This medication prevents the larvae from developing into adult heartworms. Prescribed medications must be given as directed. Today, the majority of dogs with heartworm disease survive. Most are cured by medications. Some require surgery.
Prompt detection prevents needless suffering.
Although heartworm is seen less frequently in cats, the disease poses a much greater danger. The outcome is often fatal. There currently are no drugs approved for fighting heartworm in cats. Cats can be treated with canine medications, but this can lead to dangerous side effects, including lung failure and death. However, this approach can result in sudden death as the worms exit through the pulmonary arteries to the lungs.