My dog has advanced heartworms. Is treatment worth the risk?

Yes and no. There are two different protocols for treating heartworm infections. The first is a rapid kill method and this is generally preferable to a slow kill method. The rapid kill method will be completed within two months including the cage rest. This protocol tends to be preferred because it decreases damage to the heart from the worms. It does carry some potential side effects such as anaphylactic reactions and potential embolisms from dead worms. Some pets are not a candidate for this protocol. This protocol uses a specific medication called Immidicide. The slow kill method does utilize drugs like ivermectin. The worms will not be completely killed for 1 to 3 years and so on going damage is possible. During this time the dogs must make sure to take all the medications on time and as prescribed. Talk to your veterinarian about which option is best for Hollywood. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

There is really only one treatment for adult heartworm disease which is given by injection. The other method is just continuing to use preventative medications so they don’t continue to be bitten and infected with more heartworms. The hope is over time the worms will die. This may take years and the worms will continue to do damage to the body while they exist. Heartworm disease is complicated and devastating and the treatment does have the potential for side effects. If Scooby does have heartworm disease then a long conversation with your veterinarian about treatment plans would be advised. American heartworm society https://www.heartwormsociety.org. Has some great information and resources as well. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Melarsomine is the only medication that can kill adult heartworms, and there unfortunately is not a less expensive option. Sometimes veterinarians will discuss what is commonly known as a 'slow kill' method, but in reality this means starting an antibiotic to weaken the heartworms and then giving a monthly preventative and waiting for the heartworms to die on their own. Some veterinarians do not recommend this due to the potential to develop resistant heartworm infections. If Waylon is not symptomatic this might be an option. He would be at risk for developing side effects from the dying heartworms for 1-2 years and exercise restriction is recommended during that time. You should talk to your veterinarian and ask about all of your different options, and you could also try contacting rescue groups in your area to see if there are any that could help with heartworm treatment. You also may want to look into Care Credit (www.carecredit.com).

My oldest dog was adopted with heartworms 13 yeas ago and is still doing well, so it certainly can be treated. I am attaching more information on heartworm disease below from the American Heartworm Society and a handout about treatment. https://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=610 Unfortunately, there are a number of variables when it comes to heartworm treatment, so I cannot give you a price estimate, but I would recommend contacting your veterinarian to discuss a price range. Most commonly, we recommend bloodwork, urinalysis and chest x-rays, then decide on which treatment method will be best for them. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your questions. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Unfortunately no. There is a slow kill method using oral Heartgard monthly but it can take a year or more and allows more damage to occur to the lungs of the dog. You would also need to get the medication for your Vet. Rocky would have to be exercise restricted for 1-2 years. The 3 injection technique using adulticide is the standard of care. Below is the protocol from the American Heart worm Society. I wish you and Rocky the best! https://www.heartwormsociety.org/images/pdf/Canine-Guidelines-Summary.pdf

A "low positive" may mean a low adult heartworm burden. The preventive is to kill any immature heartworm (microfilariae). The doxycyline is to kill the wolbachia bacteria. This is an organism that lives within the heartworm parasite as a symbiont. This portion of the treatment lasts 30 days after which medication is given via injection to kill adult heartworm. Treatment is outlined at the link below. https://d3ft8sckhnqim2.cloudfront.net/images/pdf/HeartwormTreatmentGuide_PetOwnerColor.pdf?1561720859

If you are prepared to go through with the treatment and aftercare this dog will require and understand that there are rare complications that that could be fatal, then I say go for it. I've been through heartworm treatment with one of my dogs and it added several wonderful years to his life.