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Case 27
Follow-Up Exam
 | Microfilaricidal Rx |
| Marso presents to the Cardiology Service today for microfilaricide
administration. He was diagnosed on 11/13/99 with heartworm disease and has
undergone three IM injections of melarsomine 100mg (11/13/99) and 88mg
(12/16/99, 12/17/99). His first injection was followed by lethargy, anorexia
and difficulty breathing. |
| The owners report that Marso has had a healthy appetite since returning
home from his last visit. There has been no dyspnea, sneezing vomiting or
diarrhea. Marso does still cough following eating, drinking, or when
nervous, probably as a sequelae of debarking surgery. He is kept indoors
except when allowed out in the yard for defecation/urination. |
| Gen: BARH, nervous. BCS 5/9; T=100.5, P=120, R=pant |
| Integ: Two shaved areas over dorsum. |
| EENT: Normal |
| MS: Symmetrical muscling. No gait abnormalities noted. |
| CV: No murmurs or arrhythmias ausculted. mm=pink, CRT=1.5s. Good
femoral pulses. |
| Resp: Normal |
| GI: Normal |
| GU: Normal |
| NS: No gross deficits. |
| LN: WNL. |
| S/O: An Interceptor (milbemycin) tablet for a 51-100lb dog was
administered at 11:15 AM. No tachypnea, dyspnea or tachycardia was noted
through the course of the afternoon and into the evening. |
| A: Microfilaricidal treatment with no complications. |
| P: Retest for microfilariae in one month and repeat treatment if test
is positive. If negative, begin monthly heartworm preventative. Repeat
antigen test in three months and if positive, possibly give another course
of melarsomine. Recommend Marso be allowed to gradually return to normal
activity after several days of rest. |
| Marso presented to the Cardiology Service for treatment to clear the
heartworm larvae (microfilariae) present in his bloodstream. He was given
Interceptor (milbemycin) at 11:15 AM and observed through the course of the
day for any adverse reactions. None were observed. |
| Marso will need to be retested for the heartworm larvae (microfilariae)
in one month. If he tests positive, today's treatment will need to be
repeated. If he is negative at that time, you can begin to give him a
monthly heartworm preventative such as Heartgard or Interceptor. |
| He will also need to be retested in three months for adult heartworms.
If he is positive, he may need another injection of melarsomine. |
| It is important to keep Marso quiet for the next several days. Over a
week, gradually allow him to increase activity and by a week he can go back
to a normal life-style. |
| Please observe him for signs of difficulty breathing, such as increased
respiratory rate and restlessness. If you notice these signs, please call us
or take him to your local veterinarian immediately. |
| Thank you for bringing Marso to the VMTH. He is a very handsome and
sweet dog. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or
concerns. |
Quiz
Correct Quiz
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