Heartworm is a parasite. When heartworm infects dogs, it has serious and potentially fatal effects. Heartworm is detected through diagnostic tests. The American Heartworm Society (AHS) recommends annual heartworm testing throughout the United States.
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Geography
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Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworms are a threat in every state. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) advises any pet exposed to mosquitoes should be tested.
Significance
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Yearly heartworm tests detect heartworm infection. The AHS reports that nearly 100 percent of dogs exposed to infective heartworm larvae become infected.
Test
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The yearly heartworm test uses a blood sample from the dog. A veterinarian collects the blood sample and typically has the test results in a week.
Prevention
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The AVMA reports heartworm disease is nearly 100 percent preventable in pets. If the yearly heartworm test shows no infection, FDA-approved preventives are given to protect against heartworm. The preventive must be used before the dog has heartworm disease.
Benefits
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When the dog is on heartworm preventives, the yearly heartworm test confirms the pet is not infected and is receiving the appropriate preventive and dosage.
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