Marso was treated for heartworm disease in 11/99 with the alternate dosing regimen (one injection followed by two injections a month later). He was subsequently treated for microfilariae in January with milbemycin. He presents today for a recheck and heartworm Ag test.
Marso is currently receiving monthly ivermectin (Heartgard) for heartworm prevention. He has had no side effects from the medication and is doing well at home. He does cough after drinking water but this cough has been present since he was debarked and has not gotten worse. He has a good appetite and energy level.
Physical Examination
T = 102.0°F; P = 108; R = panting; W = 38.4 kg.
General: BAR.
Integument: Matted hair coat, skin is clean, no obvious masses.
EENT: Normal.
Musculoskeletal: BCS = 5/9. No muscle atrophy or asymmetry, no gait abnormalities.
Cardiovascular: Grade 1/6 left basilar systolic murmur, no pulse deficits, strong pulses, no jugular pulses, mm pink, CRT = 1 sec.
Respiratory: Dog is panting.
GI: No masses or organomegaly. Gut loops smooth.
GU: Normal.
Lymph nodes: WNL.
Clinical Diagnosis
Historical dirofilariasis
Comments
Heartworm Ag test negative.
Conclusion: Marso has cleared his heartworm infection. No further treatment or follow-up is needed. Continue with monthly heartworm prevention and annual antigen tests.