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Does a dog with a positive Ag test and negative MF test need to be treated for heartworms?

The results of heartworm tests can sometimes raise questions as well as provide answers. This Clinical FAQ uses an algorithm to explain what veterinarians can conclude from differing test results

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Diagnosis | Treatment | Life Cycle | Shelters | Veterinary Professionals

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Feline heartworm: Are YOU looking for it?

In this article, which was published in VETgirl's e-magazine, Dr. Tom Nelson explains the "how tos" of feline heartworm diagnosis.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Feline | Prevention | Diagnosis | Veterinary Professionals | Incidence

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New AHS Heartworm Incidence Map

In this Clinical Q&A, AHS President Dr. Jenni Rizzo explains the findings of the 2022 Heartworm Incidence Survey and what they tell us about the spread of heartworms in the U.S. as well as long-timer and emergy "hot spots."

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Prevention | Diagnosis | Shelters | Veterinary Professionals | Incidence

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Which heartworm preventive is best?

With so many heartworm preventives available, it's not unreasonable for clients--and even veterinarians--to wonder which one is "best." The truth is that the BEST preventive is--quite simply--the preventive a pet owner will GIVE. As Dr. Elizabeth Clyde explains, factors like cost, covenience, mode of administration and frequency of administration all come into play.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Prevention | Veterinary Professionals | Cost

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Patient Management after Two Melarsomine Injections

A newly adopted patient received two injections instead of three when treated for heartworm. Veterinarian Angele Bice explains.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Treatment | Shelters | Veterinary Professionals | Cost

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Managing Heartworm Disease in Zoo Animals

Zoo animals like marine mammals, big cats and others can become infected with heartworms. Fortunately, prevention is possible.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Prevention | Diagnosis | Exotics | Veterinary Professionals

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When a Treated Dog has Persistent Microfilaria

Dr. Tom Nelson explains the potential reasons a dog may test positive for microfilaria following heartworm treatment

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Diagnosis | Treatment | Shelters | Veterinary Professionals

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Role of Antigen and Antibody Testing in Heartworm-Positive Cats

Veterinary parasitologist Dr. Lindsay Starkey outlines the role of antigen and antibody tests for heartworm screening in cats

Category: Clinical FAQs
Prevention | Diagnosis | Shelters | Veterinary Professionals

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Exercise Restriction Advice for Dogs Undergoing Heartworm Treatment

Successful treatment of dogs with heartworm infection requires keeping them quiet and calm, as Dr. Brian DiGangi explains.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Treatment | Shelters | Veterinary Professionals

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How to Treat Heartworm-Positive Cats

There are no approved heartworm treatments for cats, but veterinarians do have options when managing these patients. Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Marisa Ames explains.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Feline | Prevention | Treatment | Shelters | Veterinary Professionals

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Heartworm Diagnostics: Antigen Tests Alone Aren't Enough

How reliable are patient-side heartworm antigen tests? Veterinary parasitologist Dr. Lindsay Starkey explains.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Diagnosis | Veterinary Professionals

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Antigen Test Timing Following Melarsomine Treatment

How long should I wait before re-testing dogs undergoing heartworm treatment? Dr. Tom Nelson explains the timing.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Diagnosis | Treatment | Veterinary Professionals

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When Heartworm Treatment is Interrupted

When treating dogs for heartworm, what if there's a delay between giving doxycycline and melarsomine? Dr. Chris Duke explains.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Treatment | Veterinary Professionals

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Managing Dogs Treated with Non-AHS Protocols

When treating dogs for heartworm, what's the difference in efficacy between two and three injections of melarsomine? Dr. Angele Bice breaks it down.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Treatment | Veterinary Professionals

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Safe Transport of Heartworm-Positive Dogs

How can I safely transport dogs in the midst of heartworm treatment? Dr. Brian DiGangi shares the AHS/ASV recommendations.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Diagnosis | Treatment | Shelters | Veterinary Professionals | Transport of Infected Pets

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Heartworm Diagnostics: Antigen Tests Alone Aren’t Enough

How reliable are patient-side heartworm antigen tests? Veterinary parasitologist Dr. Lindsay Starkey explains.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Diagnosis | Veterinary Professionals

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The States of Heartworm Incidence

What does the latest AHS survey say about heartworm incidence? Dr. Chris Duke explains.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Feline | Exotics | Other | Veterinary Professionals | Incidence

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Hit the “Reset” Button on your Client Education Program

How should I educate my clients about heartworm prevention this spring? Dr. Chris Duke shares tips.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Feline | Prevention | Exotics | Other | Veterinary Professionals

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Heartworm Disease Causes Lifelong Damage

Can heartworm infection cause permanent damage in dogs? The answer is yes, says Dr. Stephen Jones.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Prevention | Treatment | Veterinary Professionals

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Making the Case for Heartworm Prevention in Cats

Why is heartworm prevention important for cats? Dr. Elizabeth Clyde gives reasons.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Feline | Prevention | Veterinary Professionals

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Tackling Tough Conversations

Can I cut corners on the AHS heartworm treatment protocol for dogs? AHS Past President Dr. Chris Rehm says "no."

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Treatment | Veterinary Professionals

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The AHS Guidelines: 2018 Updates - Guidance on Prevention, Testing and Treatment

The AHS Guidelines: 2018 Updates - Guidance on Prevention, Testing and Treatment

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Prevention | Diagnosis | Treatment | Veterinary Professionals

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The Wrath and Aftermath of Hurricanes

How can hurricanes lead to increases in heartworm incidence? There's a link, according to veterinary cardiologist Dr. Clarke Atkins.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Feline | Prevention | Veterinary Professionals | Transport of Infected Pets | Resistance

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The AHS Protocol vs. “Slow Kill”

Why does the AHS recommend against "slow kill" for heartworm treatment in dogs? Veterinary parasitologist Dr. Andy Moorhead has answers.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Treatment | Veterinary Professionals

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Why Don’t Clients Give Heartworm Preventives?

Why aren't clients always compliant in giving heartworm preventives? Dr. Stephen Jones shares his thoughts.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Feline | Prevention | Exotics | Other | Veterinary Professionals

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Is it Negative or Not? The Role of Heat Pretreatment in Heartworm Testing

What is the role of heat pretreatment in heartworm testing? Dr. Brian DiGangi explains when and why it may be needed.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Diagnosis | Veterinary Professionals

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Is There an Echo in Here?

How can you get veterinary clients to be compliant with heartworm prevention? Dr. Chris Dukes share his tips.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Feline | Prevention | Exotics | Other | Veterinary Professionals

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Can YOU Outsmart a Mosquito?

Why doesn't the AHS recommend "seasonal" heartworm prevention? Dr. Tom Nelson has answers.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Feline | Prevention | Life Cycle | Exotics | Other | Veterinary Professionals

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Make Heartworm Preventive Reminders a Priority

How can heartworm prevention reminders help with client compliance? Dr. Tom Nelson explains how reminders have helped in his practice.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Feline | Prevention | Exotics | Other | Veterinary Professionals

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Adulticide Treatment: Minimizing Melarsomine Complications

When treating heartworm-positive dogs with adulticide therapy, how can I minimize melarsomine complications? Dr. Stephen Jones explains.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Treatment | Veterinary Professionals

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Heartworm Prevention Needed Nationwide

Why is heartworm prevention needed nationwide? Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Matt Miller explains.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Feline | Prevention | Exotics | Other | Veterinary Professionals

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The Mighty Mosquito The Role of Control in Heartworm Prevention

What is multimodal heartworm prevention--and why is mosquito control important? Parasitologist Dr. John McCall explains.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Feline | Prevention | Exotics | Other | Veterinary Professionals

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The Truth About Testing in Cats

What kind of heartworm testing is recommended for cats? Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Clarke Atkins sorts it out.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Feline | Diagnosis | Veterinary Professionals

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Managing Heartworm Disease in Shelter Animals

MARTHA SMITH-BLACKMORE, DVM

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Feline | Prevention | For Owners | Shelters

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Cases in Point: Why the AHS Guidelines Matter

Why is it important to understand the AHS heartworm management guidelines? Dr. Elizabeth Clyde shares why it's important to her.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Feline | Prevention | Diagnosis | Exotics | Other | Veterinary Professionals

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Heartworm Compliance: Take a Team Approach

How can enlisting the entire veterinary team improve heartworm education? Practice owner Dr. Chris Rehm shares his experience.

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Feline | Prevention | Diagnosis | Exotics | Other | Veterinary Professionals

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What’s the Protocol?

Marisa Ames,DVM, DACVIM (cardiology)
Associate Professor
Colorado State University,
College Of Veterinary Medicine

Category: Clinical FAQs
Canine | Treatment | Veterinary Professionals

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Join AHS

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Membership Details

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!