heartworm

[hahrt-wurm]

noun

1. a parasitic nematode, Dirofilaria immitis, transmitted by mosquito and invading the heart and pulmonary arteries of dogs, wolves, and foxes throughout its range in tropical, subtropical and, more recently, temperate regions around the world.

2. the disease caused by infection with heartworm.

heartworm

/ ˈhɑːtˌwɜːm /

noun

1. a parasitic nematode worm, Dirofilaria immitis, that lives in the heart and bloodstream of vertebrates

Word History and Origins

Origin of heartworm¹

First recorded in 1885–90; heart + worm

Example Sentences

Three months and one heartworm treatment later, I carried Bob to the adoption event in Prospect Park.

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He recommends that vets screen dogs for common vector-borne diseases in annual wellness exams, and that dog owners put their pets on year-round flea, tick and heartworm prevention medication.

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But he had a rough puppyhood, having been abandoned at a shelter where he suffered distemper, a viral disease and heartworm before being adopted.

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The company’s spokesperson, Dan Kramer, said it self reported the heartworm diagnosis and the dog was removed from the donor pool.

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Since heartworm can’t be transmitted via transfusion, he said, no recipient dogs were affected.

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