Heartworms?

myewlo · 08-23-2007, 11:46 AM

We went to the vet for my pup's last shots last week and my vet gave me a packet with a sample of heartworm medication. We haven't done any tests on her but she's checked out healthy on everything else.. would it be alright to use the sample and put her on regular heartworm medication? my vet didn't say anything about getting her tested beforehand.

Dakota Spirit · 08-23-2007, 01:21 PM

Generally, heartworm medication is given as a preventative so I would say its okay to start her on a treatment cycle. However, I would still consult a vet before doing anything. I'm sure the answer to this question could be given in a simple phone call to your clinic.

lovemygreys · 08-23-2007, 02:51 PM

heartworm tests are a pretty standard "vet visit" check up - especially if they actually gave you a heartworm sample. How old is your dog? Under a certain age they don't have to be tested before starting preventative.

Lorina · 08-23-2007, 02:58 PM

My vet does not require a heartworm test before starting preventative on dogs under 6 months of age.

When in doubt, call your vet.

pvloccs · 08-23-2007, 03:36 PM

hello myewlo you can read my post first.
and back to talk to your's vet again if vet still quite ur no answer of disease for you . you may looking for new vet ^^

PL. sorry in my ENG cheap many wrong gramma T_T

SIGNS
Historial Findings
• Animals often asymptomatic or exhibit minimal signs such as coughing
• Coughing and exercise intolerance associated with moderate pulmonary damage
• Cachexia, excercise intolerance, syncope, and ascites (right-sided [R-] CHF) in severely affected dogs Physical Examination Findings
• No abnormalities in animals with mild infection and some with moderately severe infection
• Labored breathing or crackles in dogs with severe pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary thromboembolic complications
• Tachycardia, ascites, and hepatomegaly indicate R-CHF.
• Hemoptysis occasionally occurs and indicates severe pulmonary thromboembolic complications. CAUSES Infection with D. immitis

MEDICATIONS DRUGS AND FLUIDS
• Stabilize animal with R-CHF by administration of diuretics, cage rest, and sodium restriction before adulticide treatment
• Stabilize pulmonary failure with antithrombotic agents (e.g., aspirin/heparin), anti- inflammatory dosage of corticosteroid, or bronchodilator, depending on the cause. Discontinue steroids 24 hours before adulticide administration.
• Melarsomine dihydrochloride is an adulticide drug that has the advantage of IM administration, less hepatotoxicity, and improved efficacy against both sexes of adult worms of all ages.
• Thiacetarsamide sodium, an adulticide; appropriate dosage--2 mg/kg (0.2 ml/kg) administered IV at intervals of 8-15 hours for a total of 4 doses. Feed before drug administration.
• Microfilaricide administration indicated for most dogs with circulating microfilariae, 4 to 6 weeks after adulticide. Ivermectin is administered in the morning at a dosage of 50 mcg/ kg; the patient is observed for the day and discharged in the evening. Microfilaracidal dose of ivermectin not recommended in collies or shelties.

I think this info you help you in a little ^^

myewlo · 08-23-2007, 03:54 PM

hmm, she's just hit 4 mo. old, so perhaps she doesn't need the test. my vet has been soo nice and helpful. he's got a terrible bedside manner but my puppy loves him to death!! my vet's always answered every question (and some of mine have been rather strange) and has been very helpful so i don't think he would have just let it slip that she didn't need it, but i'm calling ASAP just to check.

007Dogs · 08-23-2007, 05:09 PM

If she is only 4 months old, she can start the medication with out any problems. It takes longer than that for the heartworm to complete it's cycle. But you have to keep the dog on it year round. Even if you are in a cold area where mosquitoes die. Due to the long cycle of the heartworm, it is best to use meds year round.