Heartguard Preventive

[bosco boxers]

Just wanted to throw the question out there....have any of you guys had a boxer that tested positive for heartworms after never missing a dose of preventive. My female, Dakota, has just tested positive for heartworms and has been on preventive ever since she was a pup (without missing a dose). Just please let me know.

 

[KonaKoffe]

Sorry to hear that.

Actually heartworm pills are not a preventative. It is a treatment that you give them monthly to kill eggs that they may have acquired the month prior. The medication is only in the system for several hours after treating them to kill anything they may have caught the prior month. If they are exposed to the heartworm after the treatment the next month's treatment is supposed to kill the eggs.

With that in mind I would assume that they can test positive for heartworm between treatments. The key is to catch it early enough when the heartworms have not developed beyond the initial stage. When the heartworms are in the early stages the monthly pills should take care of the eggs before they develop into larva and full blown worms.

 

[KonaKoffe]

check out this old thread

http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/sh...light=heartgard

 

[bayleighmom]

I am sorry that Dakota tested positive. Does she have to go through treatment now? When does that start? Sending healing vibes to your baby!

 

[Indy B's Mom]

Ty and I are sending lots of healing vibes to Dakota. I have not had any experience with heartworms, but there are some threads on here to help you with more information. What preventative were you giving her? I hope everything works out good for your baby-lots of good vibes going out to her. Please let us know how everything works out.

 

[bosco boxers]

Thanks guys

Thank you guys so much for the info. I think i'll have her tested again after i give her the next pill on the 13th of this month. I really don't want her to suffer throught the treatments.

 

[Doja's Mommy]

Sending (((((positive)))))) vibes your way.... Let us know how it goes

 

[MeganMK]

Lucky and I are sending kidney bean wiggles, slobbery kisses and LOTS of good vibes. Keep us posted on what happens!

 

[KonaKoffe]

Thank you guys so much for the info. I think i'll have her tested again after i give her the next pill on the 13th of this month. I really don't want her to suffer throught the treatments.

I thought you had her tested. If she tested positive for heartworm you need to see the vet and get her started on treatment. What does thre vet recommend? If she actually has the fully developed worms in her system I do believe the preventative can be harmful - that is why the vet always tests the dogs before starting heartworm preventative to make sure the dog doesn't already have the worms in them.

What preventative are you using? If you had her tested by a vet ask what the test showed egg stage, larva stage of worm stage? Or get anther vet to test her for a second opinion.

 

[mmichaelson]

I'm so sorry she tested positive. (hugs)