Heartworm needs to be prevented, rather than treated, because dogs and cats may not show signs of illness until the disease has already ravaged the animal's heart and lungs. Symptoms, which include fatigue, weight loss and a chronic cough, often don't appear until extensive organ damage has been caused.

The American Heartworm Society recently launched a revolutionary survey that analyzed heartworm tests completed in 2001 by 18,000 veterinary clinics nationwide, and was sponsored by Merial, the maker of HEARTGARD®, #1 vet-recommended heartworm preventive. They found that heartworm infection in dogs and cats was shown to be present throughout the entire country, in the vast majority of counties.


Susan L. Ralston, V.M.D., is a Manager of Veterinary Professional Services for Merial, the world's leading animal health company. She will be here for a LIVE chat to answer your questions about heartworm. We will discuss the ways to prevent heartworm infestation, the risk level for pets in various living conditions and much more. We hope you will join us Wednesday, July 31st at 8pm ET.

Information provided by the American Heartworm Society and sponsored by Merial, maker of HEARTGARD® (ivermectin) brand products.

Toll Free Number: 1-866-ASK-VETS

Hotlink: www.healthypet.com