Zara has been diagnosed as Heartworm and Lyme Disease positive.
Heartworm is transferred by mosquitos through larva called microfilaria which grow into adult heartworms that damage the heart, lungs and arteries. It is fatal if left untreated. Unfortunately heartworm is very long and difficult treatment that requires one month of oral antibiotics followed by a series of injections to kill the worms, and a long recovery period while the worms are cleared from the body.
Lyme Disease is a lifelong disease that is treated with the same antibiotics for heartworm treatment. After being treated, Lyme disease does not severely impact a dog's quality of life if treated in the early stages.
Zara's treatment is estimated around $3500, and will last until summer 2022. We need your support to help Zara recover and live her best giant dog life!
Treatment Updates
December 9, 2021
Zara surrendered to Taffy's Legacy.
January 6th, 2022
Zara diagnosed with bacterial infection, taking antibiotics.
January 17, 2022
Zara had her 4DX snap test, Lyme/Heartworm specific blood testing and has been diagnosed as Lyme Disease and Heartworm positive.
We also did a urinalysus, immiticide, revolution and Docycycline.
January 25th, 2022
Ultrasound of heart and x-rays.
February 27, 2022
Heartworm injections begin.
Treatment Plan
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Use Doxycycline for both Lyme and Heartworm for one month twice daily as prescribed
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Use Revolution topically monthly
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Give an antihistamine ahead of the treatment in case of any reactions from the dying parasites
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April 1st) we will start our first dose of immiticide – Zara will stay the day at the vet clinic to monitor for any adverse reactions – and will be started on prednisone at that time – activity needs to be quiet and restricted through treatment
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May 1st and 2nd we give treatment 2 and 3 – exercise restriction should continue for another 2 months after.
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June 1 2022 – restest for microfilaria to see if still positive – this is optional as we will be still on prevention
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Feb 1 2023 – test for heartworm antigen and microfilaria (9 months after treatment) – if still positive retreat