1. **Diagnosis**: Before treatment, your veterinarian will confirm the presence of heartworms through blood tests, X-rays, and possibly ultrasound.
2. **Stabilization**: If your dog is showing symptoms such as coughing, lethargy, or difficulty breathing, they may need stabilization before starting treatment. This can include medications to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
3. **Adulticide Treatment**: The primary treatment for heartworm disease is an adulticide, usually melarsomine, which kills adult heartworms. This treatment is administered through injections, typically given in a series. Your dog will need to be kept calm and rested during this period to prevent complications.
4. **Microfilaricide Treatment**: After the adult worms are treated, a microfilaricide may be given to kill the baby heartworms (microfilariae) that are circulating in the bloodstream.
5. **Post-Treatment Care**: After treatment, your dog will need to be monitored closely. This includes follow-up veterinary visits, additional blood tests, and restrictions on exercise to allow the body to clear dead worms safely.
6. **Prevention**: To prevent future heartworm infections, it’s crucial to start your dog on a heartworm prevention medication after treatment, as recommended by your veterinarian.
It’s important to note that while treatment is effective, it can be expensive and may not be suitable for every dog, especially those with severe heartworm disease. Always consult with your veterinarian for the best course of action for your dog’s specific condition.
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