Quote:
Originally Posted by ladyjane  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. |
From here:
American Heartworm Society | FAQs Do you need a prescription for heartworm preventive medication? If so, why? ANSWER Yes, heartworm preventives must be purchased from your veterinarian or with a prescription through a pet pharmacy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeling on heartworm preventives indicates that the medication is to be used by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. This means a veterinarian must have a doctor-client-patient relationship in order to write a prescription. Typically, prior to prescribing a heartworm preventive, the veterinarian will perform a heartworm test to make sure your pet doesn't already have adult heartworms. It is not necessary to test very young puppies or kittens prior to starting preventives
since it takes approximately 6 months for heartworms to develop to adulthood. If heartworm testing is negative, prevention medication is prescribed. Giving preventives to dogs infected with heartworms can lead to rare but possibly severe reactions that could be harmful or even fatal to the dog. In cats, infection with even young immature heartworms (larvae) may require supportive care and treatment along with prevention.
So which is it? I am so confused. So much directly conflicting info.... also since the thread I started years ago on heartworm, all the maps have changed and all the life cycle charts are all different!