Resolution of caval syndrome during initial hemodynamic stabilization in dogs with heartworm disease

To report on the spontaneous resolution of caval syndrome in 5 dogs selected for their response to medical stabilization prior to scheduled heartworm extraction.

Five dogs with heartworm caval syndrome were treated with sildenafil, fluid, and supplemental oxygen therapy. Moreover, 4 of 5 dogs were also administered pimobendan to achieve hemodynamic stabilization in preparation for percutaneous heartworm extraction. Spontaneous heartworm migration back into the pulmonary arteries was detected from 2 h to 5 days after treatment initiation.

Unanticipated spontaneous resolution of caval syndrome was documented in a low number of dogs after initiation of a patient stabilization protocol aiming at improving right ventricular hemodynamics and reducing pulmonary artery pressure prior to scheduled heartworm extraction. At this time, it is unknown if intervention to improve the hemodynamic status of the animal prior to heartworm extraction improves procedure outcome, and which factors contributed to the migration of the heartworms back into the pulmonary arteries in these selected cases. Therefore, this approach cannot be recommended in place of current recommendations for treatment of caval syndrome.