Adopted Newf tested positive for heartworms

Essa

New member
Our newly adopted Newf is three, he is in good health and shows no symptoms now except a light cough that may have happened just once due to heat.

Does anyone have a protocol they have used that worked for them? Anyone have suggestions? We are putting together a protocol for Danny Boy, using what experience and knowledge I have, limited, and taking notes from others, including naturopathic vets. Thanks for helping.
 

Ivoryudx

New member
To be honest with you, I have no experience with Naturopathic treatments for heartworm, but IMO, this is not something to experiment with and needs treatment sooner rather than later. If he has a cough, it is further advanced than just microflaria, meaning he has adult worms which are causing heart damage and possibly lung damage right now.
 

Jeannie

Super Moderator
My Sara was HW positive when we got her years ago from rescue. We knew she had them but we decided to bring her here for treatment rather than keep her in a foster home. I agree with Susan, the treatment needs to be done soon before there is major heart damage.

If the treatment is the same as for Sara he will get shots and you have to keep him quiet for 30 days. The worms will die and migrate to the lungs where they will be absorbed. If he get his heart pumping the dead worms can cause death because they will travel too fast from the heart to the lungs causing a blockage. After 30 days he will get another shot to kill the microflaria. My Sara was 7-8 when she had her treatment. She lived to be almost 13.
 

Jeannie

Super Moderator
Oh, I would have more than on test run. My Panda tested positive (also from rescue) but an 2nd and 3rd test showed negative. She was never treated ad lived to be over 13 yo.
 

Tula

New member
Totally agree with above posts. A cough is not a good sign...do not delay treatment. Kim
 

Essa

New member
The vet said he wasn't going to treat until December due to the life course of heartworms. I don't understand anymore. Will call him tomorrow. But that did mean to me that I had six months to do all I could to get rid of them. We do have a protocol but I want them gone now, not later. I have contacted several specialists, waiting for more info from everyone.

He doesn't have symptoms, but we are not letting him overheat at all or run and play, though he wants to charge around all happy. btw, never seen anyone so happy to take a c than this dog LOL.
 

Garden_girl

New member
We do have a protocol but I want them gone now, not later. I have contacted several specialists, waiting for more info from everyone.

He doesn't have symptoms, but we are not letting him overheat at all or run and play, though he wants to charge around all happy. btw, never seen anyone so happy to take a c than this dog LOL.
All you really have to do is Google heartworms, then click on images. That would be enough to make me realize how quickly I would want this taken care of.

Good luck and let us know how he's doing!
 
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