I am aware of what the Doxy is for and also the concurrent use of Heartgard and told Gail about it in PM when she had PMd me with an inquiry. It is nothing new in terms of hw treatment. The main action of Doxy is to kill the Wolbachia. period If there is a side effect on the worms, it is just that...side effect. It is not curing the hw postive dog. Doxy is not capable of that.
Bottom line....immiticide is still needed or the adult worms live on and are hazardous to a pup. There are many people who subscribe to the "slow kill" as described earlier and I think it should be used in only extreme cases.
Rescuers are taking hw positive dogs and doing it and it makes me sick. if they cannot afford the appropriate treatment, they should save the dogs that are negative and leave the positive ones to rescues who will go the extra mile.
You all know how I feel about people who short cut treatment for their pups. People really need to rethink what they do in terms of preventatives as a lot of pups could be saved from the ill effects of HW treatment for only a few bucks/month and no side effects as some want to think.
I know what I know and will treat my pups accordingly and on the advice of veterinarians...not people on the internet. As for heartworm treatment, I have cared for many pups with heartworms in my time with rescue. It breaks my heart every time I have one because it is preventable. What they go through is very sad. Anyway.......This is not what the thread was for and I am as guilty as anyone for taking it off topic; and I will not be back.
Prayers for Zoey. I really hope she does well with her treatment, Gail!
