And this:


Merial closer to restoring full supply of Immiticide

http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/feb11/110201k.asp

This is interesting (wonder if it has anything to do with delay of tx): From:
American Heartworm Society | Canine Guidelines
ADULTICIDE THERAPY

Melarsomine Dihydrochloride
Melarsomine, administered via deep intramuscular injection into the belly of the epaxial lumbar muscles, is the only adulticidal drug approved by the FDA for heartworm treatment. Mild swelling and some soreness at the injection site may be present for a few days, but this can be minimized by ensuring that the injection is deposited deeply with a needle of appropriate length and gauge for the size of dog and body condition. Strictly adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions for administration is imperative. Exercise restriction during the recovery period is essential for minimizing cardiopulmonary complications (see Pulmonary Thromboembolism).
Melarsomine has not been shown to have any activity against worms less than 4 months old. The two-injection protocol (i.e., two injections of 2.5 mg/kg body weight 24 hours apart) listed on the product insert for treating class 1 & 2 heartworm disease kills only about 90% of the adult worms. The three-dose alternate protocol (one injection of 2.5 mg/kg b. wt. followed at least one month later by two injections of the same dose 24 hours apart) listed for treating class 3 heartworm disease kills 98% of the worms. These overall efficacy values reflect the percentage of worms killed in groups of dogs and not the percentage of dogs cleared of worms, which are considerably lower than these overall efficacy values.
Staging of the disease and use of the two-injection protocol has failed to adequately ensure treatment success. Therefore, regardless of the stage of the disease, the three-injection alternative protocol is the treatment of choice of the American Heartworm Society and several university teaching hospitals, due to the increased safety and efficacy benefits and decreased possibility that further treatment with melarsomine would be necessary. Furthermore, by initially killing fewer worms and completing the treatment in two stages, the cumulative impact of worm emboli on severely diseased pulmonary arteries and lungs is reduced.

Thanks Kathy, that helps put some things into perspective.

Based upon my GP's advice we are going to go with OVC so Zoey will be on heartworm meds, until Sept (their tx protocol) and then she will get the adulticide treatment. And of course back onto the adulticide

Just wondering about your girl. Was reading that Merial is stopping production of Immiticide for some time. Do they actually have what they need for her yet?

Certainly not at VEC in Toronto, and last I followed up with them about 2wks ago, they did not even know why it was on back order.

I will call OVC this week and try to see if they have it in stock. I hope I kept Alison's extension number:(

From what I gather (unless it's different in CA), they are sending out what is left to let vets finish up the patients that they already started treating. Their supply is depleting and they will let it while working out problems. So I'd see if anybody can get it in STAT. If nobody can, I'm not sure they will be able to anytime soon.

The AHS's unofficial stance is to do doxy and monthly preventative (pretty much slow kill because there are no other options). I really hope for your girl's sake it is different in CA than in the US. OVS might have some on hand.

Good news! :thumbup::thumbup:

That is frustrating :( I just wanted you to know I'm thinking about Zoey!

Thanks Brit I appreciate that.

Please send a bit of a prayer up for Zoey
 

Tomorrow, Zoey goes into the hospital for her adulticide treatment, she will spend one night overnight, and I get to pick her up on Thursday.

She is in good health overall, but of course I can't help but worry a bit.

I'm so sorry that you and Zoey have to go through this, Gail. I'm relieved that, with your research, persistence, and devotion to Zoey, that she has and will continue to be given the very best of care to fight her heartworm. She is a strong, healthy, and beautiful girl, and she is going to happily come back home to you after her treatment. Your family will be in my thoughts, prayers, and heart.

Sending prayers for Zoey that her treatment goes well and that she will come home on Thursday.

Thanks Kristin and Lisa. Just back from dropping off Zoey. She went easily into the back area.....and now the wait.

They said they would call me later on today, to give an update on how she is doing.

Prayers for Zoey. I am sure she will be fine. :)

Zoey is resting comfortably, but there is a major thunderstorm going through here, and she hates the sound of thunder. OH dear.

Tomorrow I should be able to pick her up

I hope Zoey comes home and is back with her loving family today. It must have been so lonely for everyone without her. I'm praying for an easy time keeping your girl quiet and crated so that she can get better very soon.