Heartworm antigen testing is the most reliable method of confirming that all of the adult heartworms have been eliminated. Although many dogs are antigen-negative 16 weeks after treatment, it can take longer for the antigen to be completely cleared from some dogs.
Why does my dog still have heartworms after treatment?
If the worm burden was large before treatment then perhaps not all the worms died. n A new infection is possible if the monthly preventive was dosed incorrectly, or a dose was missed or accidently not ingested by the dog.
Does heartworm in dogs ever go away?
“Remember that the heartworm can stay alive up to six years in the dog,” she states. “In early stages without lung and heart failure, 98 percent of dogs will be cleared of heartworm with an intensive three-dose protocol. But the very best prognosis comes from regular prevention year-round.”
Do dogs go back to normal after heartworm treatment?
“Slow, steady reintroduction of activity is always best,” Dr. Marteney said. “After such a long period of exercise restriction, it may take some time for a dog to regain its normal exercise tolerance level.”
How long can a dog live after being treated for heartworms?
Dogs with heartworm disease can live high-quality lives as long as they are given appropriate care. After completing treatment and following your veterinarian's recommenda- tions on heartworm disease testing and prevention, the chances of any long-term effects are very low.
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How long do heartworms live after treatment?Will heartworm ever go away?
