My dog has heartworm scar tissue causing a cough. Can it be treated?

Question

Please help. I have a 8 year old hound beagle mix that I adopted two years ago. He had heartworm disease at the shelter, they treated him but since then he has internal scar tissue. This has caused a coughing that I'm told he has to live with. Steroids, Theo, Opiods and Hydrocodone are not working. Is there any way to heal or remove this internal scar tissue? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 50 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

If the internal scar tissue is in the aorta then there is no way to remove it. Scar tissue in the lungs is also permanent, especially if steroids were given and there is no change. (steroids can soften scar tissue). I am afraid the coughing ins likely permanent. Adapt his exercise according to the severity of the cough, and have him regularly checked for heart problems. He is lucky to be alive and lucky to have you to worry about him. Heart worm disease is a nasty disease that often kills. The treatment also can kill. Most dogs with severe heart worm infection who survive will retain some heart or lung problems due to damage done by the heart worms. As far as I can see there are no other treatments besides the ones already tried that can relieve this cough.

My dog has heartworm scar tissue causing a cough. Can it be treated?

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