Step-by-Step Heartworm Treatment Plan
Introduction
If your dog has been diagnosed with heartworm disease, you may feel anxious or overwhelmed by the prospect of treatment. Heartworm disease is indeed a serious condition, but with prompt and appropriate treatment, many dogs can recover and go on to lead healthy, active lives. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the heartworm treatment process, from diagnosis to post-treatment care, ensuring you have the information you need to support your dog’s recovery.
Step 1: Diagnosis Confirmation
After your dog tests positive for heartworms, your veterinarian will confirm the diagnosis with additional testing. These tests help determine the severity of the infection and guide the treatment plan. The key diagnostic tools include:
Microfilaria Test: This test checks for the presence of microfilariae, which are the offspring of adult heartworms, in your dog’s bloodstream. The presence of microfilariae confirms that adult heartworms are present and reproducing in your dog’s body. A positive microfilaria test typically indicates a more advanced infection.
Radiographs (X-rays): X-rays are used to assess the extent of the heartworm infection and to evaluate any damage to the heart, lungs, and pulmonary arteries. X-rays can reveal the presence of enlarged blood vessels, fluid buildup, and other changes that indicate the severity of the disease. This information is crucial for determining the best treatment approach and assessing the dog’s prognosis.
Ultrasound: In some cases, an ultrasound may be used to visualize the heart and lungs in more detail. This imaging technique can help identify the presence of adult heartworms in the heart and pulmonary arteries, as well as assess the extent of damage to the heart and surrounding tissues.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Chemistry Panel: Blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel, may be performed to evaluate your dog’s overall health and identify any underlying conditions that could complicate treatment. These tests provide important information about your dog’s kidney and liver function, red and white blood cell counts, and electrolyte levels.
High customer satisfaction and claim approval ratings. Coverage starts as early as 6 weeks old, giving you the earliest protection against illness and injury.
Step 2: Pre-Treatment Medications
Before beginning the main treatment to kill the adult heartworms, your dog will need to be prepared with pre-treatment medications. These medications help to reduce the risk of complications during treatment and improve the chances of a successful outcome.
Doxycycline: Doxycycline is an antibiotic that is commonly used as part of the pre-treatment regimen for heartworm disease. It targets a bacterium called Wolbachia that lives within the heartworms. By killing the Wolbachia, doxycycline weakens the heartworms, making them more susceptible to the adulticidal treatment. Additionally, doxycycline reduces inflammation and the risk of complications associated with the death of the heartworms.
Dosage and Administration: Doxycycline is typically given at a dosage of 10 mg/kg twice daily for 28 days. It is important to complete the full course of doxycycline as prescribed by your veterinarian.
Heartworm Preventive: Your dog will continue to receive their regular heartworm preventive medication during the pre-treatment phase. This is essential for killing any new larvae that may have been transmitted by mosquitoes and for preventing further infection. The heartworm preventive also helps reduce the number of microfilariae in the bloodstream, which can reduce the risk of complications during treatment.
Observation: After administering the heartworm preventive, your dog should be monitored for signs of an allergic reaction, especially if microfilariae are present. In some cases, pre-treatment with antihistamines and corticosteroids may be recommended to reduce the risk of anaphylaxis.
Activity Restriction: From the moment your dog is diagnosed with heartworm disease, it is crucial to limit their physical activity. Exercise increases the risk of complications by causing the dead worms to move into the lungs, where they can block blood vessels and cause severe damage. Your veterinarian will likely recommend strict activity restriction, which may include cage rest, leash walks only, and avoidance of any strenuous activity.
High customer satisfaction and claim approval ratings. Coverage starts as early as 6 weeks old, giving you the earliest protection against illness and injury.
Step 3: Heartworm Treatment
The primary treatment for heartworm disease involves a series of injections that kill the adult heartworms. The treatment protocol recommended by the American Heartworm Society (AHS) is the three-dose melarsomine regimen. Melarsomine is the only FDA-approved drug for killing adult heartworms.
Activity Melarsomine Injections: Melarsomine is administered by deep intramuscular injection into the lumbar muscles (located along the lower spine). The three-dose protocol involves the following schedule:
Activity First Injection (Day 60): The first injection of melarsomine is given on day 60 after the start of the pre-treatment phase. This initial dose begins the process of killing the adult heartworms. After the injection, your dog will need to be monitored for signs of an adverse reaction, such as pain at the injection site, lethargy, or difficulty breathing.
Second and Third Injections (Days 90 and 91): The second and third injections are given 24 hours apart, approximately 30 days after the first injection. These two injections complete the adulticidal treatment, targeting the remaining adult heartworms. The two injections are given in opposite lumbar muscles to reduce the risk of complications.
Pain Management: Your veterinarian will prescribe pain relief medication to help manage any discomfort associated with the injections. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids may be used to reduce pain and inflammation.
Close Monitoring: After each injection, your dog should be closely monitored for any signs of complications, including pain, swelling, difficulty breathing, or lethargy. If any of these symptoms occur, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Step 4: Post-Treatment Care
After the melarsomine injections have been completed, your dog will require continued care and monitoring to ensure a full recovery. The post-treatment phase is critical for minimizing the risk of complications and allowing your dog’s body to heal.
Strict Activity Restriction: Continue limiting your dog’s physical activity for at least six to eight weeks after the final melarsomine injection. This is the most critical period for preventing complications, as the dead heartworms begin to break down and are absorbed by the body. During this time, it is essential to restrict your dog’s activity to leash walks only and avoid any vigorous exercise or play.
Cage Rest: In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend cage rest to further limit your dog’s movement. This involves keeping your dog in a crate or small, confined area to prevent them from running, jumping, or engaging in other strenuous activities.
Follow-Up Testing: Approximately nine months after the final melarsomine injection, your veterinarian will perform follow-up testing to ensure that the heartworms have been completely eliminated. This typically involves an antigen test and, if necessary, additional imaging or blood tests. If the follow-up tests are negative, your dog is considered free of heartworm disease.
Continued Prevention: Even after successful treatment, it is essential to keep your dog on a year-round heartworm prevention regimen to protect against reinfection. Your veterinarian will recommend the best preventive option for your dog, based on their individual needs and risk factors.
Potential Complications
While the heartworm treatment protocol is generally effective, there are potential complications that can arise during or after treatment. Understanding these risks can help you take appropriate action if your dog shows signs of distress.
Pulmonary Embolism: Pulmonary embolism is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication that occurs when dead heartworms break apart and block blood flow in the lungs. Symptoms of pulmonary embolism include difficulty breathing, coughing, collapse, and sudden death. This is why strict activity restriction is so important during and after treatment, as physical exertion can increase the risk of embolism.
Management: If your dog shows signs of pulmonary embolism, immediate veterinary care is required. Treatment may include oxygen therapy, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and other supportive measures to stabilize your dog’s condition.
Caval Syndrome: Caval syndrome is a severe form of heartworm disease that occurs when a large number of adult heartworms block blood flow through the heart’s tricuspid valve. This condition can lead to heart failure, liver and kidney damage, and death if not treated promptly.
Surgical Intervention: Caval syndrome requires emergency surgical removal of the heartworms. This procedure is typically performed by a veterinary specialist and involves removing the worms through a small incision in the jugular vein. While the surgery can be life-saving, it is a high-risk procedure with potential complications.
Best Price Pledge
Getting quotes from multiple sites just means SPAM, SMS and Voicemail messages. At PuppyInsurance.com, there's no need. Find the same plan for less in 24 hour, we'll credit you the difference.*
Conclusion
Heartworm treatment is a challenging but necessary process to save your dog’s life. By following the treatment plan carefully, administering the prescribed medications, and maintaining close communication with your veterinarian, you can help your dog recover from heartworm disease and return to a healthy, active life. The key to a successful outcome is early detection, adherence to the treatment protocol, and diligent post-treatment care. Remember that heartworm prevention is equally important—keeping your dog on a year-round preventive regimen is the best way to protect them from future heartworm infections. If you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s heartworm treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian for guidance and support.