Heartworm

[Dale Moss]

Thanks to all for your suggestions about treating (or not treating)
heartworm. Ulysses is taking them under advisement and will tell me, his
humble servant, what his desires are. But first, a romp in the creek....

Peace,
Cinnabar

[Fran Sheffield]

Hi,

I know I asked about this in the past but have lost the answer...

Can a dog with heartworm by given the heartworm prophylactic - and
what's the best way to treat the problem.

Many thanks, Fran.

[Diane]

Fran,

If you know your dog already has heartworm, it can be risky to give heartworm preventative before the dog's been treated for heartworm removal by a vet, because as the microfilarie heartworm die off from the preventative it can not only cause shock but severe problems, and even death of the dog. Depending upon the degree of heartworm infestation, as they die off, they give off toxins and can literally clog up the heart and circulatory system causing pulmonary thrombosis.

It's usually heartworm test first, injections of an immiticide (heartworm killler), observation and restricted activity during this period, then when clear of heartworms use the heartworm preventative.
Be sure to ask your vet.

Diana

[Fran Sheffield]

Thanks Diana,

I will pass this info on to the person enquiring.

Fran.