Yorkie w/heartworm - YorkieTalk.com Forums

ashleere · 06-12-2008, 07:09 PM

I am looking for a female and found one but it was bit by a mosquito and now tested positive for heartworm. They said it needs a shot to get rid of them and to be kept quiet for 30 days

anybody ever dealt with this.

What should I do?

Ladymom · 06-12-2008, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashleere

I am looking for a female and found one but it was bit by a mosquito and now tested positive for heartworm. They said it needs a shot to get rid of them and to be kept quiet for 30 days

anybody ever dealt with this.

What should I do?

Is the Yorkie with a rescue group? Usually they don't adopt out heartworm positive dogs until they are fully recovered.

I wouldn't adopt a dog with heartworms and try to treat it yourself. It can be expensive and dangerous since as the worms die, they can travel to lungs clog and kill the host/dog. The treatment itself can be dangerous so the dog has to be closely monitored.

If the rescue group is going to find her a home after she has completed treatment, that would be fine.

This will give you an idea of the treatment required:

Heartworms, heartworm disease and heartworm treatment in dogs

4doggiemama · 06-12-2008, 08:59 PM

Yikes!!! Must not have been on heartworm preventative. Curing them is extremely hard on a dog. Some don't make it. Hope everything will be okay.

red98vett · 06-13-2008, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashleere

I am looking for a female and found one but it was bit by a mosquito and now tested positive for heartworm. They said it needs a shot to get rid of them and to be kept quiet for 30 days

anybody ever dealt with this.

What should I do?

Poor dog !!

In this day and age NO DOG should test positive - can you imagine how painful this must be for that poor yorkie ? They give me the willies just thinking of them

I don't know alot about heartworm .. but from what I've read - I think it's way more than 'just a shot' to cure this and the treatment IS hard on the dog. It's hard and expensive.

you said 'they' - who is they ? a breeder ?? a pet store ??? whoever they are .....shame on them ! I feel really bad for the dog

IF I WERE YOU - I'd do some serious researching about this & if you can save this dog - go for it ...but whoever let this dog get them needs to help you with the expense.

ashleere · 06-13-2008, 11:08 AM

It's a private party. I feel really bad for the dog. But, on the other hand I don't want my precious Buttons to get sick. I cnanot believe they didn't give it the once a month treatment

My baby gets his at the end of every month. He is very active so trying to nurse a sick dog and keep it quiet for 5 or more weeks would be very difficult. Thanks for all the info.

bchgirl · 06-13-2008, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashleere

It's a private party. I feel really bad for the dog. But, on the other hand I don't want my precious Buttons to get sick. I cnanot believe they didn't give it the once a month treatment

My baby gets his at the end of every month. He is very active so trying to nurse a sick dog and keep it quiet for 5 or more weeks would be very difficult. Thanks for all the info.

Many dogs never survive the treatment for heartworm.

Ellie May · 06-13-2008, 12:31 PM

How sad.

I would not adopt a dog with heartworm until it is treated because I don't know if I could handle it if something went wrong.
The treatment is very risky.
The last time I heard, it is an injection of an arsenic compound.

cj125 · 06-13-2008, 04:09 PM

Our black lab (RIP) had heartworms about 15 yrs ago. He had to have 2 treatments and it was REALLY hard on him, especially since he already had seizures. They actually run poison through the system to destroy the worm - then they do it again to make sure they got any that weren't born yet. If it was hard on a lab weighing 75 lbs I think it would be terribly hard to do it on a Yorkie but... I think this is something you should talk to your Vet about before buying this baby. Good Luck!

cataholic · 06-13-2008, 05:15 PM

I have seen 4 dogs go throught the treatment fine. (not my dogs) You just keep them in a crate for the entire treatment. Only take them out to go to the bathroom. They cannot be allowed to jump or run. Or they can die. If the dog is free I would get it and give it to a rescue. The owners shouldn't have it anyway. Sometimes they need prednisone during the treament to open their lungs more. The treatment can be expensive depending on what vet you use. Heartworms are not contagious so your other dog would be safe.

JenniferBoyd · 06-13-2008, 05:18 PM

Years ago, I took in a stray that tested pos for heartworm. He was treated with an arsenic based drug, which in itself is dangerous. Once treated, he had to stay "calm" for 30 days to prevent the dead worms from dislodging and going to the heart. After treatment, my dog lived to be 18 years old! If it were me, I would certainly get the yorkie treatment and give it another chance at life! Good luck to you.

2Parises · 06-13-2008, 06:32 PM

Years ago I had a GSD that I adopted that had heartworm (when we got him) He was treated successfully and lived for a few more years but it is very hard on the body. He passed from renal failure.

If I had to do it again...I would. He spent the last years of his very short 4 year life knowing that he was loved. It's not for everyone...but my husband and I are all about second chances and forever homes.

I know it will be difficult to choose. Good Luck with your decision.

Missygirl · 06-16-2008, 05:24 AM

Yes, we recently rescued a Yorkie who tested positive for heartworms. Missy had her first shot on May 28 and is doing great. She's had no problems and it's been easy keeping her calm and quiet, even with a 2 year old active "brother", Ace the puggle, who is constantly on the move! We take her back on July 1 for the second shot, and she will have to spend 2 nights in the animal hospital. Hopefully she will be heartworm free by the end of the summer!

06-12-2008, 07:09 PM	#1
ashleere YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Bay Area,CA Posts: 289	Yorkie w/heartworm I am looking for a female and found one but it was bit by a mosquito and now tested positive for heartworm. They said it needs a shot to get rid of them and to be kept quiet for 30 days anybody ever dealt with this. What should I do? __________________ Buttons and Oliver

06-12-2008, 08:59 PM	#3
4doggiemama Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: KS Posts: 3,290	Yikes!!! Must not have been on heartworm preventative. Curing them is extremely hard on a dog. Some don't make it. Hope everything will be okay. __________________ Joanne Eli ChipperEva Snowboy Rosie(R.I.P. 1996-July 29, 2013) Cocoa(R.I.P 1998-April 26, 2012):

06-13-2008, 11:08 AM	#5
ashleere YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Bay Area,CA Posts: 289	It's a private party. I feel really bad for the dog. But, on the other hand I don't want my precious Buttons to get sick. I cnanot believe they didn't give it the once a month treatment My baby gets his at the end of every month. He is very active so trying to nurse a sick dog and keep it quiet for 5 or more weeks would be very difficult. Thanks for all the info. __________________ Buttons and Oliver

06-13-2008, 12:31 PM	#7
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	How sad. I would not adopt a dog with heartworm until it is treated because I don't know if I could handle it if something went wrong. The treatment is very risky. The last time I heard, it is an injection of an arsenic compound. __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

06-13-2008, 04:09 PM	#8
cj125 Mia, Max and Moe's Mom Donating Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 4,403	Our black lab (RIP) had heartworms about 15 yrs ago. He had to have 2 treatments and it was REALLY hard on him, especially since he already had seizures. They actually run poison through the system to destroy the worm - then they do it again to make sure they got any that weren't born yet. If it was hard on a lab weighing 75 lbs I think it would be terribly hard to do it on a Yorkie but... I think this is something you should talk to your Vet about before buying this baby. Good Luck! __________________ *Connie* Mia Max Moe

06-13-2008, 05:15 PM	#9
cataholic Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Va Posts: 1,322	I have seen 4 dogs go throught the treatment fine. (not my dogs) You just keep them in a crate for the entire treatment. Only take them out to go to the bathroom. They cannot be allowed to jump or run. Or they can die. If the dog is free I would get it and give it to a rescue. The owners shouldn't have it anyway. Sometimes they need prednisone during the treament to open their lungs more. The treatment can be expensive depending on what vet you use. Heartworms are not contagious so your other dog would be safe. __________________ Tina, Momma to Fritzel, Darla, Kasey, Max, Blackie, : http://www.dogster.com/dogs/463494 Member of The Crazy ClubMember of The Little Gentlemen's Club

06-13-2008, 05:18 PM	#10
JenniferBoyd Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Riverview Posts: 12	Years ago, I took in a stray that tested pos for heartworm. He was treated with an arsenic based drug, which in itself is dangerous. Once treated, he had to stay "calm" for 30 days to prevent the dead worms from dislodging and going to the heart. After treatment, my dog lived to be 18 years old! If it were me, I would certainly get the yorkie treatment and give it another chance at life! Good luck to you.

06-13-2008, 06:32 PM	#11
2Parises Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 951	Years ago I had a GSD that I adopted that had heartworm (when we got him) He was treated successfully and lived for a few more years but it is very hard on the body. He passed from renal failure. If I had to do it again...I would. He spent the last years of his very short 4 year life knowing that he was loved. It's not for everyone...but my husband and I are all about second chances and forever homes. I know it will be difficult to choose. Good Luck with your decision. __________________ Lorene, Paris, Paris, Samira, Aja and the newest addition to our family... Halle Belly Bands & Rag Quilts - http://2Parises.etsy.com

06-16-2008, 05:24 AM	#12
Missygirl YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2008 Location: Flowood, MS Posts: 9	Heartworm treatment going well Yes, we recently rescued a Yorkie who tested positive for heartworms. Missy had her first shot on May 28 and is doing great. She's had no problems and it's been easy keeping her calm and quiet, even with a 2 year old active "brother", Ace the puggle, who is constantly on the move! We take her back on July 1 for the second shot, and she will have to spend 2 nights in the animal hospital. Hopefully she will be heartworm free by the end of the summer!