Heartworm Disease

This episode discusses heart worm disease, caused by the internal parasite Dirofilaria immitis. The disease can affect all dogs, cats and ferrets. This is a vector born disease, transmitted by a mosquito bite. The heartworm life cycle is partially completed in the mosquito and finished in the animal that is bitten. Heartworms live in a symbiotic relationship with the bacteria Wolbachia, that live in the GI tract of the heartworm. Reservoirs in the environment include other dogs, wolves, fox and coyote. The disease can cause clinical signs such as breathing difficulty, coughing and lethargy. There are many choices of preventatives, available for dogs, cats and ferrets. There is an approved treatment for dogs, but not cats or ferrets. In general, preventative should be given monthly all year long. Treatment includes the use of doxycycline to kill the Wolbachia, which in turn will help to cause the death of the heartworms.If you have any questions or are concerned about your pet, please contact your local veterinarian or emergency clinic.Thank you.