This archive article (written 2009–2016) contains advice that may be out of date and is waiting for veterinary review. Please check with your vet before acting on it. About our articles
| What is heart worm and how does i treat it |
| What is heartworm,
and how do I treat it? Heartworm is a disease caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis, which lives in the right side of the heart and the adjacent blood vessels. Its presence in these blood vessels causes cardiovascular weakness, compromised lung incapacity, and eventual death. Heartworm occurs primarily in dogs but can also occur in cats and other animals on rare occasions. |
| While there are effective treatments available, veterinarians prefer to promote prevention of heartworm disease. Oral and topical medications that are administered monthly and have shown to be highly effective in preventing heartworm disease are available from your veterinarian. |