The procedure for heartworm treatment involves the use of an adulticide (a drug which kills the adults) called Immiticide. Immiticide works over a two week period by gradually killing and breaking up the heartworms. Once the worms are broken the body must continue to absorb them. As a result, the 4 to 6 week period post treatment is critical; the patient's activity level must be kept to a minimum. Any excercise or burst of energy can put your dog at risk of forming a thrombus (clot) in the lungs. This is a potentially fatal risk. Activity should therefore be limited to leash walking only for 4-6 weeks.

STEP ONE: TREATMENT OF ADULT WORMS
Two injections are given 24 hours apart in the large muscle group in the back. As a result, there may be some swelling or tenderness in the back area as well as some stiffness when walking. Applying a warm compress over the area may help. Typically, we send home an antibiotic and asprin-based anti- inflammatory to help prevent secondary lung infections, clots associated with dying worms, and pain over the injection site. In the week post treatment you may notice some coughing, a decreased appetite, occasional vomiting, lethargy or difficulty breathing. Please call us if these occur.

STEP TWO: TREATMENT OF LARVAL WORMS
The second step is to return in one month to check for microfilaria (baby heartworms). If your dog is positive for microfilaris, we will treat with ivermectin that day. This necessitates a day treatment because of the possible risk of having an allergic reaction to the dying microfilaria. Please make an early morning appointment in case of a positive recheck. If microfilaria treatment is needed we will recheck your dog again in 1 to 2 weeks to make sure they are cleared from the body. If your pet is negative for microfilaria at the initial or follow-up check, restart the monthly heartworm preventative. Occasionally, the doctor will recommend starting the preventative before treatment.

FINAL TEST:
The final recheck is six months after treatment to check for occult heartworms (the adults). You may make your pet's appointment any day of the week and call the following day for the test results.