Dog is heartworm positive

[Dinogrrl]

Vet tech here, seconding that the 'slow kill' method is no longer considered a good treatment option by the American Heartworm Society and various veterinary communities. In addition to the reasons already listed above, it means that the worms are still going to be alive and causing damage to your dog's heart for the years it takes for them to die.

Either treatment method has its risks for the dog, but it is far better to have a few months of stir-crazy dog than years of dragging the condition out.

 

[MallardMama19]

I agree with res. As a vet tech myself, typically the heart worm cases that we see here (MN) are unfortunately are from puppies/dogs from the south. It can be tedious to treat but manageable. I wouldn’t recommend the option of what some vets are calling a “slow kill” of heartworms, there is some discrepancy in effectiveness in the studies being done. You’d also be looking at long term medications as well. The tried and true is immeticide injections and doxycycline I would recommend asking if your clinic or other clinics offer boarding as one of there services, I’d be hesitant to board him else where just in case employees aren’t as thorough about restricted activity.
Sedatives can be given as well. An alternative would be confining him with a toy or treat he enjoys. Filling a kong with goodies, and then Popping it in the freezer for 24-48 until frozen and then giving it to him may make the kong last longer. Typically after a few weeks short leashed walks (i’d recommend using a halter and standard leash, not retractable) should be okay.
Typically the manufacturer will back up there product if it’s purchased through a vet clinic and pet has been current on annual visits and heartworm tests. Just keep in contact with your veterinarian for further fallow up. Hope all goes well.

 

[MallardMama19]

Vet tech here, seconding that the 'slow kill' method is no longer considered a good treatment option by the American Heartworm Society and various veterinary communities. In addition to the reasons already listed above, it means that the worms are still going to be alive and causing damage to your dog's heart for the years it takes for them to die.

Either treatment method has its risks for the dog, but it is far better to have a few months of stir-crazy dog than years of dragging the condition out.

I second this!!

 

[Sue Gremlin]

I third this! Aside from the problems in the heart that adult worms can cause, treating with a monthly preventative may not kill off any circulating microfilariae. In that case, any that ARE circulating may be resistant to heartworm treatments, so your dog can serve as a reservoir for a resistant infection to all the other animals around.

 

[HomesteaderWife]

Our little dog ended up heartworm positive a few years ago. This was sometime in mid-July and she immediately started heartworm treatment. I had to keep her crated the entire time and leash walk her through the process, but she's crate-trained and calm in personality anyways. She went through the injections for treatment, and recovered well. I'd talk more with the veterinarian about ways to keep your pup calmed down during this time.