Need advice on adopting a new yorkie
 

I recently put in an application for Peppi, he is a dorkie (doxie/yorkie mix) and found out that he was recently tested for HW and it came back positive. I would like some opinions/ feedback on what I should do and if this will affect my dog, Gizmo in anyway. Here is the email that the lady sent me from the shelter, and Peppi's profile:

Petfinder Adoptable Dog | Yorkshire Terrier Yorkie | Rochester, NY | Peppi

I rec'd your application today - and would like to give you a brief background on Peppi -

He was taken to the shelter because the owner could not keep any longer. My shelter contacts called me and asked if I would take him - I said yes. While awaiting transport to Duffy's he went to the vet and rec'd his health exam and heartworm test. He tested positive for heartworm. I could not leave him behind to die and said to send him anyways.

My personal vet and Duffy's vet is Dr. Edwards. The good news is that he is being treateid for heartworm on July 26th by our animal hospital. We could not place him in your home until 14 days after his treatment. The good news is that you will have the ability to speak to Dr. Littman at Brockport about him if you are still interested. He will be doing the blood work, x-ray and finally the injections to kill the heartworm. The heartworm treatment is painful and that is the reason they stay at the hospital while undergoing such treatment.

Think about, research it and let me know if you are still interested... I know this is going to sound very mild but its not a big deal AS LONG as you get it early and treat it.

Most of the rescues coming from the south have this challenge... the good news is you already know he is treated for it and have your own vet on hand to give his opinion to you as he treats the dog.

The heartworm treatment is included in his adoption fee - we don't raise the price just because he is positive. The fee for adoption is $250.00 and includes neuter, heartworm test (which was positive) heartworm treatment, rabies, distemper, worming, flea protection for the month. I will guarantee him negative and stand behind his final heartworm test in 60 days.

He is a nice dog and deserved to be rescued and to live the life we provide for our dogs here in the north
Best,
Lori

Before they release him for adoption he should test heart worm free. I would contact your vet with any concerns you may have about introducing the new dog. Sounds like the person who has the dog now is very forth coming and wants to make sure you are aware of everything - not everyone is so honest unfortunately. I would also contact the vet who is treating the dog to find out how severe the heart worm issue is - hopefully it was caught early and did not create any permanent damage.

I have never had a dog with heart worms, so this is just my opinion...if you think this little guy would make a good addition to your family and get along with your current dog, I would not let this prevent you from getting the dog. I would have your current dog tested for heart worms before bringing the new dog home. I get my dogs tested for heart worms once a year. If one of them tested positive I would treat her and talk to the vet about the best heart worm medication to prevent future events. Heart worm medication is not 100% effective which is why they recommend testing every year.

I know you want to be extra cautious since you would be bringing the new dog to the one you already have. Your vet and the vet treating the new dog will be able to point you in the right direction. Sorry I do not have any useful information for you. I think that it is great that you are looking at adopting this little one. He will be one lucky pup if you decide to take him.

He is a cutie.

Keep us posted on your decision.

A HW positive dog is not infective to other dogs or humans. What is positive about this response from the rescue is their honesty and clarity of his issue(s).

Speak to your vet, and speak to the vet who is treating this rescue for HW, to get an idea about the severity of his infection. For example on XRAY were heartworms visible on exterior heart wall?

Then the rest of it, centers around how your current dog will interact with the new rescue. What is the personality like of this rescue? How active/quiet, etc is this dog?

He is so cute and deserves a furever loving home. My brother had a schnauzer that developed HW when he was 8 years old, they had him treated, and he lived to be 16 years old and was very healthy until he passed away. He had another dog and this never effected him. Talk to all the vets involved. Let us know when you bring him home.