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Mosquito

Could heartworm be stopped at the level of the mosquito?

In this video, University of Pennsylvania researcher Dr. Michael Povelones discusses research to better understand heartworm transmission, as well as new, previously unexplored ways to prevent it.

Cat on a mantel

Understanding the prevalence of heartworm in cats

The true prevalence of heartworms in cats has been a question in the minds of many veterinarians. In this video, veterinary parasitologist and Zoetis scientist Dr. Jessica Rodriguez discusses the findings of a recent study that compared the results of heartworm testing in dogs and cats from a heartworm-endemic area of the U.S. and explains what it revealed about different types of heartworm tests and which tests give the most accurate picture of heartworm prevalence.

Cat on a couch

When and why should cats be screen for heartworms?

n the U.S., veterinarians tend to reserve heartworm testing in cats for those that show overt clinical signs of adult heartworm infections. In this video, veterinary parasitologist and Zoetis scientist Dr. Jessica Rodriguez explains what a recent study done in conjunction with University of Florida and University of Oklahoma researchers revealed about the need to screen cats for heartworm and the need to protect them from this common parasite.

Cat blood draw with glove

Understanding the risk of heartworm in cats

Heartworm disease in cats is very different from hearhtworm in dogs, as Dr. Tom Nelson explains.

Diagnosis of heartworms in cats

Diagnosing heartworms in cats is quite different from diagnosis in dogs. In this video, veterinary practitioner and past AHS president Dr. Tom Nelson explains the diagnostic process and discusses which tests are appropriate for feline patients.

Treatment options for heartworm-positive cats

While cats are susceptible to heartworms, unfortunately there are no approved treatments for cats with adult worms. However, as veterinary practitioner and past AHS president Dr. Tom Nelson explains, that doesn't mean veterinarians have no options for managing these patients.

Dog research

Understanding barriers to heartworm research today

In this video, Emeritus Professor and researcher Dr. Tim Geary of the Institute of Parastitology at McGill University explains the barriers to heartworm research and how it differs from research on other parasites in other species.

Heartworm mass

Understanding heartworm-host interactions

In this video, Emeritus Professor and researcher Dr. Tim Geary of the Institute of Parastitology at McGill University explains how a better understanding of heartworms and how they interact with their hosts and their environment might help researchers in the future as they develop new strategies for heartworm prevention.

Heat treatment of serum samples in heartworm testing

Parasitologist Dr. Byron Blagburn explains what veterinarians need to know about heat treatment of serum samples in heartworm testing.

Heat treatment of feline serum samples

Parasitologist Dr. Byron Blagburn explains what veterinarians need to know about heat treatment of serum samples when testing cats for heartworm infection.

Current knowledge about heartworm resistance

Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Clarke Atkins discusses the most current information about heartworm resistance.

How to minimize development of resistant heartworms

Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Clarke Atkins explains what steps veterinarians can take to minimize the risk of resistant heartworms developing in the future.

The spread of heartworm disease in Europe

Veterinary parasitologist Dr. Laura Kramer of the University of Parma explains how heartworm disease has spread across Europe over the past several decades.

Why alternative heartworm treatment protocols are needed

Veterinary parasitologist Dr. Laura Kramer of the University of Parma discusses the rationale for alternative heartworm treatment protocols.

The "Watch-outs" with melarsomine in heartworm treatment

Veterinary parasitologist Dr. Laura Kramer of the University of Parma explains the pros and cons of treating heartworm infections with melarsomine.

Rationale for doxycycline in heartworm treatment

Veterinary parasitologist Dr. Laura Kramer of the University of Parma explains her rationale for including doxycycline in a heartworm treatment protocol.

Why combine macrocyclic lactones and repellents in a heartworm prevention protocol?

Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Matthew Miller discusses multimodal heartworm prevention strategies.

Multimodal heartworm prevention

Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Matthew Miller explains why macrocyclic lactones are needed in conjunction with mosquito repellents in multimodal heartworm prevention protocols.

The latest on HARD in cats

Former Auburn veterinary internist Dr. Ray Dillon explains the most current knowledge about heartworm associated respiratory disease in cats.

Why prevention of feline heartworm disease is important

Former Auburn veterinary internist Dr. Ray Dillon discusses the importance of preventing heartworm disease in cats.

Decision tree for identifying resistant heartworm cases

University of Georgia veterinary parasitologist Dr. Ray Kaplan outlines strategies veterinarians can use to identify potentially heartworm-resistant cases.

Role of genetics in study of heartworm resistance

University of Georgia veterinary parasitologist Dr. Ray Kaplan explains why it’s important for scientists to study the genetics of heartworm resistance.

Pros and cons of doxycycline in a heartworm treatment protocol

Parasitologist Dr. Dwight Bowman explains why he has reservations about routinely using doxycycline in a heartworm treatment protocol.

Mosquito vectors in heartworm transmission

University of Arkansas entomologist Dr. Tanja McKay discusses mosquito vectors in the transmission of heartworm disease.

Feeding habits of mosquito vectors

University of Arkansas entomologist Dr. Tanja McKay explains the feeding habits of mosquitoes that transmit heartworm disease.

Caval syndrome and how to manage it in dogs with heartworm disease

Dogs with heartworm disease can develop a very serious complication: caval syndrome. Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Marisa Ames explains how this complication develops, as well as how veterinarians and treat and manage these patients.

How to manage right-sided heartworm failure in dogs with heartworm disease

Dogs with pulmonary hypertension as a result of heartworm disease can also develop right-sided heart failure. Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Marisa Ames explains how veterinarians can identify this complication in canine patients and manage it.

How to manage pneumonitis in dogs with heartworm disease

Pneumonitis is a common complication in dogs with heartworm Disease. Cardiologist Dr. Marisa Ames explains how veterinarians can manage patients with this complication.

Microclimates and their effects on mosquitoes and heartworm survival

American Heartworm Society Past President Dr. Stephen Jones what microclimates are and how they extend the length of time mosquitoes carrying heartworms can pose a threat.

Is the term "heartworm season" a misnomer?

American Heartworm Society Past President Dr. Stephen Jones explains why heartworm "season" is really a year-round issue in many areas.

How do heartworm preventives work?

Dr. Doug Carithers explains how macrocyclic lactones affect the heartworm parasite.

UGA research investigates alternative to doxycycline in a heartworm treatment program

Dr. Molly Salvadelis explains the findings of a UGA study comparing doxycycline to minocycline in a heartworm treatment protocol

Immune complex formation in dogs with heartworm infection

Veterinary parasitologist Dr. Lindsay Starkey explains why immune complexes can sometimes complicate heartworm diagnoses.

New research on heartworm immune complex

Veterinary parasitologist Dr. Lindsay Starkey discusses published research on a novel way to break up immune complexes when diagnosing dogs with heartworm infection.

Making the case for heartworm prevention to cat owners

Feline practitioner Dr. Mark Cousins of New Orleans explains how he positions heartworm prevention to cat owners as part of a preventive healthcare program.

How veterinarians can start the feline heartworm conversation with clients

Feline practitioner Dr. Mark Cousins of New Orleans explains how veterinarians who are new to discussing feline heartworm disease with clients can get comfortable with the topic.

When cats test positive for heartworms, what's next?

Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Clarke Atkins explains how veterinarians can interpret the results of antigen and antibody heartworm tests in cats.

When dogs test positive for heartworms, what's next?

Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Clarke Atkins outlines testing strategies for dogs that test positive for heartworms.

Why does severe weather create a perfect storm for heartworm transmission?

Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Clarke Atkins explains how heartworm epidemics can occur as fallout from hurricanes.

Talking to dog owners about rest and recovery during heartworm treatment

Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Deb Horwitz provides easy tips owners can follow to keep their dogs mentally engaged but physically calm during heartworm treatment.

Keeping dogs mentally stimulated but physically quiet during heartworm treatment

Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Deb Horwitz provides easy tips owners can follow to keep their dogs mentally engaged but physically calm during heartworm treatment.

Handling bathroom breaks for dogs on cage rest

Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Deb Horwitz addresses the question of how owners can safely handle taking their dogs outside for bathroom breaks during heartworm treatment.

Three Models of Care: Expanding Options for Treating Heartworms

Three specialists in shelter medicine explain how they are managing the medical, logistical and financial challenges of treating heartworm infection in patients.

Heartworm Life Cycle for Pet Owners

An overview of the heartworm lifecycle, with an emphasis on the importance of prevention.
Download MP4 Video File

Heartworm Life Cycle for Professionals

An in-depth overview of heartworm life cycle and prevention that is useful for students, new staff, and veterinary professionals.
Download MP4 Video File

Do Cats Get Heartworms?

Yes, cats get heartworm disease and need heartworm prevention.

19 Dilemma of the Missed Dose (Clarke Atkins)

Dr. Clarke Atkins, DACVIM, discusses how veterinary professionals should treat the "missed" dose of heartworm preventative. Pet owners can accidentally forget to dose their pet. What is the impact or risk to the pet when this occurs? How should veterinarians and veterinary technicians better educate pet owners to prevent this from happening?

18 Why Prevent Heartworm in Non-Endemic Areas (Matthew W. Miller)

Pet owners can accidentally forget to dose their pet. What is the impact or risk to the pet when this occurrs? How should veterinarians and veterinary technicians better educate pet owners to prevent this from happening? Dr. Clarke Atkins, DACVIM (Cardiology), discusses how veterinary professionals should treat the "missed" dose of heartworm preventative.

17 Why Do We Remind to Test and NOT Prevent? (Tom Nelson)

How should veterinarians and veterinary technicians be handling heartworm disease in non-endemic regions? Should pets still be treated? Dr. Matt Miller, DACVIM (Cardiology) discusses why it's important to prevent heartworm in non-endemic areas of the United States.

16 Diagnosing Heartworm Disease/Infection in Cats (Matthew W. Miller)

Dr. Tom Nelson, veterinarian at Animal Medical Center in Alabama, discusses why we are often taught to "test" for heartworm more than we are taught to "prevent" heartworm disease.

15 Dog in a Box But Not Bored (Debra F. Horwitz)

Veterinarians and veterinary technicians living in an endemic area must feel comfortable accurately diagnosing feline heartworm disease. Dr. Matt Miller, DACVIM (Cardiology), discusses how to diagnose heartworm disease/infection in cats.

14 Repellency: Does it Really Prevent Heartworm Transmission? (John W. McCall)

Dr. Debra Horwitz, DACVB of Veterinary Behavior Consultations in St. Louis, Missouri, discusses the importance of appropriate client communication with the pet owner in the heartworm positive dog. By addressing the pet owner's concerns, addressing the pet's concerns, and still providing the heartworm positive dog with certain types of exercise, veterinary professionals can work with pet owners to ensure the best outcome for heartworm positive dogs that must be exercise-restricted. Dr. Debra Horwitz, DACVB of Veterinary Behavior Consultations in St. Louis, Missouri, discusses the importance of appropriate client communication with the pet owner in the heartworm positive dog.

13 There Goes the Neighborhood: The Potential Impact of 1 Heartworm Positive Dog (Matthew W. Miller)

Dr. John McCall, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Infectious Diseases at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, discusses how repellency and insectile efficacy can help prevent heartworm transmission in dogs and cats. Veterinarians and veterinary technicians must be aware of the best ways to help minimize the risks of heartworm to their patients.

12 Treating Heartworm Disease: Why Use the AHS Protocol (Tom Nelson)

Veterinarians and veterinary technicians, along with those who help rescue and place dogs throughout North America, must be aware of the impact of heartworm in their locales. Dr. Matt Miller, DACVIM (Cardiology), discusses the impact of just ONE positive heartworm dog and how it impacts your neighborhood or town.

11 Minimizing Complications of Melarsomine (Stephen L. Jones)

Why is it important to use the American Heartworm Society heartworm treatment protocol? Dr. Tom Nelson, veterinarian at Animal Medical Center in Alabama, discusses what veterinarians should do when a patient is diagnosed as heartworm positive.

09 Thoracic Radiography and Feline Heartworm Disease (Clifford R. Berry)

Cats often have thickening of their pulmonary arteries as part of age-related changes, making thoracic radiographic interpretation of heartworm positive cats more difficult. Dr. Clifford Berry, DACVR, radiologist at University of Florida, reviews thoracic radiographic findings associated with feline heartworm disease.

08 Echocardiography: Is it Needed in Heartworm-Positive Animals? (Matthew W. Miller)

Should veterinarians be referring all heartworm positive dogs and cats for echocardiography prior to beginning treatment for heartworm? Dr. Matt Miller, DACVIM (Cardiology), discusses the use of echocardiography in the heartworm positive patient.

07 Doxycycline: The Role in Heartworm Treatment, Prevention, and Transmission (Matthew W. Miller)

Dr. Matt Miller, DACVIM (Cardiology), discusses the role of doxycycline, the commonly used antibiotic, in the treatment of heartworm disease. Should veterinarians routinely be using doxycycline to help prevent resistance in treating heartworm? If your patient was just diagnosed as heartworm positive, find out if you should use doxycyline or not.

06 Heartworm in Nontraditional Species (Lions, Tigers, and Bears, Oh My!) (Bianca Zaffarano)

While most pet owners are aware of the dangers of heartworm in dogs and cats, it turns out heartworm are opportunist and can affect other species. Veterinarians and veterinary technicians must be aware of the other species that can be affected, in order to best help educate pet owners about heartworm. Dr. Bianca Zaffarano discusses how heartworm can affect nontraditional species such as humans, sea lions, and seals.

05 Thoracic Radiography and Canine Heartworm Disease (Clifford H. Berry)

In this American Heartworm Society video, Dr. Clifford Berry, DACVR, radiologist at University of Florida, reviews thoracic radiographic findings associated with canine heartworm disease. Veterinarians practicing in a heartworm endemic area must be able to accurately interpret chest radiographs.

03 Why Not Slow Kill? Patient-Focused Reasons (Clarke Atkins)

If your canine patient was just diagnosed with heartworm, find out if it is indicated or contraindicated to use slow-kill protocols. Not only is slow kill slow, expensive, and potentially dangerous, but it can result in pulmonary emboli and secondary vascular damage. Dr. Clarke Atkins, DACVIM (Cardiology), discusses the controversy of "slow-kill" for canine heartworm disease.

02 Heartworm Testing: The WHY and HOW of Heat-Treating Samples (Susan E. Little)

As a veterinarian or veterinary technician, should you be performing an antigen heartworm test or a microfilaria test? What test should you use in your canine patient? When should we be performing the process of "heat-treating?" Due to the formation of antibodies against heartworm antigen, the process of heat-treating samples may be necessary in your samples? Dr. Susan Little, clinical parasitologist from Oklahoma State University, discusses the process of heat-treating heartworm samples in dogs.

Dr. Lynn Buzhardt & Dr. Byron Blagburn: Options for Heartworm Testing


Dr. Stephen Jones & Dr. Ray Dillon: Incidence of Feline Lung Disease


Dr.Clarke Atkins: What can veterinarians do to minimize the development of heartworms that are resistant to preventives


Dr. Shelly Rubin & Dr. Wallace Graham: Heartworm Resistance


Dr. Clarke Atkins: What is known and not known about heartworm resistance today?


Dr. Shelly Rubin & Dr. Wallace Graham: AHS Guidelines


Videos: 2016 NAVC Symposium

Watch EyeOn Heartworm Presentations from the 2016 NAVC Symposium.

Dr. Stephen Jones & Dr. Ray Dillon: Differential Diagnosis of Heartworms in Cats


Dr. Shelly Rubin & Dr. Laura Kramer: What We Know about Wolbachia in the Treatment of Heartworm Disease


Dr. Matt Miller: What Makes Diagnosis of Cats Especially Challenging


Dr. Matt Miller & Dr. Clarke Atkins: What Veterinarians Need to Know about Lack of Efficacy

Dr. Matt Miller & Dr. Clarke Atkins: AHS Guidelines For Heartworm Treatment


What are Heartworms?

Why are heartworms a threat to your dog? This short video explains.

There's No Season for Heartworm


The Test Your Pet Should Take

Testing, along with prevention, is an important part of keeping our dogs and cats healthy and free of disease. Here are important facts to know about heartworm disease and heartworm testing.


The Seven Deadly Truths of Heartworm Disease in Cats

Testing, along with prevention, is an important part of keeping our dogs and cats healthy and free of disease. Here are important facts to know about heartworm disease and heartworm testing.

Is Your Pet Protected?

Heartworm disease is a deadly disease, but it is easy to prevent. This video will help all pet owners understand the importance of year-round protection and the importance of prevention.

There Goes the Neighborhood: The Potential Impact of 1 Heartworm Positive Dog (Matthew W. Miller)


01 Heartworm Testing: When, Why, and What Does a Positive Test Mean? (Susan E. Little)

How often should veterinarians or veterinary technicians test canine patients for heartworm disease? What should one do when their patient is heartworm positive? Dr. Susan Little, clinical parasitologist from Oklahoma State University, discusses what a positive heartworm test means in dogs.

Dog in a Box But Not Bored (Debra F. Horwitz)


Why Prevent Heartworm in Non-Endemic Areas (Matthew W. Miller)


Treating Heartworm Disease: Why Use the AHS Protocol (Tom Nelson)


The Staff's Role in Feline Heartworm Prevention (Kristen Lyon)


Minimizing Complications of Melarsomine (Stephen L. Jones)


Echocardiography: Is it Needed in Heartworm-Positive Animals? (Matthew W. Miller)


Why Not Slow Kill? Patient-Focused Reasons (Clarke Atkins)


The Staff's Role: Improving Heartworm Prevention in dogs (Kristen Lyon)


Thoracic Radiography and Canine Heartworm Disease (Clifford H. Berry)


Heartworm Testing: The WHY and HOW of Heat-Treating Samples (Susan E. Little)


Dilemma of the Missed Dose (Clarke Atkins)


Why Do We Remind to Test and NOT Prevent? (Tom Nelson)


Doxycycline: The Role in Heartworm Treatment, Prevention, and Transmission (Matthew W. Miller)


Heartworm in Nontraditional Species (Lions, Tigers, and Bears, Oh My!) (Bianca Zaffarano)


Repellency: Does it Really Prevent Heartworm Transmission? (John W. McCall)


Do Cats Get Heartworm?


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The days are getting shorter, the nights are cooler, leaves are starting to turn, and football season is here. But that doesn’t mean your clients can forget about protecting their pets from heartworms.

To keep this message front and center with your clients, we’re sharing a set of new posters you can print OR post on your Facebook or Instagram page.

  • To save or print a poster, just click on the image below, then click on the “download” button and save the PDF file.
  • To save a poster for use on your social pages, simply open the downloaded poster, then right click on the file and follow the menu instructions to save the file as a JPEG image.

For more client tools, be sure to visit the Resource Center. And if you don’t already, make sure you’re sharing our Facebook and Instagram posts!