Heartworm, like many parasites mature through many stages during their lifecycle. The duration of time between when an animal is bitten by an infected mosquito and full maturity of the adult worms is approximately 6-7 months. Adult heartworms reside primarily in the right ventricle of the heart of the host animal where they breed and the adult female gives birth to live young called microfilariae. The microfilariae circulate into the bloodstream of the host animal where they wait to be ingested by a feeding mosquito, which is how the parasite is spread. Female heartworm can reach an average length of 12″. Early prevention and yearly testing is a must. We recommend a Proheart 6 injection given every 6 months.
For further information please visit the American Heartworm Society at www.heartwormsociety.org
From Dr. Storberg and Staff
