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Dogs that test positive for heartworm disease are treated with a series of injections that kill heartworms. The immature heartworms are killed with an oral dose of Ivermectin. During the treatment, owners are advised to keep the dog very quiet, with no strenuous exercise, which could hinder recovery and exacerbate the clinical signs of illness. We prescribe an antibiotic and prednisone to decrease inflammation as well to treat Wohlbachia, a parasite that often accompanies adult heartworms. Other medications are prescribed based on the degree of damage to the heart and blood vessels sustained as a result of infection. Cats are generally treated with a combination of prednisone, and a bronchodilator.