Oldest furbaby diagnosed with Heartworms! I took Cooper my oldest furbaby (2 1/2) in for his yearly check up and shots and they told me that he has heartworms. They said it was around a stage 3. He just came to live with us about a year ago. The Dr. said he probably had them before I got him, because they pulled his old vet records from another vet and said he missed about 6 mos of taking heartworm med.. He was tested August 2007 and was negative, but they said they must not have had time to show up yet. I have given him Interceptor every month since I have had him. I am taking him for his first treatment on Monday. I don't know much about any of this. They just told me that for him it would be kinda like chemo. and I would have to keep him calm and in his kennel alot until his treatments are done. I have cried all day over this, so if anyone has more information that could help us deal with all of this please let me know. |
I am so sorry to read about your Cooper. I hope he recovers. |
Oh i am SO sorry to hear this. Heartworm treatment is hard on them but he will pull through. It's not a death sentance and you are lucky it didn't go into phase 4. He is a lucky guy that he is with a family that will take care of him. it is ESSENTIAL after his treatment that he is confined for up to a month while his body absorbs the dead cells. If he isn't still the cells can travel into his lungs and this can be deadly. I know he will do just fine.. he has all of our prayers! |
:( Im so sorry, Im glad you caught it though and he will be well soon , sending my prayers and hugs to you :) |
Years ago, I had a dog treated for heartworm. From what I understand, the treatment is toxic and can be especially dangerous for small dogs. In my case, it was a large dog and he went through the treatment with no adverse effects. I've been reading about holistic heartworm preventatives and treatments and have a couple of links....Heartworm - Information - Natural Paws Holistic Pet Care Perth and this.....Heartworm - A Wellness Approach instead of Fear Based Thinking. I haven't tried this approach yet so I can't say how effective it is and am not recommending it. I only posted the links to give you another possible option besides the traditional treatment. You can try googling 'natural heartworm treatment' to get more info and also just google 'heartworms in dogs' to just get a good understanding of what you're dealing with. One interesting thing I've read is that heartworms, while they do grow and mature in a dog, don't reproduce and multiply so your dog may not be heavily infested with them. If you go the traditional route, I would suggest using something, such as montmorillionite clay, to help rid the toxins from your dog's body after treatment. Best of luck to you and your baby. :aimeeyork :animal-pa :animal-pa :animal-pa :animal-pa :) |
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I also noticed in your post that you took Cooper in for his yearly check up and shots. Though many vets don't yet practice it, the newest recommended vaccination protocol is for a dog to get their puppy shots, then their first year booster. After that, a dog should not need to be vaccinated more than once every 3 years. Also, many states require that the rabies vaccine be a 3 year duration vaccine. Despite this, many vets continue to give the rabies shot annually. Over-vaccinating our pets can lead to many adverse effects over time while offering no additional immunity. If you google 'over vaccination in dogs', you'll get lots of info. |
I really have no knowledge on the heartworm treatment. But-I am sorry to hear about your furbaby and I hope he is as good as new when all done. |
Im so sorry.. :( |
I have two fosters right now who are going through HW treatment and they are doing well; and I have had others who have done very well. The treatment now is different and the risks are less than years past. They usually break it up into two treatments and they give steroids which are very important to reduce inflammation. The shots are painful and they usually give pain meds for the first couple of days following the injections. Keeping them quiet is of utmost importance! The following website has information which might help you .... American Heartworm Society | Canine Heartworm Disease Best wishes to you and to your little Cooper! I am sure he will do well. It is hurtful to me to hear these stories. We see so many pups with Heartworms now; and it all could be prevented for a very small amount of money. Also important to know is to have your pups tested yearly even IF they are on preventatives. Some people skip these tests and don't realize that even IF they are on preventatives they can come up positive. Highly unlikely, but possible. Linda |
I am sorry to hear Cooper has to be treated for Heartwoms. Hopefully you caught it early enough. Prayer's coming for him that he has a full recovery from his treatment's. It's good to know that so very many have succeeded with the treatment. Hang in there Cooper, we're all praying for you to be well again. Hugs, |
That too bad,but he will be o.k. It's treatable and you caught it in time. Give him extra TLC. I'll put you all in my prayers. ;) |
Thanks everyone! Thanks all for the thoughts, prayers and information. This is just killing me inside, just as if it were one of my human kids, I just cry everytime I think about what he is gonna have to go thru. I want to just sit and hold him all the time. Monday will be tuff leaving him at the hospital. :( He has been feeling really bad since his shots yesterday. I had posted about he and his brother fighting alot, I can't even keep them together in the same room unless they are muzzled and I asked the dr. did he think Cooper having heartworms and not feeling good might be why they were fighting and he did not think so. He just said I need to get them both fixed, but not until all of this is over.:confused: |
I think you've gotten some terrific advice....I can only offer prayers. :) Wishing you and Cooper all the best. |
I'm so sorry! You've gotten great advice. Best wishes for Cooper's recovery! |
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