Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] heartworm
Karin
>From what I know, heartworm is a worm (parasite) that grows in and around
> Whats heartworm?
>
> Shyrley
>
the dogs heart. I think the only way a dog can get heartworm (or at least
the most common way) is by being bit by a mosquito that has previously bit a
dog that has heartworm. So the mosquito is a carrier and passes the
heartworm larvae by the mixing of the blood. Kind of the same way the West
Nile Virus is being spread. You can give your dog heartworm preventative
medicine which protects the dogs from the heartworm parasite and other
parasites/worms as well. My vet strongly recommended that we give our dog
heartworm pills even though we hardly have any mosquitos here in Phoenix
(AZ). Apparently, once the dog gets a heartworm, it is very hard to treat
and can be deadly - so prevention is key.
Karin
Shyrley
On 30 Sep 02, at 9:14, Karin wrote:
be infected. I only heard of these things when someone was giving
tablets to her dogs but didn't think to ask. Guess I need to finda vet
and hand over all my cash :-(
Shyrley
"You laugh at me because I'm different. I laugh at you because you are all the same."
>Oh Dear. We've been in the US a year now. Guess my dogs might
> >
> > Whats heartworm?
> >
> > Shyrley
> >
>
>
> From what I know, heartworm is a worm (parasite) that grows in and
> around the dogs heart. I think the only way a dog can get heartworm
> (or at least the most common way) is by being bit by a mosquito that
> has previously bit a dog that has heartworm. So the mosquito is a
> carrier and passes the heartworm larvae by the mixing of the blood.
> Kind of the same way the West Nile Virus is being spread. You can give
> your dog heartworm preventative medicine which protects the dogs from
> the heartworm parasite and other parasites/worms as well. My vet
> strongly recommended that we give our dog heartworm pills even though
> we hardly have any mosquitos here in Phoenix (AZ). Apparently, once
> the dog gets a heartworm, it is very hard to treat and can be deadly
> - so prevention is key.
>
> Karin
>
be infected. I only heard of these things when someone was giving
tablets to her dogs but didn't think to ask. Guess I need to finda vet
and hand over all my cash :-(
Shyrley
"You laugh at me because I'm different. I laugh at you because you are all the same."
Karin
> >Think positively! Hopefully your dogs are fine and healthy. :-)
> Oh Dear. We've been in the US a year now. Guess my dogs might
> be infected. I only heard of these things when someone was giving
> tablets to her dogs but didn't think to ask. Guess I need to finda vet
> and hand over all my cash :-(
>
> Shyrley
When/If you enquire about heartworm to your vet, they can do (will probably
recommend) a blood test to determine if your dog already has heartworm. If
all is well, you can buy heartworm pills for about $30 for a six month
supply - at least that's what mine cost (I'm using the brand Interceptor).
The cost is not too terribly bad.
Good luck ~
Karin
Mary Bianco
Just make sure that you have your dog tested before you give preventative
treatment. Giving a dog with heartworms a prevention med for heartworms can
kill them.
Heartworm infestation is nasty. I graduated as a vet assistant and we
autopsied dogs with heartworms. It looks as though someone strung very thick
dental floss all through the heart. It's not a peaceful death but it also
can be treated if caught early. Depending on the health of the dog though.
We use revolution here as the south is infamous for our skeeters. Revolution
also prevents dog ticks, fleas, ear mites, sarcoptic mites, and although
only tested on cats to prevent roundworms and hookworms, studies are showing
it does the same in dogs. It's given topically on the base of the neck and
works for a month. Great stuff. I think if you go to the web site you can
get a free sample.
Mary B
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treatment. Giving a dog with heartworms a prevention med for heartworms can
kill them.
Heartworm infestation is nasty. I graduated as a vet assistant and we
autopsied dogs with heartworms. It looks as though someone strung very thick
dental floss all through the heart. It's not a peaceful death but it also
can be treated if caught early. Depending on the health of the dog though.
We use revolution here as the south is infamous for our skeeters. Revolution
also prevents dog ticks, fleas, ear mites, sarcoptic mites, and although
only tested on cats to prevent roundworms and hookworms, studies are showing
it does the same in dogs. It's given topically on the base of the neck and
works for a month. Great stuff. I think if you go to the web site you can
get a free sample.
Mary B
_________________________________________________________________
Join the world�s largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail.
http://www.hotmail.com
Shyrley
On 30 Sep 02, at 18:10, Mary Bianco wrote:
but I'veheard how much they charge just to walk through the door!
gets too bad? Are the pills toxic?
seizures in dogs.
There are definately more parasites here than back home (and no,
I'm not talking about the GOP ;-)....)
Shyrley
"You laugh at me because I'm different. I laugh at you because you are all the same."
> Just make sure that you have your dog tested before you giveThis is all sounding expensive. I've not yet been to a vet in the US
> preventative treatment. Giving a dog with heartworms a prevention med
> for heartworms can kill them.
but I'veheard how much they charge just to walk through the door!
>Yuck. Is it worth doing an old dog who might die before infestation
> Heartworm infestation is nasty. I graduated as a vet assistant and we
> autopsied dogs with heartworms. It looks as though someone strung very
> thick dental floss all through the heart. It's not a peaceful death
> but it also can be treated if caught early. Depending on the health of
> the dog though.
gets too bad? Are the pills toxic?
>Like frontline? Didn't that stuff kill a bunch of cats and cause
> We use revolution here as the south is infamous for our skeeters.
> Revolution also prevents dog ticks, fleas, ear mites, sarcoptic mites,
> and although only tested on cats to prevent roundworms and hookworms,
> studies are showing it does the same in dogs. It's given topically on
> the base of the neck and works for a month. Great stuff. I think if
> you go to the web site you can get a free sample.
seizures in dogs.
There are definately more parasites here than back home (and no,
I'm not talking about the GOP ;-)....)
Shyrley
"You laugh at me because I'm different. I laugh at you because you are all the same."
Mary Bianco
From: "Shyrley" <shyrley.williams@...>
<<This is all sounding expensive. I've not yet been to a vet in the US
but I've heard how much they charge just to walk through the door!>>
Well that really depends on the vet you find. My old vet which is a teaching
center as well became extremely expensive and you saw someone different
every time you went. We then tried two other vets that just didn't sit well
with me. I need someone to listen to me and what I know about my animals,
then I'll ask what I don't. We finally found a one vet practice just down
the road and if I knew of a typical country vet, this guy would be it. He
listens and when our bullmastiff puppy came down with mange, he was the only
one that let us treat it the way we wanted to without trying to force his
ways. His prices are extremely reasonable.
<<Yuck. Is it worth doing an old dog who might die before infestation
gets too bad? Are the pills toxic?>>
Not sure what you are asking. If it's an old dog that actually has
heartworms, I would say not to treat. It takes a lot out of a dog and if
they aren't young and healthy, it's not the best for the animal. If it's an
old dog who hasn't been given a heartworm preventative, then a simple blood
test will tell you if they have it or not. If not, then the heartworm meds
are no big deal. But that last part is a matter of decision also. Our older
Lab only went out for walks as we didn't have a fenced in yard at that
time. I sprayed him down with Adams before he left the house and didn't use
heartworm meds on him in his older age. Our two puppies now spend a lot of
time outside running around and we use preventative year round.
<<Like frontline? Didn't that stuff kill a bunch of cats and cause
seizures in dogs.>>
Yeah I guess similar to Frontline and just like with any med, there are
always contraindications that could lead to death. Again, just like with
people meds and vaccines, it's a judgement call.
Mary B
_________________________________________________________________
Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com
<<This is all sounding expensive. I've not yet been to a vet in the US
but I've heard how much they charge just to walk through the door!>>
Well that really depends on the vet you find. My old vet which is a teaching
center as well became extremely expensive and you saw someone different
every time you went. We then tried two other vets that just didn't sit well
with me. I need someone to listen to me and what I know about my animals,
then I'll ask what I don't. We finally found a one vet practice just down
the road and if I knew of a typical country vet, this guy would be it. He
listens and when our bullmastiff puppy came down with mange, he was the only
one that let us treat it the way we wanted to without trying to force his
ways. His prices are extremely reasonable.
<<Yuck. Is it worth doing an old dog who might die before infestation
gets too bad? Are the pills toxic?>>
Not sure what you are asking. If it's an old dog that actually has
heartworms, I would say not to treat. It takes a lot out of a dog and if
they aren't young and healthy, it's not the best for the animal. If it's an
old dog who hasn't been given a heartworm preventative, then a simple blood
test will tell you if they have it or not. If not, then the heartworm meds
are no big deal. But that last part is a matter of decision also. Our older
Lab only went out for walks as we didn't have a fenced in yard at that
time. I sprayed him down with Adams before he left the house and didn't use
heartworm meds on him in his older age. Our two puppies now spend a lot of
time outside running around and we use preventative year round.
<<Like frontline? Didn't that stuff kill a bunch of cats and cause
seizures in dogs.>>
Yeah I guess similar to Frontline and just like with any med, there are
always contraindications that could lead to death. Again, just like with
people meds and vaccines, it's a judgement call.
Mary B
_________________________________________________________________
Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com
Judy
Karin wrote:
purchasing the meds here.
I have found this to be a lot less than buying form my vet.
http://www.1888petmeds.com/
-J
>and after you get the ok from the vet- you may save some money by
> > >
> > Oh Dear. We've been in the US a year now. Guess my dogs might
> > be infected. I only heard of these things when someone was giving
> > tablets to her dogs but didn't think to ask. Guess I need to finda vet
> > and hand over all my cash :-(
> >
> > Shyrley
>
>
>
> Think positively! Hopefully your dogs are fine and healthy. :-)
> When/If you enquire about heartworm to your vet, they can do (will
> probably
> recommend) a blood test to determine if your dog already has heartworm. If
> all is well, you can buy heartworm pills for about $30 for a six month
> supply - at least that's what mine cost (I'm using the brand Interceptor).
> The cost is not too terribly bad.
> Good luck ~
>
> Karin
purchasing the meds here.
I have found this to be a lot less than buying form my vet.
http://www.1888petmeds.com/
-J
>
Judy
Shyrley wrote:
I do treat for heartworm prevention but elect to do frequent bathing to
control fleas, etc.
And yes- my dog is little- she is a pipsqueak and easy to bathe. (After
years and years of only owning big, black labs we rescued a Jack
Russell. There are other differences besides stature. Oh, my!)
The Frontline, etc. enters the bloodstream, attaches to fat cells and
then coats every single hair ...can not be washed off.
another medical experiment on our kids, in my opinion... the furniture
is covered with the stuff, the floor, (if you have a crawling baby...)
and every time the kids pet the animal , they get a coating on their
hands- which are always in their mouths...
Most of the chemicals are endocrine receptors...
worth some looking into if you are considering using them and have kids,
me thinks.
People have had pets for some time now (centuries)- WITHOUT- these
chemicals...
Love, another opinion.
> On 30 Sep 02, at 18:10, Mary Bianco wrote:if you are soliciting opinions....;-)
>
> > Just make sure that you have your dog tested before you give
> > preventative treatment. Giving a dog with heartworms a prevention med
> > for heartworms can kill them.
>
> This is all sounding expensive. I've not yet been to a vet in the US
> but I've heard how much they charge just to walk through the door!
> >
> > Heartworm infestation is nasty. I graduated as a vet assistant and we
> > autopsied dogs with heartworms. It looks as though someone strung very
> > thick dental floss all through the heart. It's not a peaceful death
> > but it also can be treated if caught early. Depending on the health of
> > the dog though.
>
> Yuck. Is it worth doing an old dog who might die before infestation
> gets too bad? Are the pills toxic?
> >
> > We use revolution here as the south is infamous for our skeeters.
> > Revolution also prevents dog ticks, fleas, ear mites, sarcoptic mites,
> > and although only tested on cats to prevent roundworms and hookworms,
> > studies are showing it does the same in dogs. It's given topically on
> > the base of the neck and works for a month. Great stuff. I think if
> > you go to the web site you can get a free sample.
>
> Like frontline? Didn't that stuff kill a bunch of cats and cause
> seizures in dogs.
>
> There are definitely more parasites here than back home (and no,
> I'm not talking about the GOP ;-)....)
>
>
> Shyrley
>
I do treat for heartworm prevention but elect to do frequent bathing to
control fleas, etc.
And yes- my dog is little- she is a pipsqueak and easy to bathe. (After
years and years of only owning big, black labs we rescued a Jack
Russell. There are other differences besides stature. Oh, my!)
The Frontline, etc. enters the bloodstream, attaches to fat cells and
then coats every single hair ...can not be washed off.
another medical experiment on our kids, in my opinion... the furniture
is covered with the stuff, the floor, (if you have a crawling baby...)
and every time the kids pet the animal , they get a coating on their
hands- which are always in their mouths...
Most of the chemicals are endocrine receptors...
worth some looking into if you are considering using them and have kids,
me thinks.
People have had pets for some time now (centuries)- WITHOUT- these
chemicals...
Love, another opinion.
>
Mary Bianco
<<From: Judy <jorganic@...>
The Frontline, etc. enters the bloodstream, attaches to fat cells and
then coats every single hair ...can not be washed off.
another medical experiment on our kids, in my opinion... the furniture
is covered with the stuff, the floor, (if you have a crawling baby...)
and every time the kids pet the animal , they get a coating on their
hands- which are always in their mouths...
Most of the chemicals are endocrine receptors...
worth some looking into if you are considering using them and have kids,
me thinks.
People have had pets for some time now (centuries)- WITHOUT- these
chemicals...>>
Well I'm not really familiar with Frontline but I'm not sure that it does
enter the bloodstream. From what I know it stays on the skin and in the hair
follicles. It's also been used as a pesticide for years.
Revolution is a totally different kind of drug that does enter the blood
stream circulating through the body and back to the sebaceous glands of the
animal. Yes it does stay there but I personally don't see where it remains
in such strong amounts for me to worry about my house being coated with it.
My dogs would be dead otherwise. Again, it's a judgement call and I'm
satisfied with my homework. (excuse the dirty word!)
Mary B
_________________________________________________________________
Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com
The Frontline, etc. enters the bloodstream, attaches to fat cells and
then coats every single hair ...can not be washed off.
another medical experiment on our kids, in my opinion... the furniture
is covered with the stuff, the floor, (if you have a crawling baby...)
and every time the kids pet the animal , they get a coating on their
hands- which are always in their mouths...
Most of the chemicals are endocrine receptors...
worth some looking into if you are considering using them and have kids,
me thinks.
People have had pets for some time now (centuries)- WITHOUT- these
chemicals...>>
Well I'm not really familiar with Frontline but I'm not sure that it does
enter the bloodstream. From what I know it stays on the skin and in the hair
follicles. It's also been used as a pesticide for years.
Revolution is a totally different kind of drug that does enter the blood
stream circulating through the body and back to the sebaceous glands of the
animal. Yes it does stay there but I personally don't see where it remains
in such strong amounts for me to worry about my house being coated with it.
My dogs would be dead otherwise. Again, it's a judgement call and I'm
satisfied with my homework. (excuse the dirty word!)
Mary B
_________________________________________________________________
Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com