Does My Dog Need A 4DX Test Before Taking A Heartworm Preventive? My Dog Is 71/2 Yrs …
Does my dog need a 4DX test before taking a heartworm preventive? My dog is 71/2 yrs old and has been taking Sentinel monthly since he was a pup, and his Lyme vaccination is up to date. I realize the 4DX test is worthwhile and will get it done at the next annual exam. But the vet is refusing to renew the sentinel prescription without a 4DX test, and that doesn’t make sense to me.
3 Responses
The 4DX test is the heartworm test, and every vet I’ve used has required it prior to filling heartworm prescription.
Yep, I’m aware that’s what the test is for. I pose the question because the vet has been supplying Sentinel for my dog for the past seven years without a 4dx test, so it’s a belated change in protocol. Plus, if Sentinel works as intended, why test for heartworm? I’ve never missed a monthly dose.
That’s interesting, and best addressed with the vet. It’s possible they simply changed protocol, or maybe they’ve mixed up your normal schedule.