Quote:
Originally Posted by Ellie May  I also assume it's the beginning stages (but hadn't heard or don't remember the xray results?). But then, they are already in the heart as adults. Each day they stay, things can get ever-so-slightly worse. Then there is more risk for thrombi and such. So I'd personally want them out of there immediately. That said, so many people do slow kill and the dogs seem to do okay (and the disease can progress during that time).
Maybe it's the Canadian supplier that is out?? Just 10 days ago the drug was available here. |
Actually, there is less risk of thrombi with the 2 - 3 month Heartgard prior to alduticide administration.
From the Heartworm Society website:
American Heartworm Society | Canine Guidelines While controversial due to the theoretical risk of selecting heartworm populations that are resistant to macrocyclic lactones, it is beneficial to administer a macrocyclic lactone for up to three months prior to administration of melarsomine, when the clinical presentation does not demand immediate intervention. The logic for this approach is to kill susceptible heartworm larvae and thus prevent re-infection of the dog, while allowing less susceptible juvenile worms, the opportunity to develop into more susceptible adult worms. This tactic increases the chance for removal of the existing heartworm infection when the adulticide injections are given later. Additional benefits of this protocol are the effects of macrocyclic lactones in greatly reducing, if not eliminating circulating microfilariae, stunting immature D. immitis and reducing female worm mass by compromising the reproductive system. Administration for two to three months should result in reduced antigenic mass, which in turn may reduce the severity of pulmonary thromboembolism.