“What’s Wiggling in That Drop of Blood?” — Why Heartworm Prevention Is Non-Negotiable

At Arbor View Animal Hospital, we care about the little things—and sometimes, those “little things” are really little, like microfilariae (baby heartworms) seen under the microscope. We recently captured a close-up video of a microfilaria wiggling its way through a blood sample. It’s fascinating to watch… until you remember what it means for your pet’s health.

🎥 Watch the video below to see the actual movement of a microfilaria in real time—this is what’s happening inside the bloodstream of an infected pet.

What Are Heartworms?

Heartworms are parasites spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once bitten, your dog or cat can become a host to these worms that grow and live in the heart and lungs. It can take 6 months or more for them to mature, and once they do, they can cause severe lung disease, heart failure, and even death.

Why Preventative Medication Is Crucial

The scary part? By the time your pet shows symptoms, the disease may already be advanced. Fortunately, heartworm disease is entirely preventable with monthly medications that are safe, easy, and affordable.

Prevention:

Kills the microscopic larvae (microfilariae) before they mature.
Protects your pet from suffering.
Saves you thousands in treatment costs and potential heartbreak.

Heartworms in Our Area

Here in Valparaiso, Indiana, mosquitoes are more than just a summer nuisance—they’re a real health threat to pets. We’ve diagnosed cases locally, and we can tell you firsthand: heartworm disease is here.

Real Talk: Treating Heartworm Is Hard

If a dog tests positive for heartworm, the treatment is long, expensive, and not without risks. It involves multiple injections, strict cage rest, and months of careful monitoring. For cats, treatment options are even more limited—prevention is the only safe choice.

Why go through all that when one chewable tablet or topical treatment each month can stop the disease before it starts?

Don’t Wait—Protect Them Today

If your pet isn’t on year-round heartworm prevention, now’s the time to change that. We’re happy to help you choose the right product and keep your pet on track with reminders and refills.

👉 Have questions or want to start prevention today? Give us a call or stop by—we’re here to help.

And if that little wiggle in the microscope video made your skin crawl… that’s exactly the point. Let’s keep those parasites out of your pets and off your mind.

Arbor View Animal Hospital – Trusted Veterinary Care in Valparaiso

Proudly serving dogs, cats, and exotic pets from Valparaiso, Chesterton, Portage, Northwest Indiana, and other surrounding areas — including clients who travel from afar for trusted care, especially for exotic species.