Stitch Posted December 9, 2012 Share Posted December 9, 2012 As the title says, I have a pregnant bitch (5 weeks). Specialist said that I should ring the manufacturers of the monthly heartworm preparations to ask which one is guaranteed completely safe in these circumstances. Previously I have never given heartworm to a pregnant bitch but there are a few mozzies around at the moment and I am getting a bit cautious as I don't know if the neighbours dogs are treated so there may be an increased risk of mozzies carrying it at the moment. Anyone have any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jr_inoz Posted December 9, 2012 Share Posted December 9, 2012 revolution. I wouldn't give anything to a pregnant bitch - but vet says this one is safe and all the packaging and info in it says that it is safe for pregnant and lactating bitches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parkeyre Posted December 9, 2012 Share Posted December 9, 2012 I wouldn't. They may be guaranteeing the product's safety, but if it turns out harming your bitch and litter you can best your arse they'll only refund the product purchase price, not all your hand work, stud fee, ultrasounds, special food, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stitch Posted December 9, 2012 Author Share Posted December 9, 2012 Parkeyre I have always had the policy of not giving any chemicals to a pregnant bitch but after talking to one vet recently it got me a bit worried. I always in the past treated for monthly heartworm just prior to mating the bitch but don't dose during pregnancy. The repro vet has always agreed not to give a pregnant bitch anything that can be absolutely avoided however I note that this time when I asked him he said to contact the manufacturer....wonder why?? Previously I have had them on Interceptor but recently changed to a Ivermectin/Prazyquantil mix. Apparently the Interceptor will actually give 2 months protection...mental note in future will have breeding bitches on Interceptor....but now I have the dilema...to dose or not to dose?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alyosha Posted December 9, 2012 Share Posted December 9, 2012 (edited) It comes down to the active constituent rather than the product. Your vet should be able to advise you as all heartworm product labels recommend vet advice prior to treatment. But checking all registered products listed here: http://services.apvma.gov.au/PubcrisWebClient/search.do;jsessionid=RSlfQGTJhS61690nvj2mksGJxlKYW7SkxsGT62DBn1TN65ZHTZ7D!-1307542827 Shows the following: DIETHYLCARBAMAZINE CITRATE, IVERMECTIN, IVERMECTIN / PYRANTEL AS PYRANTEL EMBONATE products don't include a yes or no on pregnant bitches. MELARSOMINE DIHYDROCHLORIDE product labels specifically says not to use on pregnant bitches. MOXIDECTIN states is safe for breeding bitches. SELAMECTIN and MILBEMYCIN OXIME / PRAZIQUANTEL product labels specifically state that trials have shown safety at 10 times the recommended dose rates in pregnant and lactating bitches. So these two look to be good ideas if you want to pursue treatment - products Revolution and Milbemax. There are a few more, you can continue to browse. Use the "view label" link on the right hand side to access information on each product. edit to add - just read yours so looked at Interceptor and it too has specific info about being safe for pregnant bitches. Edited December 9, 2012 by Alyosha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stitch Posted December 9, 2012 Author Share Posted December 9, 2012 Thanks sooo much for that info. Alyosha. That's great!! I was told a long time ago not to give anything in the first 3 weeks and then if you wanted to dose do it between weeks 4 and 6. Presuming this still holds true! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancinbcs Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 Also note that Milbemax and Interceptor are exactly the same drug. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WreckitWhippet Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 I wouldn't use any of it on a pregnant bitch. No ivermectin, moxidectin or any other nasty. Ask the manufacturer if they have actually done any studies involving bitches in whelp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stitch Posted December 10, 2012 Author Share Posted December 10, 2012 Well I had a conversation with my normal vet today and I have decided that I am going to continue on as I have done for many years now....ie. I am not going to dose her with ANYTHING until she delivers her pups. Vets opinion is that they very rarely see dogs in our area with heartworm anymore. He estimates that she would have a 99% chance of being safe if I don't dose her whilst she is pregnant. After weighing everything up I think that is the safe option...well I hope so anyway. It feels like the right decision! Once she delivers I usually wait about 3 or so days before I re treat. Not had any adverse reactions that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jed Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 It takes 3 months (4 months, not sure, but 3 mininum) for the microfilaria to hatch and be dangerous. That is why you need to start pups on treatment at 3 -4 months. So if you don't treat until she whelps, she will be fine Can you still buy the daily tablets? I would think they would be safe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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