Short answer: Immiticide.
- Melarsomine is the drug of choice for the first stage and is effective for killing adult heartworms living in the arteries of the lungs.
- Melarsomine is an arsenic-based drug. Although these drugs are known to kill adult heartworms, the exact method of the killing action is unknown.
- Melarsomine is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.
- http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/melarsomine-immiticide/page1.aspx
Long answer another time!
Heartworm is a nasty and devastating disease. The treatment can have varying degrees of complications even death. Because the worms are severalinches long & live in the heart & lungs of the infected animal, as they die can cause pulmonary embolisms. Not to mention the damage that they have already done to the heart.
ReplyDeleteWhat is sad is that the parasite is so easy & inexpensive to prevent. Unfortunately most of those that end up in recues have not had much in the way of veterinary care or love/affection.
Rescues & shelters that provide a second chance to these wonderful pets are truly remarkable. If you give a rescue a chance - they will truly be the most wonderful addition to any family. Good luck in all you do. Thanks