My dog has heartworms. Can I use Ivermectin if he can't rest?

Question

Approx. 2 yo pit/lab? mix, Buford, is positive for heartworms. Due to circumstance can't do treatment (can't guarantee restricted movement). Looking to dose with 1% Ivermectin solution (labeled for swine and pig, subcutaneous). Intending to give 0.03ml of this solution to begin, and ramp up dosage once it is verified he is not sensitive. What monthly dosage of Ivermectin would be recommended in this case, and some likelihood of him beating worms with continued application, or lifespan if not? Ty. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 2 years and 2 months old | 80 lbs

Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH · Accepted Answer

I'm so sorry to hear that Buford has contracted heartworms. I adopted a dog with heartworms and it can be challenging to decide on the right treatment protocol for a high energy dog. First, let's clarify that at some point the adult worms are going to die. That can occur from us killing them with the medications that we call an "adulticide" or it can occur when the adult worms reach the end of their life expectancy. At that point. if Buford is exercising, the worm dying can results in a clot to the lungs. An adult worm can live up to 5 years, so you really should keep Buford exercise restricted until his heartworm disease has resolved regardless of how you treat it. Second, a higher dose of ivermectin does not result in the adult worms dying faster. It only keeps Buford from getting any more adult worms which will make his infection worse. I am attaching the following information from the American Heartworm Society ( https://www.heartwormsociety.org/images/pdf/Canine-Guidelines-Summary.pdf ). "In cases where arsenical therapy is not possible or is contraindicated, the use of a monthly heartworm preventive along with doxycycline at 10 mg/kg BID for a 4-week period might be considered. An antigen test should be performed every 6 months and the dog not considered cleared until two consecutive NAD (no antigen detected) heartworm antigen tests, 6 months apart, have been obtained. If the dog is still antigen positive after one year, repeat the doxycycline therapy. Exercise should be rigidly restricted for the duration of the treatment process." So, their recommendation is just to do regular heartworm prevention monthly (not higher doses of ivermectin) combined with Doxycycline for the first 4 weeks, then recheck a heartworm test in 6 months. At some point, if you keep Buford on heartworm prevention monthly, we expect that the worms will die and he will clear the infection. The worry is that the longer the worms are there, the more damage they can potentially do to the blood vessels. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using PetCoach.

My dog has heartworms. Can I use Ivermectin if he can't rest?

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