Immiticide, also called melarsomine, is an injectable medication indicated to treat heartworm infestations in dogs. This medication is administered by a veterinarian as an intramuscular injection within the lower back muscle. Dog owners should be aware of Immiticide side effects before having their dog treated with this medication.
Reaction at Injection SIte
Treatment with Immiticide may cause a skin reaction to develop at the site of injection. In clinical trials for this medication, approximately 30 percent of dogs developed this type of side effect, according to Drugs.com. A dog owner may notice that his dog has a swollen or tender spot along its lower back. Dogs may experience pain during and immediately following the injection, which may cause them to appear temporarily upset, aggressive or uncooperative. Injection site reaction side effects progressively subside within a few days of treatment. Dogs that display severe or persistent skin reactions following treatment with Immiticide should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Upset Stomach
After receiving this medication, dogs may develop upset stomach side effects, such as vomiting, PetPlace.com warns. Stomach discomfort may also contribute to a loss of appetite, which may cause affected dogs to be uninterested in eating their favorite snack or meal. Infrequently, dogs may also develop diarrhea or frequent bowel movements as a side effect of Immiticide. These upset stomach side effects are generally temporary and should resolve shortly after treatment with Immiticide.
Gagging or Coughing
Gagging or excessive coughing may occur in certain dogs following treatment with this medication, PetEducation.com reports. Dogs that begin to drool excessively or cough up small amounts of blood should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Fever or Fatigue
Certain dogs may develop a fever or may appear unusually tired, lethargic or fatigued after receiving this injection. Fever may induce excessive panting in dogs and may occur in conjunction with upset stomach side effects. Dog owners may notice that their dog naps for long periods of time during the day or is uninterested in going on his usual walk or run outside. If these side effects persist, affected dogs should be taken to a veterinarian.
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