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ANIMAL CLINIC WAIMALU, INC.
(click name for map)
98-020 Kamehameha Hwy.
Aiea, HI 96701 
Phone: (808) 487-3607

This month's questions:
What is Heartworm Disease?
How do we Prevent Heartworm Disease?
What do I do if my dog has Heartworms?

Prior Questions:

•  A mosquito bites a dog infected with heartworm and takes in microfilaria (immature worms) when it feeds
•  The microfilaria develop into the infective stage larvae within the mosquito
•  The mosquito then transmits the infective stage larvae into a susceptible dog
•  The larvae migrate through the tissues and eventually reach the heart.

How do we Prevent Heartworm Disease?
The only effective means of preventing heartworm disease is to administer preventative medication to our pets. These come in oral tablets given once a month, a topical given once a month, or an injectable medication given every 6 months by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can discuss with you the best treatment option for your pet. Heartworm medication is based on your pets body weight. It is very important to make sure you are administering the right size preventative for your pet. Under-dosing the medication or missing doses means that your pet is not protected against heartworm disease.

What do I do if my dog has Heartworms?
Heartworm disease is usually diagnosed with a blood test. There are two parts to the testing procedure. One tests for baby heartworms (microfilaria) and the other test measures for the presence of adult worms. If your pet comes out positive for the adult worms then we would need to do a comprehensive work up to check for secondary changes due to heartworm disease. This usually includes blood work, x-rays of the lungs and heart, and sometimes a urinalysis.
Your veterinarian would then discuss with you the risks vs. benefits of treatment options from here. The most common treatment is an arsenic compound called Immiticide which is given in the muscles of the back. The treatment regimen may consist of one injection followed in one month by two injections given 24 hours apart or if your pet is in good physical shape two injections given 24 hours apart. If your pet has baby heartworms there are different treatment options for this as well. Normally your dog would be put on a monthly heartworm medication and retested in 4-6 months. During the treatment period it will be important to keep your pet quiet for 4-6 weeks following the injections. During this time the worms which are killed by the arsenic compound are dying and being broken down by the body. Too much activity could cause complications. Heartworm treatment does have risks which you will need to discuss with your veterinarian.

THE BEST OPTION IS PREVENTION! IT CAN BE A LIFESAVER!
Heartworm disease is very prevalent in Hawaii but it has been found in all 50 states. We strongly recommend starting your puppies on heartworm prevention and continuing it throughout their lives. It is a simple way to avoid a potentially deadly disease.