Heartworm Disease

Question 1

the heartworm test detects

Answer 1

antigen of the adult female worms, it works well in dogs but not cats. in cats you can use antibody test but it just indicates exposure and not active infection.

Question 2

what drug to treat heartworm in dogs must be used with caution?

Answer 2

melarsomine

Question 3

what drug is used as a preventative for heartworm?

Answer 3

ivermectin, milbemycin, selamectin, etc

Question 4

heartworms like to hang out where?

Answer 4

pulmonary artery and right ventricle

Question 5

clinical signs of heartworm include

Answer 5

DOGS: dyspnea, ascites, coughing, exercise intolerance

CATS:
- acute form: signs of shock, drooling, tachycardia, hemoptysis, acutely dying
- chronic: coughing, wheezing, vomiting, anorexia, weight loss

Question 6

on ultrasound, heartworms appear as

Answer 6

double lined ehco-density

Question 7

a dog named Doug from Tennessee presents for coughing, exercise intolerance, and ascites. You diagnose heartworm based on a positive antigen test. how should you treat Doug?

Answer 7

melarosmine split protocol: single injection then 4-6 weeks later 2 injections 24 hrs apart

doxy to treat wohlbachia bacteria

Question 8

the bacteria found in heartworm is called

Answer 8

Wohlbachia

Question 9

how should a cat be treated for heartworm?

Answer 9

do NOT use melarsomine! use steroids, bronchodilators, or preventatitive until worms die! Cats can clear the worm, wheras dogs cannot