Rescue Puppy has Heartworm

Hi, My name is Matt and this is my new rescue puppy, Cali. She is a Catahoula that was rescued from Lousiana last year. After adopting this adorable puppy, our veterinarian told us that she has heartworm. She will have to undergo an intense and expensive round of treatments over the next few months. Cali has just completed her second round of Doxycycline. She has a one-month wait until she must go into the veterinary hospital overnight to receive Melarsomine, a highly toxic chemical administered to kill the heartworm. Thirty days later, she gets a second overnight visit for her second treatment. Thes treatments will be followed up with an echocardiogram performed by a veterinary cardiologist.

Cali has had to remain mostly crated during this entire time to keep her heart rate down to prevent the heartworms from getting into her lungs. Being immobile has caused her weight to increase by almost 20 pounds which is also unhealthy. She longs to play with our two other dogs, Harley and Geddy Lee, both are also rescues. Thanks for looking at our story, and we appreciate any help you can give.