When definitive adulticidal
therapy with melarsomine can not be provided immediately,
heartworm - positive dogs should be started on a 4 - week course of doxycycline and a monthly
preventive with a macrocyclic lactone until such treatment can be provided.
Even as diagnostic methods advance,
preventive therapies improve and disease awareness increases among veterinary professionals and pet owners,
heartworm continues to present a serious threat to dogs» health.