Heartworm infection (dirofilariosis) is a serious and potentially fatal disease in dogs, and to a lesser extent (approx. ten times) also in cats. It is caused by the larval and adult life stages of the nematode Dirofilaria immitis. In 2005, the American Heartworm Society (AHS) published guidelines for the diagnosis, prevention and management of canine (and feline) heartworm infection in dogs, which have been taken as a reference herein.

• Pathogen
• Distribution
• Pathogenesis
  
• Diagnosis
• Clinical signs
• Treatment

Further information

• Fact Sheet Heartworm Disease (Download)
• Guidelines for the Diagnosis, Prevention and Management of Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) Infection in Dogs, Executive Board of the American Heartworm Society (AHS), 2005 (Download)