Heartworm Meds

[Guest Tess32]

I wonder if anyone has read much about the available heartworm medication and which one is safest?

I have read that Dr. Jean Dodds actually advises the use of the daily tabs (Diethylcarbamazine Citrate) as it is not processed by the liver and is less dangerous than ivermectin and the other ingredients in the monthly tabs.

Has anyone done some research and know anything about them?

I would rather not give it at all to be honest but we do have a LOT of mosquitoes here and the treatment is worse than the preventative *sigh*

[Cavandra]

Obviously Collie breeds can not have Ivermectin, so need alternatives. I use monthly "Valuheart" (which is Ivermectin), and follow Jean Dodds advice by giving it every SIX weeks & only through mozzie season.

[Guest Tess32]

Well I am thinking of having him DNA tested for the sensitivity gene, but I won't bother if the alternatives aren't any safer than the daily tabs (which is what my other two are on).

The mozzies have disappeared lately and Noah is still under 6 months, so I would rather not give it through winter. If you don't, I presume you need to do a test towards the time when they come back?

I would appreciate any literature on this as my mum is concerned about not giving it at all, whereas I'd be happy not to during the colder periods.

[InspectorRex]

I have been using Sentinel Spectrum( previously Interceptor) for more than 15 years now and no issues.

Both my Collies have been DNA tested for the Nutant MDR1gene( Ivermectin Sensitivity) and they are both Affected

It is important to have the DNA test done becuase if the dog is Affected there are a whole lot of other commonly used Veterinary Drugs that the dog cannot be given as they cab cause neuro-toxicity( drugs such as morphine,imodium- there is a whole list of drugs)

When I have to take my furkids to the Vets I take my "list" with me so the Vet does not give a drug that can cause terrible side effects, even death.

For the sake of $60 it is worth getting the DNA Test done. Even though the mozzies are not about much all it takes is one bite from an infected mozzie and your dog can contract heartworm.Mine are on Sentinel all year round as it also does all the intesstinal worms including tapeworms.

go to www.miniaussierescue.org and look for Buster Alert and it will give you a whole page of drugs that IVR affected dogs cannot have.

[squeak]

It is important to have the DNA test done becuase if the dog is Affected there are a whole lot of other commonly used Veterinary Drugs that the dog cannot be given as they cab cause neuro-toxicity( drugs such as morphine,imodium- there is a whole list of drugs)

Inspector Rex - can you tell me if the DNA test can be done on "mutts" - I have two who I suspect may have some collie in their mix. Also, what is involved with the DNA testing - how is it done?

[Guest Tess32]

Sorry I should have clarified, I'm not after personal accounts of what meds people take - small samples of people don't really tell me anything :rolleyes: I was just after any studies or literature others may have read/have

IR - Yes I already know about the drug list, I posted it already on the other forum this week I just avoid those drugs anyway.

So far I have am still leaning towards the daily tabs as I generally trust what Jean Dodds says, but I haven't looked up the others yet.

[Guest Tess32]

It is important to have the DNA test done becuase if the dog is Affected there are a whole lot of other commonly used Veterinary Drugs that the dog cannot be given as they cab cause neuro-toxicity( drugs such as morphine,imodium- there is a whole list of drugs)

Inspector Rex - can you tell me if the DNA test can be done on "mutts" - I have two who I suspect may have some collie in their mix. Also, what is involved with the DNA testing - how is it done?

It can be done on any dog - it is just a blood test.

[Staff'n'Toller]

Whole Dog Journal had an article on it a while back...I haven't had a subscription for about 8mths.

Basically they are pro limited Vaccines and limited everything else, but said there is no point playing with the devil- treat for heartworm using a conventional product.

Mel.

[Jed]

This wont help you much, but I did some research about 4 years ago, and the daily ones seemed safer, for the reasons you outlined. My vet at the time said the same thing. However, I have no idea where I did the research, but it was not from the net. I am not overkeen on the net, anyone can say anything. Might have been from books, vet research papers, I dunno now.

However, I couldn't be bothered doing it every night, so I do them monthly with ivermec, but not through the cold months, and I know there have been studies/suggestions that ivermec does cause problems, but I have to be able to actually carry out the routine I have, and daily is just not practical for me.

If I only had 1 or 2 dogs, I would do daily, and I recommend daily to my puppy buyers.

[Guest Tess32]

Great, thanks Jed. I think Ill feel safer sticking to those I think.

Thanks Mel - yeah I don't think I could not give it at all during the summer months, too dangerous....but haven't decided about the winter yet. Might try and find that article.