"Female heartworms" refers to adult female worms that live in the hearts of infected animals, such as dogs. These worms can cause serious health problems in the animals they infect. Full definition
The most accurate screening for heartworm infection is a simple blood test that detects a substance produced by adult female heartworms in infected dogs. (petwave.com)
Both look for tiny protein fragments that mature female heartworms release into your pet's blood. (2ndchance.info)
Adult female heartworms also release specific proteins into the dog's bloodstream. (dogcare.dailypuppy.com)