Whether living in endemic or nonendemic areas, heartworm remains a top priority parasite for dogs and cats. Andrew R. Moorhead, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVM (Parasitology), reviews the life cycle and strategies for prevention and treatment.
It is crucial to test all dogs for microfilariae at the same time as antigen testing.”
Source: Clinician’s Brief, March 2021. Link. Treatment recommendations for heartworm disease are constantly changing says Moorhead. It is important animal health pros keep current on developments. The 3-dose treatment protocol is the recommended approach to treatment in most cases.
Also see: Alternative heartworm adulticide protocol in dogs, Clinician’s Brief, January/February 2021. Link. Craig Datz, DVM, MS, DABVP, DACVN discusses results from a recent study: Efficacy of semi-annual therapy of an extended-release injectable moxidectin suspension and oral doxycycline in Dirofilaria immitis naturally infected dogs. <Link> Note: Injectable moxidectin as used in this study is extra-label and not approved by the FDA or the drug manufacturer