Treating End-Stage Heartworms (Dogs)?

Question

I have an older dalmatian, about 12 years old, who has just been diagnosed with end-stage heartworms. He is a pretty big dog (about 100 lbs) and has lost a lot of weight so far. He's also got some arthritis and we switched him onto some high-grade dog food. Our vet said that prescription medication was out the question because as the worms died they would leave holes in his heart. Any suggestions or recommendations for treating him? Also, is walking him safe?

My dog was taking his monthly heartworm medication. We live next to a swamp/jungle, thanks to my great neighbor. For those of you that don't know, those kinds of environments are mosquito breeding grounds. So please don't say I was neglecting my dog.

Answer 1

Walking is fine.

The dog on the bottom left was in that condition. She was found wandering in nowhere land KY. By the time we got rid of the Heartworm her heart tissue was eaten away so badly she wasn't supposed to survive. That was two years ago and she is still kicking. She has good days and bad days but her hips from being hit by a car actually give her more trouble than her heart. She is my old lady and after going through all that I had to keep her.

I am confused about the vet saying as they die they leave holes you want them dead. They are eating the heart tissue being alive. You want to stop them by killing the worms. I would suggest another vet. Bessie was down to 80 lbs and now back up to a little over 100 and has had remarkable recovery from her treatment. She was no ones family pet and no one cared but us and I know I made the right choice to treat her. This is your family pet please treat the worms don't let him suffer an agnozing death as the worms will continue to eat the heart tissue.

Answer 2

Yes-get another opinion. What your Vet is telling you doesn't even sound correct. I was fortunate when my dog contracted heartworm once a few years ago. The Vet in my state that I went to wanted to kill him with the typical heartworm treatment that is given.So I sought the opinion of my dog's old Vet in another state.

I don't know what state you are in, but you absolutely have to get another opinion.

If all else fails, I want you to at least give this Vet a call-he is in South Dakota and saved my dog's life. He is absolutely the best and will help you with your dog. His name is Dr. James Pajil (pronounced 'payhill'), and his phone number is (605)-665-9441. Just explain to his receptionist that you were referred by someone and that you want to know what your options are. Even if you couldn't make it to SD for treatment with your dog, he could refer you to someone in your area who uses the same treatment for heartworm.
He isn't expensive, either. He dearly loves all animals and your dalmation could possibly live at least 5 years longer.
At least make the call and find out what your options are.
Good Luck to you!

Answer 3

http://www.ambertech.com has a heartworm medicine that is holistic. My Yahoo groups tell me that it works. Research back in Yahoo Answers. Someone told me just last month that it worked for their dog.
Another answer is the slow kill method of killing the heartworm. This is done by giving the dog a Heartguard twice a month instead of monthly. This, I hear, takes about 6 months to kill the heartworm, so is much safer for the dog. Ask you vet about it or research on the net.

Answer 4

I rescued an older Beagle (10+ yrs), dumped in the woods with advanced Heart Worm disease, she was treated with the series of 3 injection Heart Worm Treatment, it was a risk, but if I did not take the risk there was a 100% fatality rate for her. She made it through the treatment with no problems, but unfortunately the damage from heart worms, that had been left untreated for a very long time, have done irreversible damage, to the heart, lungs, and kidneys. What I would like to know, is periodic belly taps, and lasix shots and lasix pills to keep the fluid from filling around the heart, lungs and kidneys the healthiest option for her at this time. I know her time is limited, but if these treatment can give her comfort and more time, I will do what ever is best for her. Also with the removal of all the fluid, is there a supplement I will need to add to replace any important minerals,and vitamins lost from excessive fluid. Thank You

Answer 5

My Rotty, Gator, passed from end-stage heart worms last year- the Vet said to make them as comfortable as possible during this time, keep them hydrated & to limit alot of activity. Regardless of prevention treatment, dogs can STILL get heartworms, and this was my case. Therefore I gave her anything she wanted, and was by her side when she passed telling her what a good dog she is & how much we love her. She died with a big smile on her face.

Answer 6

We had a dog that was younger and we decided to treat and take the risk. He survived. I would get a second opinion or specifically ask your vet about ivemectin.

Also on walking the dog, I would be very careful doing this. We were told to limit activity with our pet. Make sure that it is not too hot out and go on a very slow even walk.

I feel for you. Good luck with your vet.

Answer 7

You should be okay doing all the things you used to do. But your dog may get tired faster. You won't be able to cure this; make the most of the time you have left with your buddy. Please remember for your other pets or future pets how important it is to give them heartworm preventative every month.

Answer 8

get another opinion. Always, in matters of life or death, when you don't get good news, get a second opinion. If your vet doesn't like it, get another vet, too.

Answer 9

WTF????
You CAN treat a dog for heartworm!!!!
It CAN BE dangerous *BUT* the heartworm ***WILL*** KILL IT if you don't TRY!!!
Worms do NOT "leave holes"-they can CLOG the vessels *&* the chambers!
EXERCISE IS ***BAD*** for heart problem dogs!!!

Do you WANT to kill him? Then EUTHANISE TOMORROW!
NOT let it linger & suffer!

Answer 10

Many rescues and vets use Ivomectin for severe sick dogs and to keep costs down. At this point he will prob. die soon one way or the other.