Although pet parents never want to discover that their pal has heartworm, all but the most severe cases can usually be treated or at least managed successfully. And while treatments vary depending on each pet’s particular case, an infected canine will likely experience some of the following cycles on his way to recovery. Depending on the severity of symptoms, we may ask dog parents to restrict their pup’s activity level. This is done because the more physical energy that is exerted, the more damage worms can cause to the heart and/or lungs. We also evaluate blood tests to ensure that the dog is stabilized and ready to begin the actual treatment. If he is not, there are medications that can be used to get him stabilized for the treatment phase. Ridding the pup of heartworm consists of a series of injections given over a certain time period. This period may range from 60 days to several months, depending on each dog’s particular case. Once all injections have been completed, we will do follow-up testing to ensure the worms and their larvae have been eliminated. In some severe cases, a second round of injections may be required to accomplish this. When it is determined that all worms and/or larvae are gone, it will be important to keep your canine pal on a regular heartworm preventive for the rest of his life, as re-infestation is possible.
Because there is no medication to eradicate heartworms in cats, our mission for infected felines is to ensure their condition is stabilized, then keep them closely monitored to minimize any effects of the disease. If respiratory issues arise, hospitalization may be necessary to treat symptoms, and in very severe cases, surgery has been performed to physically remove the worms. Although the disease typically can’t be eliminated in cats like it is in dogs, felines can usually live peacefully with the condition with proper care.
As you can see, both treating and managing heartworm is possible, but both are far more time-consuming and costly than simply giving your pets a regular preventive medication. Let us work with you and recommend the best preventive option to keep your pals protected from heartworm and other pest-induced illnesses.