central Texas, or has been exposed to insects, they may be at risk even without symptoms.

If your dog may be at risk, schedule an evaluation today and get answers from one of the leading experts in the field.

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At The Animal Hospital of Smithson Valley, we go beyond standard testing.Dr. Madigan is actively developing advanced serologic testing methods to improve detection accuracy.Your dog’s evaluation may include:<ul><li>Comprehensive physical exam</li><li>Cardiac screening</li><li>Specialized blood testing for T. cruzi</li><li>Advanced diagnostics when needed</li></ul>Early detection allows for better management and improved outcomes.

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by “kissing bugs” commonly found in Texas.Once infected, dogs may appear normal while the parasite attacks the heart and other organs.Without intervention, Chagas can lead to:<ul><li>Sudden death</li><li>Heart disease</li><li>Arrhythmias</li></ul>

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Lakeside Veterinary Hospital

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BluePearl Pet Hospital Nashville, TN

Clarksville Veterinary Specialist

Lakeside Veterinary: <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="tel:618-529-2236">618-529-2236</a>2001 Sweets Drive, Carbondale, IL 62902Due to staffing shortages, hours are subject to change daily.&nbsp;Please call ahead before proceeding to any emergency hospital.&nbsp;

All Pet Emergency Center

Blue Pearl Louisville <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="tel:502-244-3036">502-244-3036</a>13160 Magisterial Dr, Louisville, KY 40223Due to staffing shortages, hours are subject to change daily.&nbsp;Please call ahead before proceeding to any emergency hospital.&nbsp;

Nashville Veterinary Specialist - Clarksville <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="tel:931-551-2121">931-551-2121</a>685 Kennedy Lane, Clarksville, TN 37040Due to staffing shortages, hours are subject to change daily.&nbsp;Please call ahead before proceeding to any emergency hospital.&nbsp;

Metropolitan Veterinary Specialist, Louisville, <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="tel:502-266-7007">502-266-7007</a>11800 Capital Way, Louisville, KY 40299Due to staffing shortages, hours are subject to change daily.&nbsp;Please call ahead before proceeding to any emergency hospital.&nbsp;

Metropolitan Veterinary Specialist

Nashville Veterinary Specialist

Nashville Veterinary Specialist: <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="tel:615-386-0107">615-386-0107</a>2971 Sidco Dr, Nashville, TN 37204Due to staffing shortages, hours are subject to change daily.&nbsp;Please call ahead before proceeding to any emergency hospital.&nbsp;

VCA All Pet Emergency Center: <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="tel:812-422-3300">812-422-3300</a>104 S Heidelbach Ave, Evansville, IN 47713Due to staffing shortages, hours are subject to change daily.&nbsp;Please call ahead before proceeding to any emergency hospital.&nbsp;

BluePearl Pet Hospital Louisville, KY

Blue Pearl Pet Hospital Nashville <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="tel:615-383-2600">615-383-2600</a>2000 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204Due to staffing shortages, hours are subject to change daily.&nbsp;Please call ahead before proceeding to any emergency hospital.&nbsp;

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<h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.3em">Why is fecal parasite testing important?</h2>Yes, we live in the north and have very cold and snowy winters. Intuitively, one would think that this would help kill many parasites. Believe it or not, we do see lots of pets with intestinal parasites in Massachusetts. Even pets that spend all or much of their time indoors or in a fenced yard are not immune. Pretty much every day, we see fecal test reports come back from the lab with positive results. We commonly see roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, Giardia, and coccidia in our patients. These parasites are all extremely treatable, but many are contagious to people (especially kids) and can make pets pretty sick until they are discovered and treated.<h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.3em">How on earth could these parasites be getting into our pets?</h2>Well, we do have plenty of wildlife around, even in urban areas. Infected wildlife or pets that poop outside can contaminate soil, ponds or puddles with worm eggs, larvae or protozoa cysts. Pets that simply walk around outside can pick up infectious forms of the organisms on their feet. As soon as they lick their feet, they can become infected. Drinking water from contaminated sources is another way that pets commonly get infected. Ingestion of infected wildlife (like rodents) is another source. But what about my indoor cat? If your cat is a great hunter, you may not have even known that a mouse got into your house. Cockroaches and flies are other known sources since they may eat animal feces and come into the house. Cats love chasing bugs. Fleas are small enough to fit through screens and spread tapeworms to your cat when eaten during normal grooming. Even house plants can be a source of infection. It has been found that 5-10 % of all potting soil contains roundworm eggs.<h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.3em">Won’t I know if my pet has parasites?</h2>Depending on the type of parasite and number of worms, your cat or dog may be pretty sick with diarrhea or vomiting, prompting suspicion and fecal parasite testing. Some pets may have pooped or vomited evidence of the worms. Other parasites show minimal symptoms. Perhaps an occasional soft stool is chalked up to eating something from the table. Maybe there has been an unexplained mild weight loss. Every pet should have a poop sample brought to the vet for testing every year. Some pets may need more frequent testing if they hunt or have more wildlife or dog park exposure. Monthly parasite preventatives are a must. Heartworm preventatives for both dogs and cats provide some protection against some intestinal worms, but no product exists that protects against everything. Annual poop testing is one of the most important parts of veterinary care for your pet and a safety measure for your family.

Yes, we live in the north and have very cold and snowy winters. Intuitively, one would think that this would help kill many parasites. Believe it or not, we do actually see lots of pets with intestinal parasites in Massachusetts. Even pets that spend all or much of their time indoors or in a fenced yard are not immune. Pretty much every day, we see fecal test reports come back from the lab with positive results.

The Importance of Parasite Testing

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Nutrition is the foundation of good health, and a powerful tool in managing weight, energy, chronic conditions, and even behavior.

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When pets act out, there's almost always a reason. Anxiety, fear, medical conditions, or past trauma can show up as barking, biting, hiding, or destruction. Our job is to uncover the cause and help your pet feel safe again.

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Bad breath isn't just annoying - it's often a sign of deeper health issues. Dental disease in pets can lead to oral pain, local or systemic infection, tooth loss, and even heart, liver, or kidney complications. 

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Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms are not just a nuisance, they are dangerous. These tiny pests can cause serious health issues like Lyme disease, heartworm disease, and tapeworms. 

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When your pet isn't acting like themselves, diagnostic testing helps us find the reason. From bloodwork, urine testing, and fecal exams to x-rays, these tests give us a window into what's happening inside, so we can take action before things get worse.

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Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important decisions you can make for their long-term health. It helps prevent certain cancers and infections, curbs unwanted behaviors, and reduces the number of orphaned pets in shelters.

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Discover hidden dental issues before they cause pain with pet dental radiology at (). Our veterinary dental X-rays reveal infections, bone loss, and tooth damage beneath the gum line, ensuring safer, more effective treatment. Non-invasive and included in every comprehensive dental cleaning, dental radiographs for pets help protect your pet's health, comfort, and smile for years to come.


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Permanent ID for Peace of Mind. A collar can come off. A tag can get lost. But a microchip is a permanent, tamper-proof way to make sure your pet always has a way home. At (), we offer safe and simple microchip implantation, so your pet stays connected to you, no matter what.

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Online Veterinary Pharmacy: Home Delivery & Savings

Halloween Safety for Pets: 5 Tips for Dogs and Cats

Pet Obesity Awareness Month: Healthy Weight Tips

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