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05-21-2009, 06:14 AM | #1 |
I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Posts: 18,866
| Major Heartworm Med Rant!!!! FYI: Heartworm can be deadly. We all know this. Treating an active Heartworm case can be deadly. Why??? Because the HW are adults and if you kill them all at once, the dead worms clog the heart= heartattack=death. The life cycle of the HW: (This may not be exact, but it's close enough) The adult HW in an infected dog reproduce, larve=microfilaria. A mosquito bites that dog and picks up microfilaria, bites another dog and transfers it to the new dog. It takes 2 months for these baby heartworms to mature enough to begin their migration to the dogs heart, where they continue to grow for 2-4 months when they can reproduce. And it starts over. blah, blah, blah. Begin Rant: Okay, day 1: Dog is tested (neg) and given dose of Heartworm med (Heartguard or whatever). This kills microfilaria for one month, so at the end of this month, the dog is HW Negative. Day 31: Dog's owner forgets to administer HW Meds. Dog gets infected with microfilaria. It takes 2 months for these baby heartworms to mature enough to begin their migration to the dogs heart, where they continue to grow for 2-4 months when they can reproduce. Day 61: Dog is HW infected with 1 month microfilaria, which can still be safely killed with a dose of a monthly HW Med. So, I asked my vet: Why do we treat them every month? After some thought, he said, "Probably so owners will remember to do it." So, technically, one could give HW meds every other month, or actually every 3rd month and still be safe. Answer=YES. (BTW he only tests my dogs every other year.) Why do I have extra HW meds? Oh, my friend's dog passed and she gave me what she had left. (They won't remember) Point of Rant: Is this a money maker or what? I always read how people are tight for $$$$, and it breaks my heart that they feel bad and may be considering not using HW meds at all bc it's so expensive. Every other month would cut costs in half! And to cut costs further, look into using Revolution. It does HW, fleas, ticks, mites and other stuff. I like it bc it's a single drug, it's topical, and my vet lets me buy it in bulk. I can treat 3 cats and 2 dogs for 4 Years for $103.00!!!! To save more $$$$, I'm going to alternate the Revolution with my leftover Frontline.... For those of you financially stressed: Ask that your dogs only be tested every other year. Insist that you HW medicate monthly and you don't see why it's necessary. (Friend's dog died and she gave you her meds) And don't throw away expired HW meds: pesticides do not expire. If anything, they may be less effective, but I figure in Yorkies who are totally OD'ed anyway, they're probably just right. Google heartworms to see area maps of reported cases, areas of infestation and life-cycle charts
__________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity Last edited by kjc; 05-21-2009 at 06:17 AM. |
Welcome Guest! | |
05-21-2009, 06:23 AM | #2 |
And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI
Posts: 17,928
| Most heartworm meds are given monthly just for that reason. It is easier to remember. In other words, the company gets more money this way. Not all drugs work the same though and there are some that you probably can't wait 2-3 months to give. If your dog does get heartworms, some companies will pay for treatment if you follow their protocol exactly like Heartgard. These drugs only kill certain stages of larvae too, so it is important that your vet is in agreement and helping you come up with a different schedule. I am going to be talking to Ellie's vet about the grace period of Interceptor and I may stop giving it monthly. I think Heartgard's is said to be 15 days. By the way, there are a lot of reports about Revolution failing and dogs getting heartworms anyway while on it...
__________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶 |
05-21-2009, 06:24 AM | #3 |
Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: North Carolina
Posts: 8,317
| I only gave Lady her heartworm medication every other month for years with my vet's approval, but a couple of years ago Dr. Suzy said they had seen cases of heartworm in dogs who had only missed one dose. |
05-21-2009, 08:20 AM | #4 | |
I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Posts: 18,866
| Quote:
Selamectin, the active ingredient in Revolution, is a macrocyclic lactone compound. These compounds effectively prevent the development of adult heartworms when administered to dogs and cats within one month of exposure to infective (L 3) Dirofilaria immitis larvae. Efficacy of acrocyclic lactones decreases below 100% in dogs, however, if first administered >2 months after exposure to infective larvae. Thus, in heartworm endemic regions, delaying initiation of heartworm prevention using Revolution beyond 2 months of first exposure to infective larvae (e.g., starting puppies and kittens at >8 weeks of age), or gaps of >2 months in the administration of Revolution during periods of heartworm transmission, increases the risk of the animal acquiring heartworms. Found a good link from a rescue group: http://www.greatlakesbcrescue.org/He.../Heartworm.htm My Point (not to be arguementative or anything) None of the literature says OMG you missed a dose, go get tested, your pup will need treatment. It does say (on specific drugs mentioned) A gap Greater than 2 months from the time of exposure may lead to microfilaria... and they still don't say run to the vet....they said resume your dosing schedule??? I think it's propaganda to scare us into spending bucks. How much does the whole Heartworm industry pull in in a year? Tons of $$$$ BTW: some material I c&p from the info or FDA reports found online.
__________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity | |
05-21-2009, 08:37 AM | #5 |
I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Posts: 18,866
| You live in a state with a high occurance of HW. If your pup hasn't contracted it ... I seriously doubt she will. I'm leaning more towards business may be down a bit???? And ... When cases are found ... do people really want to appear irresponsible? Of course they're going to say "I only missed one dose". The vets can only go by what the client tells them. And then these results are what make up the reports.
__________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity |
05-21-2009, 09:01 AM | #6 |
YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 258
| Kathy (kjc)... What do you think about opening a dose of Frontline Plus into an airtight container...giving 1/3 of the pipette then, then another 1/3 in a month and the last 1/3 in the following month? In essence, it's being stored for 2 months after it's been opened. My pooch is 4-1/2 lbs and the pipette is for dogs up to 23 lbs. It seems reasonable a reasonable course of action to me. I called Frontline (Merial) and they said OH NO!!! So naturally I asked why. The rep said it had only been tested for 23 lbs. Again...I asked why. Well...'because that's what they did.' Argh. What's your opinion about this one?
__________________ Debby...owned by Zoey, the no longer Porky Chorkie (or maybe Morkie!) |
05-21-2009, 09:18 AM | #7 |
Thor's Human Donating Member | Thanks for this rant. I actually don't have Thor on heartworm meds yet because HW incidence is very low in SF. However, this summer we'll be going to Napa and maybe further, so I need to get him on it. From what you say, I'll consider a bi-monthly dose.
__________________ If you love something, set it free. Unless it's an angry tiger. |
05-21-2009, 09:23 AM | #8 |
No Longer A Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: NEW YORK
Posts: 16,218
| Buddy get tested for HW once a year. Without the test I can not get a new prescription. The prescription is good for only one year. I wouldn't take a chance of missing one month. It's not worth the risk. However, I did start last year with giving Flea meds every 6 wks instead of once a month. It works fine. |
05-21-2009, 09:41 AM | #9 |
Love my Boys Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: w/ my boys
Posts: 5,056
| kjc, I'm glad to see your educating yourself rather than following the herd.. You are correct that this is about scare tactics and it works and it works well.....I'm in no way saying that there is no heartworm out there it's just it's not as epidemic as we are led to believe....Where you live has a huge factor in how at risk you are. When the temps drop to below 57 degrees the risk is about nil for transmission. When I see a person who lives in cold climates saying their vet has their dog on heartworm treatment year round it just gets me..... These are toxic poisons and should be only given when absolutely necessary and as little as possible for effectiveness....The dosage can be spread out longer than the 30 days stated, it's at least 45-60 days.....You are correct that the vet tells the client it's monthly because they figure a client is incapable of remembering.... Heartworms | Truth4Dogs - Terrierman's Daily Dose -
__________________ B.J.mom to : Jake J.J. Jack & Joey, momma misses you..... The joy found in the companionship of a pet is a blessing not given to everyone. The two most powerful words when we’re in struggle: me too.. |
05-21-2009, 10:59 AM | #10 |
I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Posts: 18,866
| There you go! Try here: eBay Store: Search results for No More Fleas Please. This person is super nice to deal with .... I wanted to use Revolution which he doesn't carry, but he sold me the storage tube and syringes and I bought bulk Revolution from my vet... He used to have a .com store too but I can't find it. Maybe email him thru ebay or I'll look for my old receipt.... He gives you the exact dosages too... very safe. Ouote:Kathy (kjc)... What do you think about opening a dose of Frontline Plus into an airtight container...giving 1/3 of the pipette then, then another 1/3 in a month and the last 1/3 in the following month? In essence, it's being stored for 2 months after it's been opened. My pooch is 4-1/2 lbs and the pipette is for dogs up to 23 lbs. It seems reasonable a reasonable course of action to me. I called Frontline (Merial) and they said OH NO!!! So naturally I asked why. The rep said it had only been tested for 23 lbs. Again...I asked why. Well...'because that's what they did.' Argh. What's your opinion about this one? __________________ Debby...owned by Zoey, the Porky Chorkie
__________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity Last edited by kjc; 05-21-2009 at 11:03 AM. |
05-21-2009, 11:08 AM | #11 |
YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 258
| I already had the Frontline Plus and a 1 ml syringe so I got a container from the pharmacist & just did it myself. I've been fussing about it ever since...only because of ticks & Lyme disease. Now I'm thinking maybe I should vaccinate her to be safe. I was born to worry, I swear.
__________________ Debby...owned by Zoey, the no longer Porky Chorkie (or maybe Morkie!) |
05-21-2009, 11:16 AM | #12 |
I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Posts: 37,147
| Heartworm meds I dont take the chance with I give it monthly. However I only put flea meds on as needed
__________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427 |
05-21-2009, 11:17 AM | #13 | |
I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Posts: 18,866
| Quote:
__________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity | |
05-21-2009, 11:40 AM | #14 |
Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida/Canada
Posts: 5,514
| Interesting thread.. thanks for making this.. I will also do some research.. I use advantage mulit 10 each month.. and I have to do it pretty well all year round due to being in Florida all winter.. although my dogs do not walk on the ground... then being in Canada in the summer... so I will keep watching and reading posts from others.. anne |
05-31-2009, 04:04 PM | #15 |
YT 500 Club Member | I'm going to ask my vet today about giving Interceptor every other month. I'd much rather do that (or at least every 50 days?) then dose Meg up each month.
__________________ - Nicole, Megatron, and T-Bone Check out our blog! http://nicoleandtim.blogspot.com |
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