Meet Squad Foster Bear!
Bear joined Dog Squad on 9/16/24
Bear is a handsome 2-year-old good boy who recently transferred to Dog Squad from an out-of-state rescue. Originally found as a stray in 2023, Bear has since been neutered and vaccinated. Thanks to his loving foster family, he’s learning what it’s like to be a pet rather than a shelter dog.
As any young pup would be, Bear is full of energy and always on the move! This oversized goofball tips the scales at 80 lbs and loves to play. Bear tends to prefer female dog companions over males, and he already knows basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “down.” He’s even got a special job—he’s the official taste tester for his foster mom’s business, Sweet Pawcakes!
Bear tested positive for heartworm and is scheduled to begin his life-saving treatment at Pleasantburg Veterinary Clinic on 9/26/24. His heartworm treatment consists of three Melarsomine injections, with the second and third administered 30 days after the first, 24 hours apart. While this treatment will kill the adult heartworms, it’s very taxing on Bear’s body, similar to how chemotherapy affects humans. To keep him safe, Bear will be on strict kennel rest to avoid any complications during recovery.
Update October 21, 2024
10 days until Halloween… but who’s counting?
Oh, that’s right… Squad Foster Bear is!
That’s all he’s been thinking about while resting for the last 30 days following his first round of heartworm treatment. Bear is preparing for his second injection on Thursday, followed by his third just 24 hours later on Friday.
After that, Bear will remain on strict activity restriction for another 6-8 weeks to prevent potentially fatal complications. Physical exertion can be life-threatening during this time, as the dead or dying heartworms may break apart and block blood vessels, leading to pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE).
PTE is a serious risk during heartworm treatment because the dead worms can clog the pulmonary arteries, leading to dangerous blockages that may cause severe complications or even death. This is why it’s critical to keep Bear on rest—allowing his body to break down the dead worms gradually without additional stress. By restricting his movement, we’re giving Bear the safest path toward recovery.
Heartworm disease is preventable, but treating it is a long and challenging process, which emphasizes the importance of regular preventative care.
Join Our Community
In just 8 weeks, Bear will be ready to celebrate the holidays! While he isn’t quite ready for adoption yet, you can start the process early by submitting an adoption application .
Bear’s DNA Results are in!! Update October 8, 2024
Squad Foster Bear Update
September 26, 2024
Squad Foster Bear has officially begun the challenging process of heartworm treatment. Today, he received his first of three adulticide injections, which are crucial for eliminating the adult heartworms in his system. This aggressive treatment demands strict kennel rest, as Bear must remain calm to prevent potentially fatal blockages in his lungs as the worms die and break down.
Bear’s treatment plan includes two more injections, which will be administered 24 hours apart, exactly 30 days after his first dose (scheduled for 10/24-10/25). Afterward, he’ll need an additional 6-8 weeks of strict rest. Heartworm treatment is harsh on a dog’s body and can be likened to the toll chemotherapy takes on humans. It’s tough, but it’s the only path to a heartworm-free future for Bear.
Bear can be a bit of a nervous patient at the vet, but thanks to his amazing foster mom, he’s been desensitized to wearing a muzzle for safety. We are beyond grateful for Ana’s dedication and care in helping Bear through this intense process, ensuring he’s one step closer to his happily ever after.
Thank you, Ana, for going above and beyond for Bear’s health and preparing him for his future forever family!
Squad Foster Bear Update
September 24, 2024
Squad Foster Bear is scheduled for his first of three Melarsomine injections on Thursday 9/26/24.
Treating heartworm disease is a complex, costly, and intense process that takes a toll on a dog’s body. Melarsomine is an arsenic-based medication, and three injections of this drug are required to kill the adult heartworms.
After the initial injection on Thursday, Bear must undergo strict kennel rest for the following 30 days with a tapering dose of prednisone to reduce inflammation as the worms die. 30 days following Thursday, he will receive his second injection, and the third will follow 24 hours later. This rest period extends for another 6-8 weeks after the final injections to minimize movement and prevent life-threatening complications. Physical exertion can be fatal at this stage because it might cause the dead or dying worms to break apart and create blockages in the blood vessels—a condition known as pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE).
Translation: exercise during this stage can be fatal!
PTE is a significant risk during heartworm treatment. Dead worms can dislodge and block distal pulmonary arteries. This not only increases the risk of complications but can also be fatal if significant blockages occur. These embolisms are why it’s critical to restrict Bear’s activity; allowing the immune system to gradually break down and absorb the dead worms without additional stress on his body.
Exercise or any vigorous activity can agitate the fragile state of a recovering dog, causing what is known as the “shaking the tree” phenomenon where the weakened worms shatter and potentially cause a stroke or sudden death. By restricting movement, we allow his body to slowly and safely process the dying parasites, significantly reducing complications.
Heartworm disease is preventable, yet treating it is a daunting task that underscores the importance of regular preventative care. For dogs like Bear undergoing treatment, adherence to a strict regimen including antibiotics, injections, and most critically, kennel rest, is essential for recovery.
Send Bear all the love and well wishes!!
Donate To Bear
We need your help to cover the cost of Bear’s treatment. All donations are tax-deductible.