Heartworm treatment

Video: Kingsley after heartworm treatment

Heartworm treatment should be much safer for dogs now that a new medication, Immiticide (rx), is available to veterinarians. This medication has fewer side effects and kills a higher percentage of heartworms than Caparsolate (rx), which has been the only medication available until now.

Video: Treating Heartworm

Heartworms live in the heart and the large blood vessels which go to the lungs from the heart. When they are killed by medications, a danger of embolism results if the dead worms block the flow of blood to the lungs. This is a common cause of death during a heartworm treatment. This risk still exists with Immiticide, but to a much lesser extent, due to differences in the timing of heartworm deaths. In addition, Immiticide does not appear to damage the liver or kidneys, which was sometimes a problem with Caparsolate.

If your dog has heartworm disease and you have been putting off treatment due to the higher risk of complications associated with Caparsolate, it would be a good idea to call your vet and discuss this new treatment. Dog feel better after heartworm treatment and their expected life span is the same as a dog that was not affected with this parasite if treatment is successful. Even though there is a small risk of death during treatment, it is still usually a much better choice than not treating for heartworms.

Reviews & Comments