What we know today
- According to sources at Merial, melarsomine, the only approved product for treatment of heartworm infection, continues to be available to veterinarians with heartworm-positive dogs.
- As has been the case for the past two years, the product is only available through a restricted distribution program and not through distributors.
- Veterinarians must contact Merial directly to obtain the medication.
Stay the course with heartworm treatment
Treatment of heartworm-positive dogs is vitally important, both for the health of the dog and to help reduce the risk of infection in other pets. The American Heartworm Society (AHS) has guidelines for heartworm treatment, which include administration of adulticide and other medications. These guidelines are designed to achieve maximum efficacy in killing all stages of worms while mitigating the adverse effects of dying worms in treated dogs. Comprehensive information on these guidelines is available at heartwormsociety.org, where you can also watch a video interview with Dr. Clarke Atkins as he explains the protocol steps.
