Updates on Heartworm Disease Management for Animal Shelters

The issue of heartworm disease in animal shelter populations is distinct from that of dogs in the community, or seen in private veterinary practice.

In a free webcast co-presented by Maddie’s Fund® and the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, Updates on Heartworm Disease for Animal Shelters, Dr. Brian DiGangi of the ASPCA helps you to understand current practices and challenges to standard heartworm management guidelines in the shelter setting. Viewers will also learn how to design disease management protocols feasible in the shelter setting and develop best practices for minimizing heartworm transmission in relocated dogs.

Topics covered will include:

  • American Heartworm Society guidelines
  • Overview of current shelter practices
  • Association of Shelter Veterinarians position statement
  • Prevention protocol risks and benefits
  • Shelter-focused diagnosis and treatment protocols
  • Best practices for minimizing transmission
  • Shelter-friendly resources

The 90-minute presentation of Updates on Heartworm Disease for Animal Shelters was held  on August 24,2017. The on-demand version of the webcast is now available to the public on the Maddie’s Fund website.

This program was reviewed and approved by the AAVSB RACE program for 1 hour of continuing education in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB RACE approval. Please contact the AAVSB RACE program if you have any comments/concerns regarding this program's validity or relevancy to the veterinary profession.

This course has been pre-approved for Certified Animal Welfare Administrator continuing education credits.

About the Presenter

Dr. Brian DiGangi

Dr. Brian DiGangi is Senior Director of Shelter Medicine at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. After earning his DVM at the University of Florida in 2006, Dr. DiGangi completed a rotating internship in small animal medicine, surgery, and critical care, a residency in Shelter Animal Medicine, and received his MS in Veterinary Medical Sciences in 2010. Dr. DiGangi has published research on canine heartworm disease, feline adoption, pregnancy detection and immunology. He is board certified in both Canine and Feline Practice and Shelter Medicine Practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. Dr. DiGangi is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Heartworm Society and the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, serving two terms as ASV President. Prior to joining the ASPCA, Dr. DiGangi was a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Florida.

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