Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 4/8/2009

Question
I addopted a shelty mix that had been treated for heart worm. Then he was on heart guard for 5 months.3months post tx blood work was clean. Dog continues to have a rare cough while at rest.May be once a week. Is this due to prior infection of heart worms or could the heart worm reoccured? Hes a colorado dog where Heart worm is rate.Im not sure where he aquired his origional exposure.

Answer
Sharrill -

The cough may be likely do to damage to the lungs while the animal was infected with heartworms.  Have a veterinarian evaluate your dog as soon as possible. He/she may be able to help quiet the cough by providing your dog with medication such as steroids to make him comfortable.  

Continue heartworm preventative throughout the year.  Even though heartworm disease is not as prevalent in Colorado, the diseases is rapidly becoming detected all over the country.  Heartworm disease is easy to prevent, so continue giving your pet his heartworm preventative once a month.


Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM