In addition to heartworm, what other significant illness does Dirofilaria immitis cause?

Dirofilaria immitis is primarily known for causing heartworm disease in dogs and cats, which is a serious and potentially fatal condition. While it is a significant concern for pet owners, it is important to recognize that Dirofilaria immitis has a specific life cycle and pathogenicity that primarily centers around causing heartworm disease.

This organism does not generally lead to other diseases such as tick-borne fever, parasitic skin disease, or intestinal obstruction. Hence, stating that it is exclusively associated with heartworm is accurate. By understanding this, it becomes clear that Dirofilaria immitis is primarily related to heartworm disease and does not cause any other significant illnesses in companion animals. This distinction is important for veterinarians and pet owners in focusing their information and preventative measures regarding the risks associated with Dirofilaria immitis.