DIROBAN - Heartworm symptoms, signs and stages

Heartworm disease symptoms in dogs

It’s hard to spot early signs of heartworm disease. That’s why it’s so important for your dog to be tested every single year. In the more advanced stages of the disease, symptoms include fatigue, labored breathing and coughing.²

If you see the following signs² in your dog that has not been tested in the past few months, contact your veterinarian immediately.

SIGNS OF HEARTWORM DISEASE IN DOGS

Fatigue when exercising

Occasional coughing

Loss of weight and/or appetite

Persistent fatigue, excessive coughing and shortness of breath (severe cases)

Confirming the diagnosis

If your dog’s blood work has tested positive for heartworm antigens, your veterinarian will confirm the diagnosis with follow-up tests. Heartworm disease treatment can be complex and challenging for both you and your dog, so your veterinarian will want to confirm the right DIROBAN treatment plan.

Comparing Treatments »

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: DIROBAN is for use in dogs only. Do not use in dogs with very severe (Class 4) heartworm disease. Avoid human exposure. Consult a physician in cases of accidental human exposure by any route. DIROBAN should be administered by deep intramuscular injection in the lumbar (epaxial) muscles (L₃–L₅) ONLY. DO NOT USE IN ANY OTHER MUSCLE GROUP. DO NOT USE INTRAVENOUSLY. Care should be taken to avoid superficial injection or leakage. Safety for use in breeding, pregnant or lactating animals has not been determined. Common side effects include injection site irritation (accompanied by pain, swelling, tenderness and reluctance to move), coughing/gagging, depression/lethargy, anorexia/inappetence, fever, lung congestion and vomiting. All patients should be monitored during treatment and for up to 24 hours after the last injection. See full Prescribing Information for additional safety information and precautions.

References:

Heartworm treatment study, May 2015. Ipsos Agricultural and Animal Health. 2015 Zoetis LLC.
Pet owner resources: heartworm basics. American Heartworm Society. https://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/heartworm-basics. Accessed October 20, 2016.
Pet owner resources: heartworms in dogs. American Heartworm Society. https://www.heartwormsociety.org/heartworms-in-dogs#how-do-monthly-heartworm-preventives-work. Accessed October 20, 2016.
Current canine guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in dogs. American Heartworm Society. https://heartwormsociety.org/images/pdf/2014-AHS-Canine-Guidelines.pdf. Revised July 2014. Accessed September 28, 2016.
Venco L, McCall JW, Guerrero J, Genchi C. Efficacy of long-term monthly administration of ivermectin on the progress of naturally acquired heartworm infections in dogs. Vet Parasitol. 2004;124(3-4):259-268.
Battling boredom: tips for surviving cage rest. American Heartworm Society. https://www.heartwormsociety.org/images/Think_12_PDFs/6-2014-factsheet.pdf. Updated June 2014. Accessed October 20, 2016.
DIROBAN™ Sterile Powder for Injection Prescribing Information. ANADA 200-609. Zoetis.

The product information provided in this site is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may not have marketing authorization or may have different product labeling in different countries. The animal health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with an animal healthcare professional. All decisions regarding the care of a veterinary patient must be made with an animal healthcare professional, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.