Treatment Procedure

Slow kill treatment was developed years ago when there was a shortage of Melarsomine. Doctors prescribe rounds of the antibiotic doxycycline and at times steroids, in addition to keeping a dog on monthly or bi-weekly Heartworm preventative. Doxycycline has been shown to weaken adult Heartworms, decrease their body size, keep them from reproducing, and decrease the likelihood of larval stage worms from developing into adult worms. This method does not kill all adult Heartworms all at once, but rather weakens them so that they will die off faster, and prevents new worms from entering the heart. This is often a method used for dogs who can not mentally or physically handle a minimum of 60 days of complete exercise restriction. Our doctor will do a comprehensive exam to help you decide if this is a good treatment option for your dog.