Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite that lives in the blood vessels of the lung and in the heart. Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes and has been seen in several species, but dogs are very susceptible. Cats can be severely affected, even by a single heartworm. In some cases, heartworm disease may be fatal and difficult to treat, but heartworm disease is preventable with monthly medication.
1. Heartworm Disease in Cats
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Cats are not a natural host for heartworm, but tend to develop severe and potentially fatal disease even when only a single worm is present. Treatment is extremely difficult and risky, but preventative medications are available.
2. Heartworm Disease in Dogs
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Where heartworm is found, all dogs are susceptible to infection. Those that spend a lot of time outdoors may be at greater risk, but indoor dogs are at risk as well. Small dogs tend to be more severely affected by the worms than larger dogs.
3. Signs of Heartworm Disease in Dogs
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Signs of heartworm disease are caused by damage to the heart and blood vessels as a result of the heartworms living in them. In addition, the body's attempt to rid itself of the worms results in chronic immune stimulation, which further complicates the disease.
4. Treatment of Heartworm Disease in Dogs
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Treatment of heartworm disease refers to dogs that have heartworm infections or heartworm disease. These dogs may be asymptomatic (testing positive for heartworms but not sick) or they may actually be suffering from disease resulting the heartworms.
This differs from dogs that are receiving heartworm medication to prevent infection with heartworms.
5. Treatment of Heartworm Disease in Dogs - Slow Kill Versus Immiticide Treatment
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There are a lot of misconceptions about heartworm treatment in dogs. One of the most common misconceptions is that using ivermectin-based heartworm preventive medications for a "slow kill" is the preferred way to treat canine heartworm disease.
6. Heartgard (Ivermectin) - Drug Profile
Heartgard and Heartgard Plus are used in the prevention of roundworms, hookworms and other parasites of dogs and cats.
7. Revolution (Selamectin) - Drug Profile
Revolution® (brand name Stronghold® in Europe) is medication that treats and prevents a variety of parasites.
8. What are heartworms, and can I catch them from my dog?
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Most pet owners have heard of heartworms. But what do heartworms look like and how are they transmitted from animal to animal? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this FAQ.
9. Veterinary Q & A: Heartworm Disease
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Heartworms are large worms that live in the hearts of dogs and cats. They are also found in other species, including ferrets, foxes, wolves, sea lions, and horses. Dogs are the common host for this parasite. This worm is also known as Dirofilaria Immitis. It is a long, spaghetti-like worm that can be anywhere from 6 to 10 inches in length (~17 - 27 cm).
10. Readers Respond: Dog and Cat Heartworm Disease and Treatment
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Heartworm disease is caused by a worm that lives mainly in the blood vessels of the lung and in the heart and is transmitted by mosquitoes. Heartworm disease is found in several species. Has your pet been diagnosed or treated for Heartworm? Do you use monthly preventive medications (i.e. Heartgard or Revolution) for your pet? Please share your experiences with your pet's Heartworm diagnosis and treatment.
NOTE: This is not a question/answer forum. Please see the articles on this page for more information about Heartworm.
