heartworm

American  

[hahrt-wurm] / ˈhɑrtˌwɜrm /

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.

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heartworm British  

/ ˈhɑːtˌwɜːm /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of heartworm

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.

From Slate

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

State inspectors noted last year that Animal Blood Resources International sold blood collected from an animal with heartworm.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times