HEARTWORM DISEASE is a serious and fatal illness of dogs (and sometimes cats) caused by the worm called Dirofilaria immitis. The worm is found in the heart and great vessels of infected dogs. One dog can have as many as 300 worms inside the heart!

TRANSMISSION of the disease occurs when a mosquito bites an infected dog and ingests baby heartworms called “microfilaria”. These microfilaria develop into “infective larvae” inside the mosquito. When the mosquito feeds on the next dog, these infective larvae are injected under that dog’s skin. These larvae grow for 3-4 months and travel to the dog’s heart where they develop into adult heartworms and the cycle is ready to repeat itself. It is important to understand that only one mosquito bite is required for your dog to get this deadly disease!

SIGNS of the disease often occur only after severe heart damage has been done, and this is why prevention and early detection are so important. Signs include cough, weight loss, weakness, and poor condition.

DIAGNOSIS is made with the help of simple blood tests although an infected dog may need X-rays, organ function tests and an EKG.

TREATMENT if a dog becomes infected is very involved and expensive, and some dogs will die due to complications from the disease.

PREVENTION is by far the safer way to go. After a dog tests negative for the disease, a simple monthly pill is given as a preventative. We advise use of this medication for 6 months starting near April 1st. (This recommendation applies to our area only)

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©2007 James W. Day D.V.M., P.C.