The map below is designed to help pet owners locate Vet Clinics that see the importance in early Chagas testing that could ultimately save your pets life. 

Please be advised that this map does not include all Vet clinics that test for Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. 

All clinics below have either sent out a Chagas test or are more than willing to do so; if your pet was tested for Chagas disease and you'd like to add your Vets clinic to the map, please email us a screenshot of the test results and clinic information.

Free Printable PDF Resources: 

Dr. Madigan on Dog Nerd Show Podcast
Canine Chagas Disease: Transmission, Symptoms, Tests, & Treatment

For Veterinarians:
Learn more about Chagas disease from one of the nations leading experts by watching the 3 videos below - if you'd like to earn 2.5hrs of CE credits for watching the videos, please register here first. 

Important Takeaways:​​​

Most common modes of transmission:
-Triatomine bugs pass trypomastigotes through their feces, which enter the host through a bite wound or mucosal membranes.
-Congenital transmission from mother to puppies
About the vector:
- 7 species of Triatomine bugs found in Texas: >60% infected with T. Cruzi
-Most active during summer months
-Identify Kissing bugs using this document prepared by TAMU & the CDC:
-Dogs and humans are amongst the preferred hosts for Kissing bugs

Chagas Distribution:
-7 distinct typing units (DTU) that each behave differently clinically
-Texas has the toughest and most aggressive DTU strain type globally

Canine Prevalence compared to Heartworm Disease
-Louisiana: 7.1% HW positive
                 22% companion dogs Chagas positive
-Tennessee: 2.7% HW Positive
                 6.4% Companion dogs Chagas positive
-Texas: 3.3% Heartworm positive
                  18% Shelter dogs
                  13.1% Companion dogs in San Antonio region
                  8% U.S. Military Working dogs
-California: 0.42% Heartworm positive
                 15% Shelter dogs
                  60% Companion dogs (San Francisco area)

Texas Summary of Chagas positive dogs:
Shelter dogs: Chagas (18%) > Heartworm (16%)
Working dogs: Chagas private kennels (58%) Military (<8%)
Companion dogs: Chagas (13%) > Heartworm (3%)

Environmental control:
-Permethrin, preferably Cypermethrin. Trade name: Demon Spray
-Turning off lights at night to deter insects
Systemic Control:
-Isoxazolines such as Fluralaner (Bravecto) and Afoxolaner (NexGard)
 

Important Takeaways:​​​

Pathogenesis:
-Inflammation, neurogenic disturbances, microvascular derangements, progressive fibrosis and heart failure. 

Clinical Symptoms
Acute phase:
-Intense parasitemia, high grade tissue parasitism, collapse, arrhythmias/pericardial effusion, lymphadenopathy, neurological signs, fever, death
Chronic (majority of Chagas cases):
-Low grade intermittent parasitemia, (slow) progressive fibrosing myocarditis, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, weight loss, acute death, asymptomatic

Oral transmission: 
-Higher parasite load and increased mortality rate.
Congenital transmission:
-Neonatal death
-Failure to thrive

Human Chagas disease: 
-Risk factors include cohabitation with domestic animals such as chickens and dogs
-Direct correlation between dogs and humans with T. Cruzi antibody
-No reports of dog-human transmission

Diagnostics:
-Serology (21 days post infection)
     *IFA (Gold standard)