Heartworm is a Preventable, but a Serious and Potentially Fatal Parasite
Heartworm primarily infects dogs, cats, and ferrets. It can also infect a variety of wild animals. Dogs are extremely susceptible. Cats appear to show a very high level of resistance, but it is not 100%.
Mosquitoes Transmit Heartworm Disease
Heartworms can only be transmitted from animal to animal by mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, young heartworms, called microfilariae, enter into the mosquito’s system and begin their journey toward infecting unprotected pets with heartworm disease. Here are the steps in the journey:
- Infected animal with microfilariae bitten by mosquito.
- Microfilariae develop inside the mosquito into infective larvae (2 weeks).
- Unsuspecting animal bitten by infected mosquito.
- Larvae migrate through animal’s body (3 months).
- Larvae settle into the blood vessels of the lungs and heart and mature (3 more months).
- Within 6 months of the animal being bitten, heartworm disease rears its ugly head. If adult worms of both sexes are present, they mate and produce new microfilariae and the journey starts all over!
Note: infected cats do not often have microfilariae circulating in their blood so are not likely to transfer the infection to another mosquito.
Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm infection is almost 100% preventable in dogs and cats. We prescribe either IverheartMax® Flavor Tabs or Revolution® Topical, FDA-approved heartworm preventatives. These are once-a-month preventatives and are given by you as directed by one of our veterinarians.
Testing for existing heartworm infection is by a blood test. The test we use, which is very accurate in dogs, detects adult heartworms, which take 6 months to mature from larvae. A heartworm test for your dog is recommended before beginning a prevention program to assess your dog’s current heartworm status. The next test should be performed approximately 6 months after starting the preventative treatment to confirm your dog was not infected just prior to beginning prevention. Heartworm tests should be performed periodically to ensure your dog does not become infected. The recommended frequency of heartworm testing will depend on you giving your pet the preventative. Please let us make the appropriate recommendation.
Heartworm Testing
Testing in cats often requires a series of tests to give the best chance of detecting the presence of heartworms.
If blood test results are positive, further tests, such as chest X-rays, a blood panel, and an ECG or ultrasound of the heart, are recommended to evaluate the severity of the disease.
Treatment for Heartworm Disease
Dogs: It is better to prevent than to treat! However, there is an FDA-approved treatment available for dogs. There is substantial risk involved in treating a dog for heartworms and it requires hospitalization with complete rest both during and for some time after the treatment. Milo (left) is given regular heartwork treatments so that his owners can enjoy this mischief maker for years to come.
Cats: There is currently no effective and safe medical treatment for heartworm infection or heartworm disease in cats. Prevention is the only option.
Surgical removal of heartworms from dogs and cats is a high-risk procedure and typically reserved for severe cases.
Symptoms of Possible Heartworm Disease
Dogs may cough, become lethargic, lose their appetite, have difficulty breathing, or tire rapidly after only moderate exercise.
Cats may cough, show respiratory distress, or vomit. Rarely, cats may suddenly die from heartworms.