Dirofilaria immitis is the parasite that is responsible for heartworm disease. An infected mosquito bites your pet and can transfer larvae. The larvae develop inside the animal and migrate throughout the body, eventually reaching the animal's heart. Once inside the animal's heart, the worms may grow and cause significant damage to the heart and lungs.

A simple in-house blood test can diagnose heartworm. Untreated heartworm disease may result in death. Signs of heartworm disease include:

• coughing
• sluggishness
• weight loss
• difficulty breathing

Heartworm disease can be treated, but treatment is expensive. It is best to use preventative, such as Interceptor, Sentinel or Heartgard on a monthly basis from June-November.

The most recent studies done by the American Heartworm Society have shown that heartworm transmission in our area only occurs from July to October. The results of this study combined with the accuracy of the testing method we use and the effectiveness of the preventative has prompted us to make the following recommendations.

• Dogs should be on a monthly preventative from June 1 to November 1 (6 months). Our most commonly prescribed heartworm pill is called Interceptor. Another option is to give your dog Sentinel, which helps prevent both heartworm and flea infestations during the summer months.
• The heartworm pill you give each summer is also an intestinal parasite dewormer, treating roundworms, hookworms, and whip worms during the time of year your dog is most likely to pick them up from the environment.
• All dogs should be tested at their annual physical exam.
• If your dog was tested at its annual exam in the past year there is no need to test in the spring. Just call the clinic for heartworm preventative in the spring.


• If your dog was not on heartworm preventative between July and October last year, and not tested in the last year it should be tested before starting preventative.

If you are a client you may call the clinic for a heartworm blood draw with a technician if that is all that's needed.

For the most recent information on the prevention and treatment of heartworm visit www.heartwormsociety.org.