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Heartworm adulticide medication, a prescription veterinary drug called melarsomine (Immiticide), is a set of injections that kill the heartworms in a dog; it is worth noting that this medication cannot be used safely in a cat. It is extremely important that the dog’s worms die gradually. Following are the most common complications the author has encountered from heartworm treatment, as well as strategies to minimize them. 1. Pulmonary Emboli. Embolized worms are one of the most dangerous risks following melarsomine therapy. For dogs exhibiting signs of severe heartworm disease, diagnostics may provide additional prognostic information, but even in those cases, the necessary treatment plan is the same. Vast numbers of heartworm adulticide treatments have been performed without the benefit of extensive diagnostic testing in shelters and private clinics across the Heartworm treatment is a critical step in restoring your dog’s health, but the recovery process requires careful attention to ensure successful outcomes. From managing side effects to preventing complications, this guide addresses your most pressing questions and provides actionable advice. energetic dogs, this can be difficult, but the alternative (a risk of fatal heart problems if exercise is not restricted, or if no treatment is given) is worse. TROUBLESHOOTING BEFOREHAND There is no reason to allow running, jumping, or other physical activity at any time for 8 weeks after the start of the injectable heartworm adulticide treatment. Treating heartworm disease in dogs is a long, painful and intense process, so you want to make sure you give him the absolute best care you can afterward. Your pup’s going to need a lot of rest — like, a LOT — so you should set him up with the comfiest spot in the house. Gabapentin – Pain reliever; May cause mild sedation or stomach upset. This medication helps with the pain caused by the intramuscular injections of the heartworm treatment (which can cause soreness, lameness, and pain, sometimes severe). Trazodone (optional) - anti-anxiety sedative. You may be given a dosing schedule to help remember when to start medications. Heartworm Treatment 1A can be scheduled after your pet has been on Heartgard for two consecutive months. Step 5: Heartworm Treatment 1: This is the first heartworm treatment. You bring your dog for admission in the morning between 8:00 am and 9:00 am and they will The prognosis remains guarded because recurrence within several weeks is common. Prednisone may be combined with cyclophosphamide (50 mg/m2 PO Q 24 H for 4 days for dogs; ensure adequate diuresis due to risk of sterile cystitis) or azathioprine (1.65–2.2 mg/kg PO Q 24–48 H for dogs) in an effort to heighten the immunosuppressive effect. Gabapentin for 2-3 days following each injection. Prednisone for 30 days after the injections. Doxycycline or Minocycline for a 30-day course prior to injections. Ivermectin-based heartworm prevention for two months before injections (Advantage Multi is also acceptable). Post Heartworm Treatment Instructions For Your Dog Your pet has undergone treatment for Heartworm Disease. There may be some muscle soreness in his/her lower back as a result of the injections administered in this area for the heartworm treatment. The soreness usually resolves within 3-7 days after the treatment. Once heartworm disease has been confirmed, either by the presence of microfilaria or after sending blood to a lab for a second heartworm test, your dog can begin the process of heartworm treatment. This process begins with a complete physical exam and may include additional lab tests and x-rays. The American Heartworm Society recommends the following heartworm treatment protocol for dogs. This method effectively eliminates most heartworm infections when closely followed by both you and your veterinarian. Gabapentin has anticonvulsant properties that make it beneficial for adjunctive therapy for dogs with refractory seizures or those whose current medication regime is no longer effective enough. Gabapentin is also an analgesic, meaning it provides relief for chronic pain and neuropathic pain. He seemed fine after the first 2 however became very sore at injection site following the 3rd. After the steroids and pain killers kicked in he was doing much better. As we began to taper the steroids he was in a lot of pain again, helping if and holding his leg up. He is now on gabapentin (200 mg and he’s only 20lbs) and rimadyl for the pain. While heartworm treatment is associated with a significant risk of side effects, these risks can be minimized through early treatment and client education. Activity restriction remains the most important aftercare instruction for dog owners to follow.
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