Heartworms

What is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm disease is a non-contagious disease that is fatal if left untreated in dogs. Heartworms are caused by mosquitos: the infected mosquito bites the dog and injects a bacteria called Micro-filaria into the dog’s bloodstream. The bacteria migrates to the dog’s heart where it grows and develops into adult (1ft long) heartworms. Adult heartworms reproduce over time which ultimately causes heart, multi-organ failure, and death. 

If my dog gets heartworms, can it be treated?

The treatment for heartworms is a long and painful process.  Dogs should be tested at their annual exam by your veterinarian, even if they’ve been on prevention.  Heartworm positive dogs are tested by a quick blood test done in your veterinarian's office.  We highly recommend that you ask your vet for a 4DX test as it also tests for deadly tick borne diseases as well as heartworm disease.  Your veterinarian will most likely put your dog on prednisone and start him/her on 30 days of Doxycycline which kills the baby heartworms and sterilizes the adult females.  This is an important part of treatment in order to stop the progression of the disease.  Your vet may also start your dog on an Ivermectin based heartworm preventative to stop any new disease infections.  The cost to treat a dog for heartworm disease can range from $600-2,000 depending on the size of the dog and the severity of the disease.  It’s easy to see how a $10/month heartworm pill is way more cost effective.

After the 30 days of pre-treatment, the dog will then get 1 Immiticide (arsenic based) injection deep in their back muscle. Typically the dog spends the night at the vet’s office and will be given pain medication or laser therapy as the injection is extremely painful.  The dog will go home with additional pain medication and most likely stay on the prednisone for another 30 days.  After those 30 days your dog will receive the 2nd and 3rd injections, 24hrs apart, and stay at the vet for 1-2 days to be closely monitored.  When your dog is back home with you it’s critical that they’re kept extremely calm and crated.   They cannot be exercised at all, including walks, as it's critical that their heart rate stays as low as possible as the worms are dying inside their heart.  

As the dog is recovering from treatment, always watch for lethargy, shortness of breath at rest, coughing up blood, or frothy sputum, as this is a medical emergency.  As the worms that are approximately 1ft long are dying they become more active and the dog could very easily develop a worm clot in their lungs which is again why it's so critical to keep the dog calm and quiet during this recovery period.

When your dog has fully recovered 30 days post 3rd injection you should keep your dogs on monthly prevention to prevent reinfection.

How can I protect my dog from getting heartworm disease?

Have your dog 4DX tested for heartworms annually and if he is negative have your vet prescribe a monthly heartworm preventative.  There are many options including a 6 month injection (Prohart); Heartgard, Trihart, Iverhart, Advantage Multi,  Revolution, Sentinel, Interceptor and Trifexis.  Several brands also will protect your pet against intestinal parasites and fleas and ticks so we recommend you consult with your veterinarian on a choice that is best for your dog. If you give your dog a pill or topical form we recommend that you give the prevention on the 1st of each month.  Also, we recommend putting a reminder in your smartphone and on your calendar.  Heartworm prevention should be given all 12 months of the year. 

Note: It is still recommended that your pet be tested annually even if they are on prevention.

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