Heartworms Are Treatable Even In Old Dogs
A diagnosis of heartworms is not a death sentence, even in a somewhat older dog.
Precious “Sweetie” came to see us this week, her first doctor’s visit in her 8-year lifespan. Not surprisingly, having never been on a heartworm preventive and living in a swamp-surrounded, mosquito-laden area of a southern state, her test came back positive.
Pre-heartworm treatment radiographs of her chest indicated only moderate damage to the heart and lungs, and complete blood count, chemistry profile and urinalysis show that her body is up to the challenge of a carefully-executed heartworm treatment.
We are beginning the process tomorrow, and anticipate a full and uncomplicated recovery, despite her age.
Best of all, we anticipate extending her lifespan by several years by eliminating heartworms from her body. Within two years, we expect a followup radiograph of her chest to show little or no evidence that heartworms were ever there.
See you tomorrow, Dr. Randolph.
Related posts:
- When Pets On Heartworm Preventive Get Heartworms
- Dog Gets Heartworms After Missing Preventive Doses
- ALL Pets Need Heartworm Preventive ALL The Time
4 Comments to “Heartworms Are Treatable Even In Old Dogs”
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There is a lot going on here, SJaffe, so let’s go step by step. 1, it’s good that she’s on heartworm preventive (readers need to understand that there is a medical protocol for beginning heartworm preventive for heartworm-positive dogs which must occur under careful medical guidance. Do not attempt this at home.) That will keep her from getting more heartworms. 2, There are many conditions that can cause deep breathing and wheezing. It may or may not be related to her heartworm status. Your veterinarian’s physical examination and chest X-ray will help to determine why this is happening. 3, That said, the swollen abdomen concerns me, and could indicate ascites. In heartworm disease, ascites is most likely to occur when the heartworm burden is great, creating congestion to blood flow from the right side of the heart toward the lungs. Also, ascites may occur in Caudal Vena Cava Syndrome, a complicated process in heartworm disease. In either of these cases a veterinarian’s intervention is needed. 4, Only your local doctor can advise you regarding cost. 5, Beware of “alternative treatments.” Study after study proves that heartworm-infested dogs experience significantly more damage to the lungs and circulation when non-traditional treatments are used. In other words, your veterinarian is going to have to perform an examination and some tests in order to answer your questions. We do hope you will keep us up to date about his findings and her progress. Best wishes, Dr. Randolph.
HI Dr. Randolph, I foster a cocker-spaniel who is 12 yrs old. She is heartworm-positive and it’s just breaking my heart. I would love to do everything I possibly can do help her get through this. She doesn’t really have a cough but she breaths very very deeply (with a wheeze) mostly at night and after getting excited. It seems that her abdomen might be swollen (based on what I’ve read online). She is on her heartworm preventative. Basically, my question in I’m thinking about adopting her. I don’t know how much financially this will hurt me or even if she is suffering right now. Do you have any advice as to alternative treatments/anything?
Thank you!
Patrick, I’m happy to report that Sweetie came through the heartworm treatment with ZERO complications. In fact, I just saw her in the clinic today and scheduled her for unrelated surgery next week. Thanks for asking, Dr. Randolph.
Did she make it?