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Originally Posted by ladyjane  I am not going to read every single one of those links. What I read and refer to in this post is the study done at NIH (see second link you posted). What I gather from that study is just what I said previously. That they believe that the Doxycycline's effect on the Wolbachia organism is interferring with the transmission of heartworm disease, not the direct effect on the worm itself. If anyone sees something different in the below referenced quote from the NIH, please explain it to me. Effects of doxycycline on the endosymbiont Wolbach... [Vet Parasitol. 2010] - PubMed result The effect of the antibiotic therapy on the worms may have interfered with the transmission of heartworm disease because the population of microfilariae and the number of microfilaremic dogs were reduced and the microfilariae positive samples that were found did not test positive for Wolbachia sp. in many cases. These findings suggest that in areas were doxycycline is extensively used D. immitis transmission may be impaired by the reduction on the number of microfilariae and on the endosymbiotic bacteria in the larvae turning them incapable of completing development once they infected a new host. |
The only drug used in this study was Doxycycline. If they're not killing the adults with Immeticide, then the reason for the population of microfilaria being reduced is that the Adult Heartworms cannot breed and make more microfilaria.
The microfilaria in dogs treated with Doxycycline is affected by the death of the Wolbachia (caused by the Doxycycline) "turning them incapable of completing developement" (if they cannot reach adulthood, they cannot reproduce).
IMHO, these findings are saying that treating Heartworm positive dogs with Doxycycline can effectively limit the spread of this disease.
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Originally Posted by ladyjane As to your last comment, let me simply say this: Just because something such as Denarmin has an effect and is indicated in certain illnesses that effect the liver, it does not to me indicate a wide usage of such product. I am a firm believer that "if isn't broke, don't fix it". Denarmin, while good for liver compromised dogs, IMO should not just be used because someone "thinks" there could be some sort of effect from a medication. I simply believe that many people go completely overboard with things that they want to believe are totally harmless. I have seen people become ill from overdoses of vitamins. I also am totally astounded at the numbers of people who continue to say that Heartgard is harming dogs' livers. Then, so many who read that stuff, don't give preventatives and the poor dogs suffer. Fear mongering to me...plain and simple. I have been giving Heartgard to my dogs for many, many years now and none of them have compromised livers, thank God. |
I believe the purpose of using Denamarin (which is harmless in dogs with uncompromised livers and improves liver function) along with Heartworm preventatives is to give the liver an extra boost as these medications go through the dogs system. Any medication given to a dog causes the liver to work harder, as it now has the medication to process and eliminate from the body.
This happens anytime anything, including food, is ingested by a dog. The liver works to remove what the body does not need or by products from what it has taken and broken down.
Many things that are eaten by dogs can cause liver cell death. The liver produces new cells to take their place. This is what the liver does. Denamarin (and similar products) have been proven to prevent liver cell death and supports the liver in the regeneration process.
I may start using Denamarin for all my dogs, when I give them their Heartworm meds. I am going to talk with my vet about it first, before I make any decisions. I am considering this option, as Dr Dodds recommends giving it, and I respect her opinions on such things.
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Originally Posted by gemy Wow lots of back n forth. First Zoey is NOT going under any slow kill method, instead she will be having the combined Heartguard Doxey for 2mths prior to the adulticide treatment, which she will be hospitalized for at least 2 days for.
She is on a regime where wkly she gets what would be the normal Monthly dose of Heartguard, and on a daily regime of Doxey. And I am very scared about the adulticide treatment, but she must have it; so I shall pray and cross every finger n toe I have that she will come through the treatment like the trooper I know she is.
Believe you me, I am of the nature I want this invader out of her body NOW, but due to the studies I've read that Doxy + Heartguard for 2-3 months is much safer, for the dog, prior to the adulticide, then of course I would do this. In fact I insisted with the specialist that this happen. Please keep in mind that in 2009 there were only 586 dogs in Ontario that tested positive for heartworm; it is still not a "big" deal here. In fact my "specialist" had only ever treated 6 dogs before for heartworm infestation.
And for those that continue to advise me for year round treatment, I will re=iterate a reasonable response; that year round will be balanced against kidney and liver functions being evaluated regularly.
And btw I do know whereof I speak; I get monthly blood tests to evaluate liver function due to the strong nature of the drugs I am on; I have RA = Rheumatoid Arthritis. To date despite having been diagnosed over 15 yrs ago, I have managed to be on these poisonous drugs only one year. |
Because of my fear of Heartworm Disease, I too was under the impression that more is better, hence my decision to treat my dogs year round. Thank you for starting this thread, as my current research has taught me that this is not necessary for the area in which I reside, and I now feel very comfortable with giving my dogs a break from the unnecessary medication over the winter months.
From what I've read, the plan for Zoey sounds very good. The Doxy will weaken the adult Heartworms, stop them from reproducing, and prevent any microfilaria from growing to adulthood, the increase in the frequency of the Heartgard will begin to kill off some of the weakest adults, and the Immiticide will kill the rest of them.
I was unaware that you were suffering with RA. I do know that it is very difficult to manage, and I truly wish you the best of luck with that. I will keep you in my prayers, along with your pups.
