Adult heartworms are killed with a drug called an adulticide, which is often given through a series of injections. A few days after treatment, the adult heartworms die and are carried by the bloodstream to the lungs where they lodge in small vessels, decompose and are usually absorbed by the body over a period of several months.

Heartworm disease in dogs and cats is a serious and potentially fatal disease.

If the dog has normal signs, the drug thiacetarsanide may be administered IV in 2 doses per day for 3 days. The dog should be caged or penned up for several weeks. Embolism resulting from dying heartworms sometimes occurs. Of course there are optional treatments.