WHAT ARE HEARTWORMS AND HOW DOES MY PET GET INFECTED?

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease.  It is caused by a blood borne parasite called Dirofilaria immitis, that invades a pet's circulatory system and heart.  The disease is not spread directly from dog to dog.  The tiny immature heartworms, microfilaria, are transmitted through the bite of a mosquito.  Once a dog is infected, the heartworms reside in the heart vessels where they interfere with the normal flow of blood.  If left untreated, heartworms can cause congestive failure of the heart and other organs which then leads to death.

WHAT ARE SIGNS OF HEARTWORMS?

At first, an infected dog shows no signs of the disease.  As the worms grow they cause more damage to the heart and other organs, such as the lungs, liver and kidneys.  Your dog may become listless, tire easily after exercise, have a soft, dry cough, lose weight, have a coarse hair coat, and have labored breathing.  These signs do not usually occur until the disease is very advanced and serious damage has already occurred.

HOW IS HEARTWORM DIAGNOSED?

Diagnosis of heartworm disease is made by examining a blood sample.  The test detects antigens (proteins) produced by adult female heartworms.

HOW IS HEARTWORM DISEASE TREATED?

Treatment of an infected dog is possible.  It is a complex and expensive treatment plan that does involve some risk.  Your veterinarian will discuss the tests and procedures with you.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT HEARTWORM DISEASE?

Fortunately, heartworm disease is easily prevented.  If your pet is over 6 months of age, your veterinarian will run a simple blood test to check for the presence of adult heartworms.  There are several options of heartworm prevention.  They come as a once-a-month chewable or topical liquid.  You and your veterinarian should discuss what is best for you and your dog.  It is important to remember that ALL dogs need to be on heartworm prevention, even dogs which rarely or never go outside.  Mosquitoes can easily slip through cracks under doors, in screens, and enter the house.  Only one mosquito bite is all that is needed to transfer heartworm disease.