Note: The following treatment regimen is based on recommendations of the American Heartworm Society.
Heartworm disease is the parasitism of the heart, blood vessels, and lungs by heartworms. Symptoms are coughing, exercise intolerance, lethargy, weight loss, and eventually heart failure. The adult heartworms produce baby heartworms called microfilaria that are transmitted by mosquitoes. Microfilaria migrate inside a blood vessel wall from the skin to the heart, grow into 14 inch adults and produce more microfilaria. The entire cycle takes approximately 6 months. Treatment is possible using a very special injectable arsenic compound called Immiticide. Your dog will be scheduled for a 1 day hospital stay to do the following. It will take at least 6 separate visits over 5 months time to treat your dog for heartworms. The following is for asymptomatic dogs. Those with symptoms will have their treatment regimen adjusted as needed.
Injections of Antihistamine (Benadryl) and Steroid
First dose of heartworm preventative and observation for reactions.
Prescription of Doxycycline antibiotic to start being given before next visit.
Upon returning home begin use of heartworm preventative for 3 months. This will reduce the numbers of circulating microfilaria while allowing pre-adult heartworms in the blood vessel walls to mature and become susceptible to treatment. One month prior to Second Visit begin use of Doxycycline antibiotic.
(treatment 1) Complete Comprehensive Physical Exam
Bloodwork and Chest X-rays to evaluate the heart size, shape and function.
Single (1)injection of Immiticide ( arsenic compound)
Steroid for Immiticide injection site pain and possible lung inflammation.
Dog is discharged for 2 weeks of complete cage rest at home.
Please report any coughing, not eating, depression or any other problems
THIRD VISIT: Regular Appointment visit for –
Complete Comprehensive Physical Exam
With a normal exam dog returns home for 2 more weeks of complete cage rest.
Please report and coughing, not eating, depression or any other problems
FOURTH VISIT: Hospital Admission for 2 days & 1 night to receive –
(treatment 2) Complete Comprehensive Physical Exam and
Two (2) injections of Immiticide 24 hours apart
Steroid for Immiticide injection site pain and lung inflammation
Dog is discharged for 2 weeks of complete cage rest at home.
Please report and coughing, not eating, depression or any other problems
FIFTH VISIT: Regular Appointment visit for –
Complete Comprehensive Physical Exam
With a normal exam dog returns home for 2 more weeks of complete cage rest.
Please report and coughing, not eating, depression or any other problems.
SIXTH VISIT: Regular Appointment visit for –
Complete Comprehensive Physical Exam
With a normal exam your dog has completed all phases of heartworm treatment.
*** Be sure to continue MONTHLY heartworm prevention on a year round 12 month basis.
Your pet will need a heartworm test every year.
NOW YOUR DOG MAY RETURN TO NORMAL RUNNING AND PLAYING!
