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21 Posts
Hi everyone, I am new to this site and have done my best to read through the posts and replies that are already here... so please bear with me if this is redundant.
Less than two weeks ago, I adopted the sweetest pit bull mix from a friend. I fell in love with her automatically and had to have her! I took her to the vet yesterday and was informed that her blood test was heartworm positive. Of course, the vet recommended the treatment that kills all worms, larvae and adult at once. I can handle the financial part that they quoted me, but I've already had at least 4 people tell me that the instant kill treatment is very hard on the dog, can cause complications/death, etc.
Someone close to me recommended treating her with ivermectin. She said it kills the immature heartworms when given on a regular basis (preventing them from maturing in the heart) and then the already adult ones basically die of old age- you then use a preventive and the dog will test HW negative within about 2 years.
Sorry so long winded- I'm seeking opinions from people who know about the differences in the two treatment options. I really appreciate anyone's time and advice!
Less than two weeks ago, I adopted the sweetest pit bull mix from a friend. I fell in love with her automatically and had to have her! I took her to the vet yesterday and was informed that her blood test was heartworm positive. Of course, the vet recommended the treatment that kills all worms, larvae and adult at once. I can handle the financial part that they quoted me, but I've already had at least 4 people tell me that the instant kill treatment is very hard on the dog, can cause complications/death, etc.
Someone close to me recommended treating her with ivermectin. She said it kills the immature heartworms when given on a regular basis (preventing them from maturing in the heart) and then the already adult ones basically die of old age- you then use a preventive and the dog will test HW negative within about 2 years.
Sorry so long winded- I'm seeking opinions from people who know about the differences in the two treatment options. I really appreciate anyone's time and advice!