What is a common sign seen on radiographs of an animal with heartworm disease?

Enlarged pulmonary arteries are a common sign observed on radiographs of animals suffering from heartworm disease. This condition is caused by the presence of adult heartworms in the pulmonary arteries, where they reside and cause damage. As the worms proliferate, they lead to inflammation and obstruction of the blood flow, which causes the pulmonary arteries to become enlarged due to the increased pressure within these vessels.

This radiographic finding is critical for veterinarians in diagnosing heartworm disease, as it indicates that the heartworms are affecting the circulatory system and the lung vasculature specifically. Recognizing this sign on imaging studies allows for timely intervention and treatment, which can significantly improve the prognosis for affected animals.

Other options, while related to cardiovascular and respiratory issues, do not align as closely with the characteristic changes seen in heartworm disease radiographs, highlighting the significance of recognizing enlarged pulmonary arteries as a diagnostic marker.