Heartworm Treatment for Dogs at OCAS

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Heartworm Treatment for Dogs at OCAS Standard Operating Guideline for Veterinary Health Care Team In order to minimize the need to euthanize otherwise adoptable dogs at OCAS, we provide heartworm treatment using melarsomide hydrochlorine (adulticide treatment). Recognizing that there are several treatment protocols, we use a protocol that combines elements of the protocols put forth by the American Heartworm Association and the drug manufacturers of melarsomide (Merial and Zoetis). This protocol represents an informed and appropriate approach, taking into account practical considerations as well as medical safety of each dog. We would note that the manufacturer distinguishes treatments based on the different symptomatic classes of heartworm, and that our protocol meets or exceeds these recommendations for each class. It is the discretion of the Veterinary Health Care Manager to make changes to the treatment protocol for an individual animal when these are deemed medically necessary by the attending veterinarian. Only animals owned by OCAS are eligible for heartworm treatment. Owned animals are not candidates. Final decision-making for whether a dog is a heartworm treatment candidate will be that of the Veterinary Health Care Manager. All dogs undergoing heartworm treatment are placed in our foster program and this programs gives those fosters the first right to adopt. Anyone interested in fostering a heartworm positive dog must speak with a Veterinary Health Care Technician prior to fostering. The VHCT goes over what heartworms are, how they are transmitted, how Orange County Animal Services treats heartworms, what the foster’s responsibilities are and what Orange County Animal Services is responsible for. The Veterinary Health Care Technician goes over any questions and provides any additional information. When the foster picks up the dog, the Veterinary Health Care Technician again goes over the treatment and any medications that will be provided and given by the foster. They also give the foster the heartworm brochure (provided by Merial) which identifies the scheduled injection dates and other important information, including a medical addendum. 1) Patient selection When dogs are identified as heartworm positive on the antigen heartworm test, the Veterinary Health Care Technician examines a blood sample under the microscope to determine if the dog is microfilariae positive. Depending on the case, if the dog is antigen positive but microfilariae negative, the Veterinary Health Care Manager may request a second antigen test to confirm the test result. The dog’s behavior is evaluated to ensure that he or she has a temperament that makes him or her available for adoption or placement. The Veterinary Health Care Manager then determines whether the dog meets the criteria for treatment. If the dog is deemed highly adoptable, the dog is flagged to have an exam performed by a veterinarian. The veterinarian performs a physical exam and notes any symptoms of heartworm disease and/or any comorbidities. The veterinarian will consult with the Veterinary