Heartworm:
Heartworm disease is a common preventable disease of dogs that has been reported in all 50 states. Dogs acquire this disease through an insect sting from a common mosquito. The infected mosquito injects a tiny larva into the dog which, over approximately 6 months time, develops into a mature worms that live in the dog s heart. The worms, left untreated, cause damage to the heart and eventually cause congestive heart failure.
Diagnosis of this disease is based on blood tests which should be performed yearly on all dogs. If the test comes back negative the dog is given monthly Heartworm preventive medication. If the tests come back positive further testing is performed to stage the disease. These tests include CBC, Blood Chemistry, Urine analysis, Chest radiographs, and an ECG. These are important in order to make the best decision on the most effective treatment plan. There are newer drug protocols in place the last few years which have greatly improved the prognosis for dogs with Heartworm disease. The newer drug protocols kill the worms slower than the old drugs. This decreases the likely-hood of dogs having strokes, or clot problems during the treatment period. This is a life threatening disease and a risky disease to treat therefore this disease is best treated by prevention.
There are a few very safe Heartworm prevention drugs on the market that are extremely effective. The two most prominent drugs are Ivermectin (Heartgard, Iverhart) and Milbemycin (Interceptor, Sentinel). All of these products are given once a month, and they act to kill the larva before it has time to develop into an adult worm. The preventative drugs are far safer for the dog than the drugs used to treat Heartworm disease. This disease is deadly! It is far better to use preventatives year round than to allow this worm to develop.
Some of the preventative medications on the market are:
Interceptor: active ingredient = Milbemycin, Monthly flavored tablet. Also prevents roundworms, hookworms, and controls whipworm infestations.
Sentinel: Active ingredient = Milbemycin + Lufeneron, Monthly flavored tablet. Also prevents roundworms, hookworms, controls whipworm infestations, and prevents development of flea eggs.
Heartgard Plus: Active ingredient = Ivermectin + pyrantel. Monthly flavored nugget. Also prevents roundworms and hookworms.
Iverhart Plus: Active ingredient = Ivermectin + Pyrantel. Monthly flavored tablet. Also prevents roundworm and hookworms.
Iverhart Max: Active ingredient = Ivermectin + Pyrantel + Praziquantel. Monthly flavor tablet. Also prevents roundworm, hookworms,and tapeworms.
Revolution: Active ingredient = Selamectin. Monthly topical product. Also prevents roundworms, fleas, ear mites.
Advantage Multi: Active ingredient = imidacloprid + Moxidectin. Monthly topical product. also protects against fleas, roundworms, hookworms and whipworms.
All of these products are prescription products. It is best to consult your veterinarian to help you choose the best product. Certain breeds of dogs (specifically Collies) are sensitive to ivermectin products and they should not be used in those breeds. Always consult your veterinarian to find out of the product is right for your dog.
Fleas and Ticks:
There are multiple products on the market to prevent fleas and ticks from affecting your dog. The following is a discussion on the different products available and the effectiveness and safety of these products. All of these products are chemicals and need to be used carefully. Follow directions on the label and NEVER use dog products on cats!
The modern topical products available today are called spot-on type products. They all are applied to the dog in 1 - 2 spots on the back. The products have a carrier agent which spreads the chemical over the surface of the dog. It usually takes approximately 48 hours for the chemical to completely cover the entire surface of the dog. Most of the available products act to kill adult fleas and ticks and some do act as a repellant to certain flies and mosquitos.
Vectra 3D: Active ingredients = Dinotefuran, Permethrin, Pyriproxyfen. Topical product, kills fleas and ticks and repels flies and mosquitos. Dogs ONLY! Apply monthly, waterproof. Can apply at 7 weeks of age or greater than 2.5 pound body weight.
Promeris: Active ingredient = Metaflumizone. Topical product, kills fleas and ticks. Dogs and Cats. Apply monthly, waterproof. Can apply at 8 weeks of age.
Revolution: Active ingredient = Selamectin. Topical product, kills fleas and ticks, some types of mites (sarcoptic, knemidocoptes), prevents roundworms and hookworms. Prevents heartworm disease is cats. Dogs and Cats. Apply monthly, waterproof. Can apply at 8 weeks of age.
Frontline: Active ingredient = Fipronil. Topical product, kills fleas, ticks and lice. Dogs and Cats. Apply monthly, waterproof. Can apply at 8 weeks of age.
Frontline Plus: Active ingredient = Fipronil, Methoprene, Topical product, kills fleas, ticks, lice and sterilizes flea eggs. Dogs and Cats. Apply monthly, waterproof. Can apply at 8 weeks of age.
Advantage: Active ingredient = Imidocloprid. Topical product, kills Fleas. Dogs and Cats. Topical product, water resistant. Can apply at 7 weeks of age.
K-9 Advantix: Active ingredient = Imidocloprid, Permethrin. Topical product, kills fleas, ticks, repels flies and mosquitos. Dogs ONLY! Apply monthly, water resistant. Can apply at 7 weeks of age.
Biospot: Active ingredient = Permethrin, Methoprin. Topical product, kills fleas, ticks and prevent flea eggs for developing. Dogs ONLY! Apply monthly
Each of these products have there own safety margin. All animals are individuals who can have reactions to chemicals. It is best to have a consultation with your veterinarian to find out the best product for your specific pet. These decisions are based on risk factors and the general health status of your pet. All of the topical products have minimal systemic absorption and are therefore considered very safe. They are meant to be use as directed on the label. It is best NOT to challenge the labeling, simply follow the directions to insure the safety of the product.
There are a few oral medications on the market for the prevention of flea infestations. They are as follows:
Capstar: Active ingredient = Nitenpyram. Kills Fleas within 4 hours of ingestion. Dogs and Cats. Can be given at 4 weeks of age or 2 pounds of body weight.
Comfortis: Active ingredient = Spinosad. kills fleas within 4 hours of ingestion. Dogs ONLY! Can be given at 14 weeks of age or 5 pounds of body weight.
Program: Active ingredient = Lufenuron. Sterilizes flea eggs within 6 hours of ingestion, but does NOT kill adult fleas. Can be used at 4 weeks of age.
These products tend to be used as an adjunct to other flea and tick prevention or as a primary agent to remove fleas from a pet that is suffering from an infestation. They are very safe and have acted to change how we treat active flea infestations. Strong chemical bath or dips are no longer necessary.
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Dr. Ellen Leonhardt
Animal General
East Norwich
(516) 624-7500
THIS SITE PROVIDES INFORMATION, NOT MEDICAL ADVICE
Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your veterinarian or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication or other treatment. You should always speak with your veterinarian before giving any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement to your dog, or adopting any treatment for a health problem. For any products or services purchased from this web site, you should read carefully all product packaging and instructions.
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