Heartworm Treatment (Important Notice)

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Saw this announcement on Cincinnati Dog Pages this evening and thought it was worth sharing:

 

Cincinnati Dog Pages Per Liz, our Consulting Vet... Meriel, the manufactures of the only medication approved to treat heartworm disease (Immiticide), say that this medication is going on backorder and they are not sure when it will be available again. This means that it is very important for you to keep your dogs on heartworm preventative, because if they get heartworm disease, the medication may not be available to treat the disease. Heartworm disease is fatal if not treated.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The same immiticide shortage situation occurred in late 2009- early 2010. Vets had to request the drug directly from Merial. It almost makes you wonder if the supply/demand is being manipulated. The internet is filled with reports of a shortage back around January 2010.

http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/feb10/100201c.asp

http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2011/08/treating-heartworm-disease-anoth...

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Messing with the supply of the "popular toy for kids" at Christmas is one thing, but messing with something that saves lives is inexcusable.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I was just coming in here to say, AGAIN?

[Adina P]

Isn't there another drug ... Same as a preventive that is ALSO used to treat?  Don't recall the name but I swear that some vets treat with the same thing used to prevent...it is just a longer (?) treatment.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Here's some info. Ivermectin can only be used to treat HW Class One patients, and if adult heartworms are already present, it won't affect them:

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?A=610

 

[Adina P]

I see, thanks!

[F, Calla & Luca]

That video the other day, showing the heartworm removal, would have been enough warning if I didn't already give the meds religiously. Some days I think the world is going to pot.

[Michael Gurley]

You should come to work with me one day. I work at Petsmart and there are SO MANY people who have had dogs all their lives and come in to Petsmart to ask for flea/tick meds (usually the cheapest one) and when I mention heartworm meds, they have never used them before. They just don't want to spend the money on their dog.

 

One lady said that she had to get her dog tested for heartworm before she'd even buy him a bed because if he was positive, she was just going to put him down and didn't want to spend money before finding out whether she'd be keeping him.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I pity that dog!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Did you slap her???? Sorry but this is horrible!!

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

F Parker, I agree fully with your last sentence!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Sorry to sound dumb...Where we live, we have them on Heartguard from June-November (6months) Are you saying that we should CONTINUE giving it to them after November??? Not really sure what you meant. They are 3 &4 yrs old.