Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is a severe and progressive condition caused by parasitic worms (Dirofilaria immitis) that live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of affected pets. Mosquitoes transmit the microscopic heartworm larvae from an infected animal to another pet during a blood meal. Once inside the new host, the larvae mature into adult worms, which can grow up to 12 inches long and cause significant damage to the heart and lungs, leading to heart failure and other organ damage. Symptoms may not appear until the disease is advanced. Treatment for heartworm disease is complex, costly, and carries risks, emphasizing the importance of year-round preventive medication. Regular testing and prevention are crucial.