In initial treatment, most patients are hospitalized as they receive administration of an adulticide designed to kill the adult heartworms. The microfilariae in the body can be eliminated with a monthly prophylaxis, which can be administered at home. For more severe cases, such as dogs experiencing thromboembolic complications (in which a blood clot that has formed breaks loose and travels through the blood stream to clot another vessel), hospitalization may be necessary for a longer period of time.
In some cases, a surgical procedure may be necessary to remove adult worms from the right heart and pulmonaryartery by way of the jugular vein. This procedure is recommended if the infestation consists of a high number of adult worms.