The first published description of heartworm in a dog appeared in the 1847 issue of the Western
Journal of Medicine and Surgery. After all this time, heartworm still plagues dogs across
the country.
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"Despite improved
diagnostic methods, effective preventatives and increasing awareness among veterinary
professionals and pet owners, cases of infection continue to appear in dogs... around the
world."
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The truth about heartworm disease is:
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It is still a serious and potentially fatal threat; it is not under control as some would
believe.
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The infection rate remains unchanged over the past ten years, despite tremendous awareness of
heartworm disease.
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An estimated 250,000 dogs and cats tested positive for heartworm infection in 2004. This is up
slightly from a 2001 survey.
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Approximately one-half of U.S. dog-owning households are not using heartworm preventatives.
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The most common signs of heartworm disease are hidden.
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"It is important to know
the heartworm status of your patients so an informed approach to therapy can be devised."
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Therefore, all dogs should be screened:
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Routinely in endemic areas
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Once a year when going on preventatives (according to manufacturers' instructions)
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Routinely in non-endemic areas due to the mobility of owners and pets
The good news is—you can diagnose and treat infection early in your patients,
before severe damage has occurred. View A
Clinical Approach to Heartworm Infection
or review treatment protocols available from the American
Heart Society.
References:
- Verdon DR. Heartworm infection continues its climb, survey reports. DVM Newsmagazine.
February 1, 2006.
- American Heartworm Society. American Heartworm Society reminds dog owners to remain vigilant
against heartworm disease. Available at:
http://www.heartwormsociety.org/MediaRelease.htm. Accessed April 6, 2006.
The SNAP® 3Dx® Test is available in the U.S., Europe and Latin America. Call your local IDEXX distributor for
availability.
View the complete SNAP 3Dx Test package
insert.
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Do you know the heartworm disease incidence rate in your region?
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