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Our 8 year old Golden was diagnosed with Heartworm. What is the treatment for this affliction and what is our next step?

The first step in treatment is to evaluate cardiac and pulmonary function to assess damage and the ability of the pet to undergo treatment. If the pet is stable medication is administered to eliminate the adult heartworms from the heart. The medication is usually administered while the animal remains in the veterinary hospital for the initial treatment. Once that is done, the pet may go home with severe restrictions on activity for 4-6 weeks. The dog then usually returns to the veterinarian for a blood test and more medication to eliminate the circulating microfilaria in the blood stream. Heartworm prophylaxis is then reommended to prevent reinfection. In severe cases other precautions and therapies may be needed depending on the amount of cardiac and pulmonary disease that is present as a result of the heartworm infection.

Dr. Horwitz, Veterinarian

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