Canine and feline dirofilariasis: life cycle, pathophysiology, and diagnosis.

Infection with the intravascular parasite Dirofilaria immitis is an increasingly recognized problem in domestic dogs and cats. Heartworm infection is preventable; however, once an animal is infected, heartworm disease and potentially life-threatening complications can develop. An understanding of the heartworm life cycle and transmission season, the limitations of testing methods, and the clinical signs of heartworm disease is necessary to provide clients with appropriate information regarding prevention and treatment of heartworm infection in their pets.