Point-of-care ultrasound in dogs with clinical signs due to heartworm disease

Estimates suggest that over 1 million dogs in the United States are infected with heartworm ( Dirofilaria immitis ). Although dogs often have no, or only mild clinical signs with heartworm infection, some dogs develop life-threatening cardiopulmonary disease. Point-of-care ultrasound is a useful tool to assess dogs with severe heartworm disease and varies from a quick ‘fluid check’ to more comprehensive exams that utilize standardized views. Ultrasound is commonly used to diagnose cavitary effusions and intracardiac heartworms. With more advanced training, ultrasound can be used to identify interstitial lung abnormalities and evaluate the morphology of the right heart.