Heartworm Disease – What is it and is my pet protected?

By:  Kacie Schmitt, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Cardiology) What is heartworm disease? Heartworm disease, caused by the heartworm Dirofilaria immitis, has been diagnosed around the globe, including the lower 48 states and Hawaii. Domestic and wild dogs are the normal hosts for heartworms.  Although less likely to develop a heartworm infection, cats and ferrets can harbor …