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The ultimate goal in heartworm treatment is elimination of all adult heartworms with minimal posttreatment complications. The necessary steps in accomplishing this goal include: Pre-Adulticide Evaluation: This evaluation includes a thorough history, physical examination, and confirmatory antigen or microfilarial test.
For your convenience, guidelines are offered in both full and summary formats. These guidelines are living documents and are revised periodically based on information presented at the American Heartworm Society’s Triennial Symposium, new research, and additional clinical experience.
Appropriate treatment kills both mature and some immature heartworms. There are 2 approved treatment protocols, or methods, used for treating existing infections; a 2-dose protocol or a 3-dose protocol.
Before actual heartworm treatment can begin, your dog’s condition may need to be stabilized with appropriate therapy. In severe cases of heartworm disease, or when a dog has another serious condition, the process can take several months. Administer treatment.
Dogs with severe heartworm disease may require antibiotics, pain relief medications, special diets, diuretics to remove fluid accumulation in the lungs, and/or drugs to improve heart function prior to treatment for the heartworms.
For detailed information on heartworm diagnostics, please refer to the complete AHS Current Canine Guidelines. PRINCIPLES OF HEARTWORM TREATMENT • The goals of any heartworm treatment are to improve the clinical condition of the animal and to eliminate all life stages of the heartworms (microfilariae, larval stages, juveniles,
Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, but infections can be prevented by using routine medications. While heartworm disease can be life-threatening, there are effective treatment options for established heartworm infections, and strict rest during the treatment period is critical to recovery.
