Please keep Zoey in your thoughts and prayers

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by gemy

Zoey now has her heartguard and doxy! Yeah. Adulticide is at quality control, eta unknown.

Magic' liver profile came back normal. I'm kind of stunned with that one. But cautiously happy. We will retest in 2 mths or so.

Razzle had his blood drawn for a full thyroid panel. How-ever his post prandial BATS was 56 pre was 4. I will likely retest again in a couple of months.

So feeling okay right now, tired but am enjoying one of the few sunny warm days we have had so far this spring.

That sounds like excellent news Gail! I am very happy to hear about Magic's test results and that Zoey has started her medication.

I don't know the ins and outs of BATS. Is there something there that is concerning about Razzle?

[kjc]

Originally Posted by lisaly

Razzle, Magic, and Karma are at risk as long as she isn't treated. It's also difficult to responsibly take Zoey outside knowing mosquitos could be out in this heat. The risk may be minimal, but it's a scary risk.

I assumed they had been started on Heartworm meds as soon as their tests came back negative (normal protocol). I still treat Tinkerbell who has Multiple Liver Shunts bc the mosquitoes are horrible here. I figure the preventative is less toxic than the cure. I have been giving it to her since I've had her, and so far there's been no problems, knock on wood. I use Revolution, so it handles fleas and mites too, and I don't have to treat her with multiple products. And her vet extended her time between doses to every month and a half, so that helps prevent toxicity issues.

So glad to hear the visit went well today, Dr Jack sounds like a dream vet! I teared up reading that Razzle kissed him. How sweet is that!

Sounds like things are beginning to get accomplished, finally! So glad Zoey gets to take the Doxy, too. Hope 'he' feels better soon... (JK)

(Around your house and doorways, you could spray lemon-scented ammonia...mosquitoes hate it.)

Hope you're feeling better... probably sick from all this stress... Hugs...

[gemy]

Originally Posted by kjc

I assumed they had been started on Heartworm meds as soon as their tests came back negative (normal protocol). I still treat Tinkerbell who has Multiple Liver Shunts bc the mosquitoes are horrible here. I figure the preventative is less toxic than the cure. I have been giving it to her since I've had her, and so far there's been no problems, knock on wood. I use Revolution, so it handles fleas and mites too, and I don't have to treat her with multiple products. And her vet extended her time between doses to every month and a half, so that helps prevent toxicity issues.

So glad to hear the visit went well today, Dr Jack sounds like a dream vet! I teared up reading that Razzle kissed him. How sweet is that!

Sounds like things are beginning to get accomplished, finally! So glad Zoey gets to take the Doxy, too. Hope 'he' feels better soon... (JK)

(Around your house and doorways, you could spray lemon-scented ammonia...mosquitoes hate it.)

Hope you're feeling better... probably sick from all this stress... Hugs...

Thanks so much I am feeling a bit better.

Protocol in Ontario Canada is to start heartworm in June and go to November with it.

And Magic's full blood panel although neg for Heartworm came back with some anomalies, bilyibrubin high, high plasma proteins and high magnesium, so we wanted the full liver panel to see what if anything was going on.

Razz full blood panel came back with low T4, so we did a T4 equil diff and he came back on low end of normal, so we decided to go ahead with full T4 protocol, as well as I did Bats. Bats results indicated it was okay to go ahead with med's; and here we are

[ladyjane]

I am happy that things are coming together.

[Shelby&Seymour]

I don't know how you keep track and stay on top of it, Gail.... you must have a mind like a steel trap!!!!

Sounds like everything will be getting back to norm very soon!!!!

[kjc]

Originally Posted by gemy

Thanks so much I am feeling a bit better.

Protocol in Ontario Canada is to start heartworm in June and go to November with it.

And Magic's full blood panel although neg for Heartworm came back with some anomalies, bilyibrubin high, high plasma proteins and high magnesium, so we wanted the full liver panel to see what if anything was going on.

Razz full blood panel came back with low T4, so we did a T4 equil diff and he came back on low end of normal, so we decided to go ahead with full T4 protocol, as well as I did Bats. Bats results indicated it was okay to go ahead with med's; and here we are

Not trying to tell you what to do... just sharing info:

I've seen mosquitos flying/swarming here in the middle of winter, at 17 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degees is freezing). (Maryland)

Read that Denamarin (and similar homeopathic liver protectants) can prevent dogs from dying after ingesting toxic mushrooms... wondering if taking this would help Zoey during her HW treatment?

Dr Dodds has developed a very thorough thyroid panel, her website is here: Dr. Jean Dodds - Canine Thyroid Testing | Hemopet.org Don't know if you're interested in using her diagnostic services or not...

Keeping all of you in my prayers....

[Maximo]

I have to agree with KJC about the mosquitoes. With all the weather anomalies, I'm not comfortable stopping our heartworm preventatives at all. We do year-round here. Granted, it is a much different climate and we use Interceptor to cover other worrisome pests, but all it takes is some unseasonably warm days to present a risk.

[107barney]

Our weather is cold in New England. We usually stay around 20s to 30s but every winter a few times we hit single digits. The practice by veterinarians here is year round HW preventatives. Given that the treatment for heart worms is very aggressive and minimally safe, I feel the benefit of prevention year round is just worth it. I think if I were in your shoes, I would be insisting on year-round preventative, despite the Ontario protocol. Protocols are just best practice guides, and can be altered accordingly in the best interests of the dog. In fact, a letter from you and your vet to the OVMA advocating for a year-round protocol might be something to consider.

I am praying for Zoey to recover. Hugs.

[MaddiesMommie]

Glad to see things are getting better. I am still thinking of and praying for your furry-gang to be 100 percent.

[Lil Sis]

i admire you for keeping all the information straight!! My head is spinning just reading the post,, but most of all I am glad you are feeling better

[Nancy1999]

Just wanted to check in and see how things were going. Big hugs to you.

[gemy]

Originally Posted by Shelby&Seymour

I don't know how you keep track and stay on top of it, Gail.... you must have a mind like a steel trap!!!!

ERumCough; Remember the thread on menopause and "post it notes"? Never travel to the vet without them Immediately after getting to my car, I jot down everything by dog that was discusssed. Actually I will ask Dr Jack for copies of the lab tests; I was waiting on a day when so much wasn't going on

Sounds like everything will be getting back to norm very soon!!!!

Originally Posted by kjc

Not trying to tell you what to do... just sharing info:

I've seen mosquitos flying/swarming here in the middle of winter, at 17 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degees is freezing). (Maryland)

Read that Denamarin (and similar homeopathic liver protectants) can prevent dogs from dying after ingesting toxic mushrooms... wondering if taking this would help Zoey during her HW treatment?

Dr Dodds has developed a very thorough thyroid panel, her website is here: Dr. Jean Dodds - Canine Thyroid Testing | Hemopet.org Don't know if you're interested in using her diagnostic services or not...

Keeping all of you in my prayers....

Thanks KJC, it is something I am considering doing. How-ever it will be balanced off with liver/kidney blood work. Truthfully in Dec - Feb I have only once seen a mosquito, and that was indoors.

For Razz and thyroid work I am going with the Canadian approved (by OFA) lab; his results will be sent into OFA and then posted. It is part of the recommended testing protocol anyhow. I want to see what they are prior to doing the Xrays and Cerf's. I'll likely go ahead with both anyway, as pet or breeding dog, I like to know what is going on, and besides which it benefits the breed immensely to do these tests and record them through an impartial database. For any breed's best breed health, it is imperative that transparency is practised by all breeders and would be breeders. I sincerely hope that in my lifetime that a genetic marker is found for LS, and whilst I do hope one is found for HD, that is going to be a tougher nut to crack.

Originally Posted by 107barney

Our weather is cold in New England. We usually stay around 20s to 30s but every winter a few times we hit single digits. The practice by veterinarians here is year round HW preventatives. Given that the treatment for heart worms is very aggressive and minimally safe, I feel the benefit of prevention year round is just worth it. I think if I were in your shoes, I would be insisting on year-round preventative, despite the Ontario protocol. Protocols are just best practice guides, and can be altered accordingly in the best interests of the dog. In fact, a letter from you and your vet to the OVMA advocating for a year-round protocol might be something to consider.

Umm what could it harm? I know all my friends who have dogs, know my story and everyone basically rushed out to their vets to get their dogs tested prior to start of heartworm. Thankfully all were negative. But then their is lyme's disease, it is now here in Ontario, in particular a few regions of southern Ontario. So we will be having the discussion about lyme's too.

I am praying for Zoey to recover. Hugs.

Thanks for the prayers; I know we are not out of the woods yet; but at least she is on some meds!

[gemy]

Originally Posted by MaddiesMommie

Glad to see things are getting better. I am still thinking of and praying for your furry-gang to be 100 percent.

Thanks so much

Originally Posted by Lil Sis

i admire you for keeping all the information straight!! My head is spinning just reading the post,, but most of all I am glad you are feeling better

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Just wanted to check in and see how things were going. Big hugs to you.

Thanks so much.... I told Dr Jack about this list; and said it is one of the best dog lists I have ever been on. The wealth of knowledge, experience and information here is incredible. I think it should be mandatory for breeders and vets to join, and review all sick and emergency posts, and the breeders section Maybe they could earn CEU's lol

[ladyjane]

I have taken care of many pups with heartworms over the years. I know the latest protocols and have never heard of using anything to protect the liver. Not saying it is not done by some; but it is not something I have heard of.

Every foster I have had has done well that has been through treatment and suffered no ill effects. There was only one who got very ill during the treatment, but it was years ago and he ended up ok after all was said and done. Sadly that was before the slower kill methods used now...I thought he was going to die. He scared the heck out of me coughing up blood. I do like the slow kill method the best as there is less risk to the pup with that.

[gemy]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I have taken care of many pups with heartworms over the years. I know the latest protocols and have never heard of using anything to protect the liver. Not saying it is not done by some; but it is not something I have heard of.

Every foster I have had has done well that has been through treatment and suffered no ill effects. There was only one who got very ill during the treatment, but it was years ago and he ended up ok after all was said and done. Sadly that was before the slower kill methods used now...I thought he was going to die. He scared the heck out of me coughing up blood. I do like the slow kill method the best as there is less risk to the pup with that.

My philosophy in part due to the dearth of studies on the issue, is to treat under one protocol regime. If we are doing prescription drugs, unless there is good research to add a homeopathic remedy, I will not add to the mix, unknowingly.

Having said that; once the drug regime is over with, I will if necessary modify diet, and add natural supplements as needed or recommended.

To my students, I have always said I do believe in natural remedies, but if I break my leg, I am not going to a naturopathic doctor to set the bone. How-ever I will go to a naturapathic doctor for herbal remedies to help aid in bone healing, andto support immune system.