I am looking to adopt a 2.5 yr old male pomeranian who was tested heartworm positive (weak positive)

Dog Question: I am looking to adopt a 2.5 yr old male pomeranian who was tested heartworm positive (weak positive).  Heartworm treatment was started 2 weeks ago. The dog had breathing difficulties after receiving the 2nd shot - was sent to the ER where blood tests and xrays were done. Xrays showed the heart seemed normal but there was a shadow in the lung (along with high white blood count) so vet suggested pneumonia and dog was sent home with prednisone and antibiotics.  The dog seems to be doing well now.  What I would like to know is: 1. did the heartworm condition/treatment cause the pneumonia/breathing difficulties? 2. Will this (heartworm positive AND pneumonia) have a longterm health effect on the dog? THANKS!

Hi Gale,

I think you are right to be concerned about this dog.

Both heartworms and the treatment for it can cause symptoms like difficulty breathing.

But in general the prognosis for mild to moderate cases of heartworm infections is good.

The heart appears normal in size which is good, but doing a echocardiograph would tell us better how the heart valves are functioning. 

I don't think we know what the long term possibilities are for this dog by going on what we know now.