Michael W. Dryden, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVM, emphasized the importance of proper administration of parasiticides as well as consistency to prevent heartworm disease during his Fetch KC keynote lecture. He reviewed macrocyclic lactone activity and the importance of timing to be effective.
Discussing resistance, Dryden emphasized doing a better job, as there may be factors causing canines to be left unprotected by parasiticide products that have been proven to work.
Source: DVM 360, August 23, 2025. Link.
We have no idea how much [heartworm]resistance is out there, we have no <blasted> idea because we don’t do a good job. We’ve got to do a better job.” – Michael W. Dryden, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVM
INSIGHTS: Pet owner timing and compliance have been issues for decades.
Related: Study compares heartworm disease treatments, DVM 360, August 13, 2025. Link. Investigators found promise in an injectable moxidectin protocol.