Warning not for the weak of stomach - why you want to be religious about giving monthly heartworm preventative

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

I have been doing some research on the treatment of heartworm infection because our foster Miss Lucy is undergoing the treatment.  During my research I came across the American Heartworm Society website page discussing current canine guidelines concerning HW prevention, infection and treatment.

The site also has a few educational videos under the pet owners link.  Below is one of those videos.  Fortunately, Miss Lucy's HW infection was caught in early stage unlike the poor dog in the video.

 

Heartworms have been found around the world and in all 50 US states.  Please everyone, keep your beloved furkids on HW preventative. The old adage is so true with HW, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Forgive my ignorance, but what are ACDs?

The breeds considered at high risk for ivermectin toxicity are Collies, Shetland sheepdogs, Australian shepherds, Merle colored Pomeranians and Old English sheepdogs.

Approximately 35% of dogs in this group have a genetic mutation that causes them to have sensitivities to Ivermectin. Here are a couple of links explaining this:

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_ivermectin.html

http://www.pethealth101.com/Working_dogs/WorkingDrug.shtml

 

[Camilla and Darwin]

Thank you for the reminder.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Jane sorry, Australian Cattle Dogs...I am going to send her this link....her male is ALWAYS sick and they can't figure out why.

Thanks so much.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Ok, I had to force myself to watch this whole video because I had NO idea that they were that long, big, many of them. So if it is found how are they treated?? Meds? Our HW date is tomorrow which is marked on every calendar we own. I hope Lucy gets fixed up and is safe soon!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Just watched that video and all I can say is YUK and DOUBLE YUK!!!  We don't have Heartworm in Ireland I think it's too cold here.  I knew the  dreadful weather must be good for something!

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

So very sad..I'm a nurse and it made me cringe!!!