Background

Canine heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease of the heart and lungs of dogs worldwide. A 22% increase in diagnosis of heartworm infection was observed between 2013-2016, and a 2017 forecast predicted still more increases to come. Most tests to detect heartworm require a blood sample, which may be stressful for pet owners and their dogs. Now there is a quick and painless way to check for heartworm without taking blood.

Canine heartworm disease is caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a mosquito-borne pathogen that infects the heart and lungs of dogs, cats, and ferrets. Present in both developed and developing nations, this pathogen may infect up to 800,000 dogs in the US alone. Because it can be