Meet Peaches—a spunky and adorable 4-year-old French Bulldog who came to her loving family through a French Bulldog Rescue after being surrendered from a hoarding situation. From the moment they met her, it was love at first sight.
During a routine veterinary visit, Peaches was diagnosed with heartworm disease. Shortly after, her new family relocated to the Reno area, where she began her heartworm treatment at TMVH with Dr. Kuester.
Heartworm treatment is extensive, uncomfortable, and carries significant risks. It also requires a long recovery period. Throughout her treatment, Peaches’ owners followed strict activity restrictions—leash walks only, no running or playing, and often cage rest to minimize complications.
Unfortunately, Peaches developed secondary complications related to her condition. She experienced pneumonitis, an inflammation of lung tissue caused by the presence of the worms, as well as pulmonary hypertension, which is elevated blood pressure in the vessels of the lungs.
Following the Heartworm Society’s recommended treatment protocol, Peaches was started on a 28-day course of Doxycycline and continued on monthly heartworm prevention. She then received a series of Melarsomine injections—administered deep into the muscle—to eliminate the adult heartworms.
These injections are painful and carry risks, including embolism and severe allergic reactions, as the worms begin to die. In total, Peaches received three carefully timed injections and handled the process like a true trooper.
Approximately 120 days after beginning treatment (June 2025), Peaches was re-evaluated. She tested negative for microfilaria, meaning no new heartworm larvae were present, though she remained positive for heartworm antigen—indicating that some adult worms may still have been present.
This result was expected, as adult worms can continue to die for several weeks after treatment. Her owners were instructed to continue monthly prevention, and Peaches was gradually allowed to return to normal activity over the following four weeks.
By October 2025, repeat testing confirmed that Peaches was completely heartworm negative—both for microfilaria and heartworm antigen. A follow-up echocardiogram was performed to assess any lasting damage. While her heart showed overall improvement, a mild congenital condition called pulmonic stenosis was identified. As a result, her heart medication was discontinued, and a follow-up echocardiogram was scheduled in 3–4 months.
Peaches’ journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of heartworm prevention. Preventative care—such as monthly Simparica Trio or an annual ProHeart injection—is far safer, more affordable, and far less stressful than treatment.
Heartworm disease can be life-threatening, costly to treat, and may cause lasting damage to your pet’s health. Prevention truly is the best protection.
We are so proud of Peaches and grateful to her family for their dedication to her care. 🐾💙
