Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 7/21/2009

Question
Our 14 year old English springer has tested positive for heartworm disease.  For the past month he has been sleeping alot and very inactive.  Blood tests show HGB, MCHC, Auto platelet,RBC, HCT and high monocytes and eosinophil.  His breathing is labored.  What is probability that he would successful make it thru treatment?  I understand it is grueling.

Answer
Lynn -

You should discuss this with your veterinarian - age is not usually a factor as much as the overall condition of your dog.  If the dog's breathing is labored, it appears that your dog may not be in good condition and may not be a candidate for heartworm treatment at this point.  Your vet can help stabilize his condition and then consider if he is ready for the heartworm treatment.

The treatment itself is not grueling at all. The difficult part is to keep the animal quiet for a prolonged period of time (usually eight to twelve weeks#.  The medication used now is not dangerous - there may be side effects - but that can occur with any medication.  I havea treated several hundred patients for heartworm disease and most have done quite well post treatment.

Voice your concerns to your veterinarian.  He/she will let you know whether or not your dog is a candidate for heartworm treatment.  If your dog's illness is too far advanced for treatment, be aware that congestive heart failure is often the result of untreated heartworm disease.  

Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitos and is almost 100$ preventable.  There are many preventatives that are extremely effective and most are not too expensive. I recommend heartworm preventative for all dogs (and cats, too), not just those that live in areas heavily populated by mosquitoes.


Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM