Meggie received the first of three heartworm treatment injections today. The injection is given directly into the muscle of the lower back so Meggie is pretty uncomfortable. Her veterinarian, Dr. Elkins, sent Meggie home with pain medicine and anti-inflammatories to control the discomfort.
Meggie's heartworm treatment follows this protocol:
Day 0: Consultation. Exam and treatment discussion based on health, age, and history. Antibiotics, steroids, and heartworm prevention are started. Next visit scheduled in 60 days to begin injections. Moderate activity restriction begins.
Day 60: 1st injection. (*We are here.) Meggie received her first injection with pain medication and a steroid. Home medication provided, and very strict kennel rest for 24 hours.
Day 90: 2nd injection. Meggie will receive the second injection with pain medication and a steroid. Return 24 hours later for the final injection. Strict kennel rest for 24 hours. Due to lucky timing, this will be the week of Christmas!
Day 91: 3rd injection. Meggie gets the third injection, continuing home medication until finished. Strict kennel rest for another 24 hours.
Day 121: Meggie can resume normal activity 30 days after the last injection. Retest for negative heartworm status 6 months after the last injection.
Every day in Texas 100s of dogs face euthanasia due to being heartworm positive. Prevention is cost-effective through monthly oral or 6-month injections, but treating an infected dog is expensive and hinders adoption.
To address this crisis, the Texas Foundation for Animal Care provides two affordable treatment options to save more dogs, giving them a chance at a long, happy life and preventing shelter overflow and euthanasia.
I am extremely grateful to Dr. Jenny Elkins and all her staff at TFAC. Enormously grateful to Border Collie Save and Rescue for helping so many dogs, sweet little Meggie included.
Pearls:
- Meggie is on her way to being heartworm-free. It's a long, painful journey, but one with a promising outcome.
- Preventing heartworm is easy and cost-effective, but treating an infected dog is expensive and puts them at multiple risk factors for suffering and death.
- The answer to ending suffering and the dog abandonment crisis is multi-faceted and involves responsible pet ownership.
