Prevention is key when treating heartworms in dogs. A dog can become infected with heartworm--dirofilaria immitis--and not show any symptoms for months. By the time the owner notices any physical symptoms the dog may have only a slight chance for survival. Immiticide is used to kill heartworms in dogs.
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Features
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Immiticide will only kill adult heartworms; typically two doses are given. Immiticide should only be injected deep in the lumbar muscles of the back. The first dose of Immiticide will kill most adult heartworms. The second dose works to kill the resistant female adult heartworms and the immature adult heartworms that soon develop into mature adults.
Benefits
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When the dog is not treated monthly with a heartworm preventative it may acquire heartworms. Immiticide can give the dog a second chance at a healthy life, or even save its life. Dogs cannot be given heartworm treatments if they are positive for worms. Using Immiticide to kill adult heartworms will allow you to return to regular preventative care for your dog.
A dog with vena cava syndrome will have heartworms removed surgically through the jugular vein. If you catch the heartworms before this stage, Immiticide eliminates the need for invasive surgery.
Warnings/Toxicity
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Immediately contact your veterinarian if you think your dog is infected with heartworms. Follow all of the veterinarian's orders for recovery of heartworms and Immiticide treatment. Call the vet immediately if your dog develops any side effects from Immiticide.
According to peteducation.com, Immiticide cannot be given to dogs with Class 4 disease until the heartworms are removed surgically from the large vein carrying blood back to the heart. When the worms die your dog may experience weakness and must be kept separate from other pets for up to six weeks. Keeping the dog quiet and isolated reduces the risk of pulmonary embolism. Use of Immiticide can kill a dog, but heartworms are ultimately fatal, and not treating them could mean a slow and painful death for your dog.
Immiticide is an arsenic derivative, which makes it toxic if not given cautiously by a veterinarian. The veterinarian will need the dog's exact weight before beginning treatment. If the proper dose is not given the toxicity can lead to death.
Side Effects
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Side effects of Immiticide can appear immediately or take as long as two weeks to develop. You may see inflammation at the injection site, pain, swelling, coughing, drooling, panting, diarrhea, gagging, vomiting, lack of appetite, irregular heart rhythms, coughing up blood, lethargy, depression, fever and lung congestion. Immiticide may also damage the lungs or kidneys.
Immiticide can cause damage when killing the heartworms. A great number of adult heartworms will cause blockage and inflammation to the blood vessels. Too much blockage to a vessel or the heart can result in death.
Prevention
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To avoid the need for Immiticide, treat your dog with a monthly heartworm preventative. Safeguard the dog's environment to kill mosquitoes that carry heartworm larvae. Use citronella candles to keep the mosquitoes away in the summer. Thoroughly vacuum and clean your house to remove any larvae in the carpet and furniture. Wash your pet's bedding on a regular basis.
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