In the world of veterinary medicine, July 2nd was a game-changer for the prevention of heartworm disease in dogs.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine announced the regulatory approval of ProHeart 12 (moxidectin), a once-a-year injection formulated to prevent heartworm disease and treat hookworms. The newly approved injectable will reach Bees Ferry Veterinary Hospital in mid-August.

ProHeart 12

ProHeart 12 is the only vet-administered injection to prevent heartworm disease in dogs for one full year. People often tell us that they struggle to remember to give their dogs the recommended monthly heartworm prevention treatments. We completely understand the challenge, but you do not want your dog to have gaps in protection. Heartworm disease is serious and can result in severe lung disease, heart failure, other organ damage, and even death. A dog is a natural host for heartworms, and the team at BFVH is so excited to introduce dog owners to ProHeart 12 which offers these benefits for one full year:

Effective for One Full Year: In 3 well-controlled studies, ProHeart 12 showed 100% efficacy against Dirofilaria immitis.

Compliance for One Full Year: Dog owners no longer have to remember monthly at-home treatments. Now, a ProHeart 12 injection can simply be part of your regular vet visit, including mobile services.

Peace of Mind for One Full Year: With the team at BFVH making sure there are no gaps in protection, you can trust that your dog won't be affected by the serious and potentially fatal heartworm disease.

What Is Heartworm Disease?

According to the American Heartworm Society, "Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in pets in the United States and many other parts of the world. It is caused by foot-long worms (heartworms) that live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels of affected pets, causing severe lung disease, heart failure and damage to other organs in the body."

The mosquito plays an essential role in the heartworm life cycle. Baby worms circulate in the bloodstream of infected animals. When a mosquito bites and takes a blood meal from the animal, it can ultimately transmit the disease to the animal. Heartworm disease affects cats, ferrets, and several wild species; but dogs are the most common hosts for heartworms. If untreated, heartworms that live inside the dog mature into adults, mate, and produce offspring. Dogs have been known to harbor several hundred worms in their bodies!

Learn More

Heartworm disease can cause lasting damage to a dog's health and quality of life long after the parasites are gone. Prevention is by far the best option. We would love to tell you more about ProHeart 12 and how we can remove monthly doses of heartworm meds for your dog from your long to-do list. Simply contact our office and be sure to ask about our mobile services. We can administer the injectable of ProHeart 12 in your home!