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 Heartworm disease is a parasitic infection that can be fatal if not treated. The parasite is a worm called Difofilaria immitis, and makes its home in the pet's bloodstream or heart, causing the animal to become very sick. Your pet can get heartworm if bitten by a mosquito carrying the heartworm larvae. Since mosquitoes can get indoors, all domestic pets are at risk.
When a mosquito carrying heartworm larvae bites your pet, the larvae enter the bloodstream through the bite wound. Larvae mature and travel to pulmonary arteries in 3-4 months. Adult heartworms invade the heart and pulmonary arteries in 6-7 months. Adults my reproduce and release offspring, called microfilaria, into the bloodstream. These microfilaria are then ingested by other mosquitoes, and develop into larvae in the body of the mosquitoes, which are then transferred to other animals.
 If left untreated, heartworm can cause a number of serious symptoms, including:
- vomiting
- coughing
- difficulty breathing
- lethargy/lack of energy
- weight loss
- collapse or convulsions
- sudden death
Heartworm has been detected in dogs and cats throughout all areas of the country, even in pets that have been taking heartworm preventatives. Monthly preventatives can eliminate the larvae, but have no effect on adult worms. Therefore it is important to get your pet tested regularly, even if taking preventatives.
The doctors and staff at Hills & Dales Veterinary Clinic are fully-equipped to test and diagnose heartworm infections, and offer preventative products. No heartworm preventative is 100% effective, so regular annual screenings are important for detection. A simple blood test can provide the early detection necessary for successful treatment. For more information or to schedule a physical examination for you pet, please call our office at 293-1993.
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