[bubble background="#FFF" color="#667" border="3px solid #ccc" author="Heartworm University Attendee"]Good comprehensive review of heartworm disease in dogs and cats and a provocative look at some of the current controversies. Interesting and well done.[/bubble] [bubble background="#FFF" color="#667" border="3px solid #ccc" author="Heartworm University Attendee"]Enjoyed the interchange of comments between the speakers.[/bubble] [bubble background="#FFF" color="#667" border="3px solid #ccc" author="Heartworm University Attendee"]Was a good, up-to-date summary that provoked thoughtful discussion.[/bubble] [bubble background="#FFF" color="#667" border="3px solid #ccc" author="Heartworm University Attendee"]The data in this program is critical for best practice. Advocating for renewed professionalism in confronting our responsibilities as veterinarians is refreshing.[/bubble] [bubble background="#FFF" color="#667" border="3px solid #ccc" author="Heartworm University Attendee"]The presenters were excellent in delivering the information without "talking down" and were interested in the audience's experiences. This was truly an exchange between colleagues.[/bubble]

 

• Heartworm Disease − Emergence & Spread
  History of heartworms, life cycle, spread, and comparative development in hosts, with explanation of life stage-related prophylactic and therapeutic choices.
• Pathophysiology
  Pathology in the pulmonary arteries and parenchyma, clinical implications of associated or subsequent heart disease and involvement of other organs, and clinical implications of the pathophysiology in dogs and in feline Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD).
• Diagnostics & Routine Testing
  Utility of diagnostic tools − tests for microfilaria, antigen, antibody, polymerase chain reaction (PCR); radiology; ultrasonography.
• Prevention, Compliance, Screening, & Periodic Testing
  How prevention of heartworm infection is the cornerstone of pet health care and the relationship between prevention and various AHS testing recommendations.
• Heartworm-Positive Pets
  Understanding the educational needs of clients whose pets are heartworm-positive, including suggestions for counseling as to which animals are, and are not, appropriate to treat.
• Treatment Protocols
  Developing a background for selecting treatment protocols, including contraindications; prognostic indicators; various treatment regimens; management and treatment of pulmonary, cardiac, or other complications; and emergency treatment in critical cases.
• Infections in Other Species
  Developing awareness of the effects of heartworms on other species, such as ferrets, wildlife, and humans.
• Clinical Case Studies
  A range of clinical cases, from routine to more complicated, such as congestive heart failure, COPD, pulmonary embolic infarcts, aberrant migrations, and caval syndrome, as well as integration of veterinarian and client questions.

Continuing Education Credit

Attendees who complete the entire day of sessions will receive a Certificate of Attendance. The AHS Heartworm University program qualifies for CE credit.

 

AHS Heartworm University is appropriate for practitioners in all US regions. Heartworms and heartworm disease are found throughout the United States, and the incidence is increasing. Faculty will detail the newest available testing and treatment strategies and will present frank dialogue about outstanding and sometimes controversial issues, paying particular attention to concerns relevant to the geographic area surrounding each meeting venue.

 

At each AHS Heartworm University location, a noted internal medicine specialist will cover heartworm topics essential to veterinary practitioners. Our presenters are recognized experts in their respective fields.

Internal Medicine Specialists

Clarke Atkins, DVM, DACVIM

Professor of Medicine & Cardiology

Matt Miller, DVM, MS, DACVIM

Professor of Cardiology, Texas A&M University