Comments on: From the Doctors Files: Heartworm Disease http://sitandstay.banfield.net/2009/05/06/case-study-heartworm/ Sit and Stay Blog Thu, 11 Aug 2011 22:10:53 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0-RC3 By: Heartworm Prevention http://sitandstay.banfield.net/2009/05/06/case-study-heartworm/comment-page-1/#comment-1489 Heartworm Prevention Thu, 30 Dec 2010 03:59:39 +0000 http://sitandstay.banfield.net/?p=89#comment-1489 Aria, I would advise against discontinuing heartworm prevention in the colder months. The amount of Ivermectin is quite low and will not do damage. The AVMA suggests year round use. Mosquitoes can even get inside of your home. Aria,

I would advise against discontinuing heartworm prevention in the colder months. The amount of Ivermectin is quite low and will not do damage.

The AVMA suggests year round use. Mosquitoes can even get inside of your home.

]]> By: Shawn Finch, DVM http://sitandstay.banfield.net/2009/05/06/case-study-heartworm/comment-page-1/#comment-349 Shawn Finch, DVM Wed, 27 May 2009 20:30:43 +0000 http://sitandstay.banfield.net/?p=89#comment-349 Hi! The medication in heartworm preventatives is a very low dose of Ivermectin (Heartgard and Wormshield) or another medication that is very safe for dogs given once a month. In fact, these drugs are sometimes used for other conditions in much higher doses with very good results. To prevent heartworm disease, we only need a dose high enough to kill the microfilaria, the immature stage that is transmitted from the mosquito to the pet's bloodstream. This is safe for your pet's liver and other internal organs, so please do not discontinue heartworm preventative for fear of hurting your pet! The damage done my heartworms is extensive and sometimes fatal! Some pet owners choose not to give prevenative over the winter, because heartworm disease needs a mosquito to be transmitted, and mosquitoes cannot live in temperatures below freezing. Have your veterinarian help you decide if seasonal prophylaxis is an option, and if so, when you should stop and restart preventative. Also remember if you travel with your pet, to consider the weather where you will be! Hi! The medication in heartworm preventatives is a very low dose of Ivermectin (Heartgard and Wormshield) or another medication that is very safe for dogs given once a month. In fact, these drugs are sometimes used for other conditions in much higher doses with very good results. To prevent heartworm disease, we only need a dose high enough to kill the microfilaria, the immature stage that is transmitted from the mosquito to the pet’s bloodstream. This is safe for your pet’s liver and other internal organs, so please do not discontinue heartworm preventative for fear of hurting your pet! The damage done my heartworms is extensive and sometimes fatal! Some pet owners choose not to give prevenative over the winter, because heartworm disease needs a mosquito to be transmitted, and mosquitoes cannot live in temperatures below freezing. Have your veterinarian help you decide if seasonal prophylaxis is an option, and if so, when you should stop and restart preventative. Also remember if you travel with your pet, to consider the weather where you will be!

]]> By: aria http://sitandstay.banfield.net/2009/05/06/case-study-heartworm/comment-page-1/#comment-344 aria Sun, 24 May 2009 20:38:23 +0000 http://sitandstay.banfield.net/?p=89#comment-344 I have heard that in the cold months that it is better to discontinue monthly treatments as it is toxic to the dog's liver ad not necessary due to the lack of mosquitos, is there any validity to this? I have heard that in the cold months that it is better to discontinue monthly treatments as it is toxic to the dog’s liver ad not necessary due to the lack of mosquitos, is there any validity to this?

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