Occurrences of heartworm in our four-legged friends have become less frequent due to many excellent prevention methods available in veterinary care, such as monthly heartworm prevention medication. Unfortunately, this havoc-wreaking parasite still shows up despite a caring owner's diligent efforts. Thankfully, prevention isn't the only available method. Heartworm treatment, though sometimes costly and restricted in its options, can be effective.
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Immiticide or Adulticide
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The Immiticide, or Adulticide, treatment is the costliest, yet most effective. The drug is injected into the dog's muscle over a period of one to two months. Treatment can be done as an outpatient procedure, however in some severe cases it is recommended that the dog be hospitalized until treatment is complete. It takes about two weeks for the worms to start dying as the medication causes them to break into smaller pieces and begin circulation through the dog's bloodstream. During this time, the treatment can be potentially dangerous. Many worms can die at once, causing a large clump of worms to travel through the dog's circulation, increasing chances of partial or complete blockage of blood flow in the dog's lungs or vessels. Keeping the heart rate low decreases the chance of blood clots; therefore it is crucial that the dog's activity be restricted for several weeks. Only a limited amount of leash walking is allowed.
Average Cost
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On average, Adulticide or Immiticide treatment is the most expensive treatment. Cost ranges anywhere between $300 to $1,000 depending on how many treatments are needed, which is determined by the severity of the diagnosis. Hospitalization is sometimes recommended or required, therefore increasing the cost of treatment.
Less Expesnive Treatment
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Using a preventative method as a treatment is as cheap as it is controversial. Because treatments such as Heartgard are designed to prevent heartworm, not kill the parasite, it may take two to three years for the preventative medicine to eliminate all worms from the body, if ever. Heartguard and other preventative medicines shorten the lifespan of the heartworm, preventing them from planting new microfilariae. Any microfilariae already in the dog are slowly killed. This treatment is more effective in cases that are caught early on. If the dog is already infected with adult heartworm, the killing of microfilariae will prevent reinfection but may not kill adult worms. This means that the dog will still retain the existing symptoms of heartworm disease, but the symptoms should not increase or worsen.
Preventative Treatment
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Using preventative treatment to kill existing heart worm is significantly less costly, however the treatment is less likely to be effective. Veterinarians often prescribe heartworm prevention medicine, such as Heartgard, when treating only mild cases of heartworm. Heartgard costs approximately $40 for a six-month supply, making it a preferable financial option. However, if preventative medicine is used to treat adult heartworm, it may either never be effective or may require several years of continuous doses, ultimately costing more money.
Warning
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Heartworm, if left untreated, can eventually cause heart attacks or even kill pets, costing owners money to treat heart conditions or perhaps even costing them their beloved pet. Prevention is ultimately the best and least expensive method to avoid heartworm disease, but when that doesn't work, you should consider both the cost to your wallet and the cost to your pet's life.
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