Quote:
Originally Posted by bchgirl  I no longer give my HW preventive. I rely on the test alone. And if you research it heartworm is not a common problem in most states.my own vet has treated 5 cases in 15 years. |
Quote:
Originally Posted by kjc Wow! That would work... how often do you test them? |
Actually, no, that will not work!
From the following link:
American Heartworm Society | FAQs
QUESTION: How do monthly heartworm preventives work?
ANSWER Whether the prevention you choose is given orally, topically, or by injection, all approved heartworm medications work by eliminating the immature (larval) stages of this parasite. This includes the infective heartworm larvae deposited by the mosquito as well as the molted fourth larval stage which develops inside the animal. Unfortunately, within 2 months, immature heartworm larvae can molt into an adult (fifth) stage, which cannot be effectively eliminated by preventives. Because heartworms must be eliminated before they reach this adult stage, it is extremely important that heartworm preventives be administered strictly on schedule (monthly for oral and topical products and every 6 months for the injectable). Administering prevention late can allow immature larvae to molt into the adult stage, which is poorly prevented.