How to treat dirofilariasis in dogs? - briefly
Dirofilariasis in dogs is typically treated with a combination of surgery and medication. The surgery involves removing the adult heartworms from the heart and great vessels, while medication targets the microfilariae and remaining larvae.
How to treat dirofilariasis in dogs? - in detail
Dirofilariasis, also known as heartworm disease, is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in dogs caused by the parasitic worm Dirofilaria immitis. The treatment of dirofilariasis in dogs involves several steps and requires veterinary supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness. Here is a detailed overview of the treatment process:
The first step in treating dirofilariasis is diagnosis, which typically involves a combination of blood tests, such as the antigen test and microfilaria test. These tests help identify the presence of adult heartworms or their offspring (microfilaria) in the dog's bloodstream.
Once a positive diagnosis has been confirmed, the treatment process can begin. The American Heartworm Society (AHS) recommends a three-phase approach to treat dirofilariasis in dogs:
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Stabilization: Before starting the main treatment, it is crucial to stabilize the dog's condition, particularly if they are showing signs of severe disease or heart failure. This may involve administering medications such as corticosteroids and diuretics to reduce inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs. In some cases, cage rest and limited exercise may be recommended during this phase.
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Adulticide treatment: The primary goal of adulticide treatment is to kill the adult heartworms present in the dog's heart and pulmonary arteries. The most commonly used adulticide is melarsomine dihydrochloride, which is administered as a series of intramuscular injections. The AHS recommends a three-dose protocol:
- The first dose is given on day 0 (the day of diagnosis).
- The second and third doses are given 24 hours and 30 days after the initial injection, respectively.
Melarsomine dihydrochloride works by causing the death of adult heartworms, which are then slowly eliminated from the dog's system over several months. It is essential to note that this process can be accompanied by side effects, such as pain and inflammation at the injection site, fever, and in rare cases, anaphylactic reactions. To minimize these risks, veterinarians may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and monitor the dog's progress closely during treatment.
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Post-treatment care: After completing the adulticide treatment, it is crucial to provide proper post-treatment care to ensure the dog's recovery and prevent reinfection. This includes:
- Exercise restriction: Limit exercise for several months after treatment to allow the heartworms to be eliminated from the body safely. Strenuous activity can increase the risk of complications, such as pulmonary thromboembolism (blood clots in the lungs).
- Heartworm preventive: Begin administering a monthly heartworm preventive medication immediately after treatment and continue it for life to protect against future infections. Several options are available, including ivermectin-based products (e.g., Heartgard Plus), milbemycin oxime-based products (e.g., Interceptor Plus), and moxidectin-based products (e.g., Advantage Multi).
- Follow-up testing: Perform follow-up heartworm tests 6 to 12 months after completing the adulticide treatment to confirm that the infection has been eliminated and that the dog is negative for adult heartworms. If the test results are still positive, additional treatment may be necessary.
In addition to these standard treatments, some veterinarians may recommend supportive therapies such as antibiotics, anticoagulants, or bronchodilators to address specific concerns related to the dog's condition. It is essential to consult with a veterinarian throughout the treatment process to ensure that the dog receives appropriate care tailored to their individual needs.
Preventing dirofilariasis in dogs is always preferable to treating it, as treatment can be costly, time-consuming, and potentially risky. Regular use of heartworm preventive medications and annual testing are critical components of a comprehensive heartworm prevention strategy. However, if your dog has been diagnosed with dirofilariasis, prompt and appropriate treatment under veterinary supervision is crucial to minimize the risks associated with this serious condition.