Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is a roundworm that typically affects dogs, cats and wolves. It is transmitted from host to host through mosquito bites and resides within the heart of the host animal. Heartworm infection is a serious disease and leads to death if left untreated. Animal heartworm sufferers are categorized in stages (or classes) from one to four, one being the least severe. Typical signs of heartworm infection include weight loss, coughing, fainting and exhaustion. There are various ways to prevent and control heartworm infection in dogs. They include heartworm tablets, monthly injections and topical treatments.
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Ivermectin-Based Treatment
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An introductory ivermectin-based product is administered to stage-one heartworm patients. Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug sold under various brand names, including Mectizan, Ivexterm and Stromectol. It is commonly prescribed to prevent and treat canine heartworm infection. Ivermectin is useful in killing young larval-stage heartworms, or microfilariae. Examples of ivermectin-based products that treat stage-one heartworm include Ivomec, Heartgard Plus and Acarexx. These antiparasitic drugs are useful in the treatment and control of various parasitic worms, including heartworms, roundworms and hookworms. Ivermectin-based heartworm products are typically available in chewable pill form.
Melarsomine Dihydrochloride
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Melarsomine dihydrochloride, manufactured under the trade name Immiticide, is a canine heartworm preventive and cure medicine. It is injected intramuscularly into the lumbar (back) muscles in two 2.5 mg/kg doses, 24 hours apart, under the supervision of a veterinary doctor. The treatment may be repeated after four months if heartworm infection persists. Melarsomine acts by killing both immature (over four months old but not yet adult) and adult heartworms. Side effects associated with melarsomine dihydrochloride include vomiting, lung congestion, fever, lack of appetite, coughing and/or depression. Melarsomine is also available as a powder, which is mixed in sterile water before administration.
Doxycycline
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Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that weakens and kills adult heartworms. Merial (the manufacturer of Immiticide) recommends treating a dog with the antibiotic for 30 days before beginning Immiticide treatment. However, a study conducted by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Faculty of Veterinary Science revealed that the simultaneous administration of doxycycline and Immiticide was more effective than a continuous treatment. Doxycycline kills wolbachia, a genus of symbiotic bacterial organisms that live within the body of adult heartworms. A 30-day doxycycline course weakens adult heartworms by killing all wolbachia and microfilaria. It further inhibits the worms from causing damage through embolism and inflammation.
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