11/08/2025
This is a drop of blood from a dog under our microscope. The three areas of movement that you see are microfilaria, or the larval stage of heartworms. These tiny worms will grow much larger and eventually lodge themselves into the major blood vessels of the heart and lungs ultimately causing heart failure. While this disease can be treated in dogs, treatment can be costly and uncomfortable for the patient. The disease can also affect cats but is untreatable.
Heartworm disease is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito, a common pest in our area that exists nearly year round. Prevention must also be year round in our area. Prevention is also very important for cats, even strictly indoor cats because mosquitoes easily get into houses when doors or windows are opened. There are many options of heartworm preventatives. Talk to your veterinarian today to see which products work best for your pet!
