Heartworm Meds -- I Need Advice!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I have a real dilemma here so I'm hoping some of you have some additional knowledge or experience.

Finn has been on a regiment of Interceptor and Frontline Plus since puppyhood.  No problems. In late winter, the vet prescribed Heartgard as a heartworm preventative because Interceptor was no longer available.  I gave him the Heartguard and 3-4 days later, Finn had what appeared to be a petit mal seizure. And 7 days later, another.  The vets thought it might be Idiopathic Epilepsy.  I questioned the Ivermectin in Heartguard.  The info I've found says seizures can occur 1-3 days later -- although the vet felt it would be more like 48 hours. It also turned out he had a preputial (sp?) infection at that time,which we've been treating. A stubborn little infection, not helped by the fact that Finn hides his pills in his cheek and spits them out 5 minutes later.  But I think we've got that under control now.  We've been watching him closely ever since and (knock on wood), no more seizures.

They thought I could try the Heartguard again.  I can't. I just CAN"T give it to him. I feel like I'm giving him poison but I know he HAS to be on a heartworm preventive. 

So they recommended Sentinel because it uses Milbemycin, the same as Interceptor. BUT it also has a chemical to stop fleas from reproducing although it does NOT kill fleas.  I would still have to use Frontline Plus because I want the fleas dead, not biting the dog and/or me.  This seems like too many chemicals to me. The vet says "no problem" but they don't see Heartguard as a problem.  

Has anyone used Sentinel and Frontline Plus together?

I also see that there is an Interceptor Spectrum available --at least I can order it online without a prescription --- but it looks like I may be ordering it from outside the US.  Has anyone done that?

PS

Trifexis is no good for us as it contains Spinosad which may lower the seizure threshold if a dog has previously had seizures.

Advantage Multi does not kill ticks and we live in a heavily infested tick area.

I would really appreciate your input, thoughts, or advice. 

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Revolution contains selamectin instead of ivermectin; maybe that would be a better option for Finn? JD's dermatologist has told me that it has very few side effects and a high safety rating. 

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Not sure how I missed Revolution on my long list but thanks Karen!   I guess I thought it was only for cats. It sounds like a possibility!  (sorry, I replied earlier today but seems that reply never made it :( 

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Luna has pretty sensitive skin (and tummy) and has never had issues with Revolution.  It's probably worth a try!  

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Good to know, thanks J.  

[F, Calla & Luca]

Wish I could help but I am now, having used Interceptor in the past, using Heartguard with Frontline.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

One other thing to do is give the heartworm and the tick/flea medications at least 10 days apart.

Almost all the heartworm and tick/flea meds can lower seizure threshhold.

Also make sure you are giving the least amount of meds that are effective.

We have had success with Heartguard and the frontline plus.  Giving 1 on the first of the month and the other on the 15th.

There are some discussions about this in the "Seizure and Epilepsy" group.

 

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Thanks.  I usually give them a 4-5 days apart, but splitting it this way this makes sense.  When he had the Heartguard and seizures, he had not had any Frontline for over 2 months as I discontinue Frontline during the winter.

[Charlotte and Bo]

I've been using Revolution without any side effects so far.

[Oliver & Elizabeth]

We've been using Revolution for the last eight months. I haven't noticed any side effects and it dries really fast (not oily)! Oliver is flea and heatworm free on Revolution, Sentinel didn't work for us either. Also, while it isn't FDA approved to prevent worms, my vet says it actually does and has been approved for worm prevention in Europe.

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

My vet told me Interceptor is being produced now and will be back in the office in three months. Has anyone heard this?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, a member of my IBD support group said the same thing. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Well I'll believe when I see it.