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BLACKSBURG - The heartworm is a canine parasite that can cause debilitation or death if it is not diagnosed in time.
Heart worms are so named because the adults locate jn and around the dog’s heart, said Kent Roberts, Extension specialist for companion animals at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech.
As their numbers and size increase, the worms mechanically damage the endothelial lining of the heart and adjacent blood vessels. “They interfere with the normal function of the heart, which can result in a variety of serious circulatory problems,” Dr. Roberts explained.
The Extension veterinarian said the good news is that there is effective treatment for the majority of afflicted animals.
“Diagnostic screening is the first and most critical step in preventing or treating this disease,” Dr. Roberts said. “Before any dog is put on preventive medicine, however, it should be examined and tested for heartworms by a veterinarian.”
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