Serologic Testing Serologic tests detect the presence of mature female worms not male worms. When females worms are absent. When the number of worms is few. False negative results can occur in dogs with less than three female worms, particularly if they are less than 1 year old. These tests are semi-quantitative meaning that a rapidly developing, strong reaction suggest a relatively large worm burden.
Test appears to be very reliable except when heartworm burden is low.
Treatment Therapy consists of elimination of the adult worms with an arsenical followed by treatment with a microfilaricide. Careful assessment of each animal is necessary prior to commencing adulticide therapy and if there are complications such as right heart failure, appropriate management is required. Primary or secondary disease of the liver or kidneys is important because the agents used in treatment are eliminated by and toxic to these organs. If pulmonary interstitial densities are severe, oral anti-inflammatory treatment with corticosteroids should be considered prior to adulticide therapy. The objective is to render patients as clinically normal as possible before treatment.