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Jennifer | 3 weeks ago
My Dog Nick Is Going Through Heart Worm Treatment And I Have A Few Questions… He …

My dog Nick is going through heart worm treatment and I have a few questions…

he is 12 days post 1st injection as of today. He is on Prednisone once daily, and has Gabapentin 300mg which I give as needed.

he seems to shiver quite a bit – is he cold or feeling uncomfortable? I understand that the worms are dying and disintegrating. Is that painful for him? Does it cause pressure in his lungs? That is where this process takes place – is that correct?

I keep him a small room with me and in a crate when unsupervised. If I am in the kitchen he is leashed and laying on the floor. Only goes upstairs at night. I am giving him enrichment toys however he did eat (literally) half of one and had to go to vet to vomit the toy-my fault, I know he eats things. He is on a short leash for potty breaks. The heart worm society recommends having the dog sit at each stage for going outside, this little man will do anything for a treat and this works great for him. Does this seem like a good approach?

Thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.
Thank you!

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  1. Jennifer Taylor

    I have been in the rescue world for many years and have gone through heartworm treatment with more dogs than I can count at this juncture sadly. I am not familiar with having them sit when outside? I just checked the American Heartworm Society’s website to see if maybe there was an update I wasn’t familiar with but couldn’t find anything. I have always kept my foster confined to a crate or small area (sounds like what you describe in your kitchen). Outside time is for potty purposes only and on a 6′ lead. Yes, enrichment is important and depending on the dog’s personality we do use meds as needed to keep them calm. It’s a long process for them and us and the day they can come off restrictions is cause for celebration! I would relay the shivering/shaking that you describe to your vet so they can determine how to best proceed or if this would be of concern to them. Good luck! And start planning the “pawty” for when life can resume as normal!

    1. Jennifer Post author

      Thanks so much for your ireply! I think the video is on the heart worm society page where the vet talks about taking the dog out for potty breaks and asking the dog to sit at the door, sit when they get outside, let them do their thing, have them sit again, sit before they come in etc. as a way to keep the heart rate down. That was my interpretation of the video. This is my first time going through this and I just want to be sure I am doing the best I can for my boy.

      Oh, you can sure we are planning a ‘pawty’. I’m gonna tell my vet to hold the phone away from her ear when she gives me the good news, or if I am in the clinic there WILL be a happy dance/!

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Sarah | 3 months ago
New Pet Exam On A 1 Year Old Heartworm Positive Golden Retriever
Treatment Cost (USD): $298.91
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James | 9 months ago
My Dog Is Predisposed To Have Reactions To Ingredients In Every Heartworm Medication. I Have Received …

My dog is predisposed to have reactions to ingredients in every heartworm medication. I have received no definitive answer from my vet as to what to do except to basically play Russian Roulette which I’m not really willing to do. I would like to know if you have any advice on how to herbally treat heartworm without using conventional treatment. He is a husky, German Shepherd, wolf mix he has been DNA tested and he is 20 months old. Any information that you could provide would be helpful. My name is James Dalton and if you need to contact me my number is 864-906-4305. Thank you

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Ceyda | 5 years ago
Hello, We Are A Group Of Individuals That Help The Street Dogs In Turkey. We Have …

Hello,

We are a group of individuals that help the street dogs in Turkey. We have a recent case of a baby girl that is below the age of 2 and has heartworm disease. She and a bunch of others were locked up into an abandoned shelter with no food and no clean water (there was water with only blood hence, bacteria and the disease). The medication advised to us by the vet (immiticide) does not exist in Turkey therefore, the baby girl cannot get the treatment. Is there a way you could help us out with this issue we are having?
We would be truly grateful.
The vet is ready to show videos, send necessary documentation and prescription etc.

Thank you in advance.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Thank you for all you do. The American Heartworm Association has lots of information available on their site. Please go there. Also look into Advantage multi and doxycycline. They have some promise in treating if you don’t have access to duroban. Good luck!

    1. Ceyda Post author

      Thank you so much for your quick and genuine response. We will definitely look into everything you mentioned!
      We wish you a great day!

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Tom | 5 years ago
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.

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  1. Laura

    The 4DX test is the heartworm test, and every vet I’ve used has required it prior to filling heartworm prescription.

    1. Tom Post author

      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.

      1. Laura

        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.

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Krista Magnifico | 5 years ago
First Puppy Exam, Meet Oakley. This Is A Story Of A New Puppy And The Veterinary Visits They Need To Start Off On The Right Paw.
Treatment Cost (USD): $155.00
It is my advice that every new pet should be seen by a veterinarian within 3-5 days of purchase/ adoption. Based on the previous records a puppy vaccination, surgical, and behavioral plan can be laid out.
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Monika | 5 years ago
Hi There, I Guess It Will Be Long. Anamnesis My Cat Is An Adopted Cat From …

Hi there,

I guess it will be long.

Anamnesis
My cat is an adopted cat from shelter. He was 1.5 yrs old when I adopted him and 9 months old when he got into the shelter. He is 7.5 yrs old now.
He suffered from catflu. He lost his left eye because of it. He had polyp in his left nasal cavity having spread to his left earcanal also, so he had to undergo a surgery at the age of 1.5.

The problem
Every season changes– fall, spring — makes him sneeze so I always administer him Vetri-DMG and Flumax to strenght his immune system.
This fall he was sneezing a lot sounded some discharge up, but didn’t see anything then he started snoring didn’t matter if he was sleeping or awaken. He vomited brownish, greenish, and yellowish fluid. Later on he tried to vomit, but nothing came up. On the top of these he seemed to be gasping for breath or being out of breath.
Since having administered Vetri-DMG and Flumax for 3 or 4 weeks I took him to a vet. He administered him eyedrops (3×2 for 7-10 days) Tobradex — corticosteroid and antibiotics — as he found nothing, but his teary eye and conjunctivitis, which is of course tearing all the time as he has epiphora thanks to catflu. He also administered Moxiclear spot on when the next deworming time comes (he is given dewormer each month, Fenbendazole and Praziquantel — guess you know it as Panacur) to make sure that he has no heartworm or lungworm…

Eardrops have been used for 8 days and he has started snoring again. He snores sometimes even he is awaken when breathing in or out.

QUESTION
His RIGHT side nostril seems to be swollen inside, so as far as I can see ti and narrower on this side. And that’s what makes me be so worried. I am afraid of… nasal cancer. He is a ginger cat and has lentigo on his nose, in on his lips, on his pows… How can I find out what the problem is? Unfortunately, in my country vets doesn’t know anything except giving injections… If an illness is not well-seen yet they do nothing.

Help us please!

Thank you so much in advance!

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    When I see oronasal or facial cancer it usually causes displacement of the eye outward. It can also cause swelling or enlargement of the facial area (bridge of nose and cheek area). I haven’t seen one to cause widening or narrowing of the nose. My suspicion would be more inflammatory than cancer. Unfortunately the only way to diagnose is with either tissue samples (usually from traumatic sampling which only a specialist should do), or a CT scan (which is expensive and not available everywhere). The things I have tried in my clinic have been anti inflammatory nasal drops, nebulizer treatments, courses of antibiotics and blood work testing to include a cbc, chem panel and FeLV/FIV status. Also warm humid air like in a hot shower room can help. Also it is super important to assess the living environment for any allergens (no powers, sprays, potpourri, and good ventilation (no mold or dark areas where dust or mold could settle). I hope this helps. Good luck!

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Krista Magnifico | 5 years ago
Greyhound With Chronic Hookworms
Treatment Cost (USD): $216.00
Dorie came in to see me as a walk-in emergency on Sunday. She is a 3 year old happy, healthy Greyhound. She was rescued from off the track about 1.5 years ago. When she first came to see me (for her new patient examination) we did an exam, gave her a microchip, reviewed her vaccine history and sent out a fecal sample to the lab. We send out a fecal (I feel it is imperative to send these to a lab and not do an at home test or do in the vet office as the lab gets better yields AND can help with issues like hers). She came back positive (3 plus A LOT!) for hookworms. Dorie was treated after her first visit with us and has been fine since. SHe has been on monthly flea & tick (credelio) and heartworm prevention (Interceptor Plus). Until last Sunday when she arrived back at my veterinary office with diarrhea. Every pet with diarrhea should have a fecal exam done.. every one. Missing the easy to diagnose is unacceptable in my opinion. I know lots of people dont want to spend (although I more often hear them use the word "waste" money or diagnostics, but I always say missing the most obvious and often very likely is just bad medicine. Start at the basics; diet, inappropriate food/treats/etc indescretion, and parasites for diarrhea if the pet is otherwise healthy (puppies I worry about stress, food, parasites and PARVO!).
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Carey Henning | 6 years ago
Can Interceptor Cause Bowel Problems. Our 1 Year Old Golden Seems To Have Tummy Issues…

Can Interceptor cause bowel problems. Our 1 year old Golden seems to have tummy issues a few days after her heartworm

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Yes. It can cause gi upset. Please call the vet who prescribed it and speak to them about any possible adverse effect.

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Elizabeth Adkins | 7 years ago
My 8yo Female JRT, Who Barks Very Loudly Most Of Her Life Woke Up Yesterday…

My 8yo female JRT, who barks very loudly most of her life woke up yesterday morning without her bark, well most of it. She’s trying to bark but not much is coming out, she sounds very hoarse. Should I be worried, wait a few more days or should she be treated by my vet?? She is otherwise completely healthy and UTD on all vaccines, flea & heartworm preventatives.

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  1. Anonymous

    I think a sudden change would warrant a call to your vet, though if she isn’t displaying any other symptoms I’d probably wait a day to see if her voice starts to return. If it doesn’t, call the vet tomorrow.

  2. Anonymous

    I think that’s the best plan. Here’s to hoping it’s minor and easily handled. 🙂