A diagnostic tool in development could lead to earlier heartworm detection

The first phase of research into breath-based diagnostics for detecting heartworm disease in dogs has been completed by Global Innovative Platforms Inc. The initial study by the animal health diagnostics developer focused on validating data for a point-of-care, noninvasive test designed for earlier detection of heartworm infection than the current industry standard.1

“Early detection is the key to protecting dogs from the serious effects of heartworm,” Andrew Brown, CEO of Global Innovative Platforms, said in a news release.1 “Our goal is to create a simple and noninvasive breath test that veterinary teams can use to potentially identify infections earlier than available heartworm diagnostic tests. If successful, earlier detection could [provide] veterinarians and owners the opportunity to intervene sooner, potentially helping dogs live healthier, longer lives.”

According to the American Heartworm Society (AHS), it takes at least 6 months after infection for a dog to test positive, and there may be no symptoms showing.2 The breath test in development aims to detect infection in less than 6 months.1

Lindsay Starkey, DVM, PhD, DACVM (Parasitology), an associate professor of parasitology at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and research team leader at Global Innovative Platforms, noted that investigators are always seeking new ways to improve animal health. "Working on this project is exciting, and the initial data [are] encouraging. We look forward to continuing the research and exploring how breath analysis may contribute to earlier, more effective detection,” Starkey said in the release.1

Starkey, who also serves as editor for the AHS, worked with Sarah Zohdy, PhD, BS, an associate professor of disease ecology at Auburn University in Alabama, and the late Byron Blagburn, PhD, MS, who was a Distinguished University Professor Emeritus at Auburn University and died in 2024.1,3 Pioneer scientists Zohdy and Blagburn began their heartworm and breath research in 2017.1 Additional on-site testing was overseen by parasitologist Elyssa Campbell, PhD, director of the Filariasis Research Reagent Resource Center at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in Athens.1

RELATED: Understanding and combating heartworm preventive resistance4

Investigators collected and analyzed more than 100 breath samples under Campbell’s supervision during the yearlong study period. “I’m grateful to be working with such a talented team and committed to continuing this work. The data we have gathered show a lot of promise and reinforce our belief that breath analysis could be a significant step forward in veterinary diagnostics,” Campbell said in the release.1

The AHS currently recommends that dogs be tested annually for heartworm, even when they’re being treated with preventive medication. Patients who are just starting on a preventive regimen should be administered a heartworm test initially, then again after 6 months, before moving to annual testing. Puppies younger than 7 months can be started on a heartworm preventive without being tested.2

References

1. Global Innovative Platforms announces completion of first phase of breath test study for early heartworm detection. News release. Global Innovative Platforms. October 7, 2025. Accessed October 7, 2025. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/10/07/3162720/0/en/Global-Innovative-Platforms-Announces-Completion-of-First-Phase-of-Breath-Test-Study-for-Early-Heartworm-Detection.html
2. Heartworm in dogs: when should my dog be tested? American Heartworm Society. Accessed October 7, 2025. https://www.heartwormsociety.org/heartworms-in-dogs?highlight=WyJmb3IiXQ==
3. Official obituary of Byron Lynn Blagburn. Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home. Accessed October 7, 2025. https://www.jeffcoattrant.com/obituary/ByronLynn-Blagburn
4. Starkey L, McCafferty C. Understanding and combating heartworm preventive resistance. dvm360. March 24, 2025. Accessed October 7, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/understanding-and-combating-heartworm-preventive-resistance

‌