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heartworms

Sent to Pet Experts October 25 10:12 AM

My vet gave my Chow Heartguard b/c he said he had heartworms. 24 hrs. later he couldn't move and was hypersalivating. After many trips to the vet (bloodwork, tests, shots of antibiotics, fluids) there was no sign of improvement. He did not eat and barely drank for two weeks. He lost 18 pounds. Now, three months later, he is a completely different dog than before this happened. He never goes outside anymore. (Only for bodily waste purposes) He is very dependant and obsessively follows me around the house. But, he still has heartworms. What should I do?

 

Optional Information:
Age: 6; Male; Breed: Chow Chow

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $10
Info Request
October 25 10:17 AM (4 minutes and 12 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark

Did you vet know he had heartworms before giving Heartguard?

How old is he?



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Selena H. -- Veterinary Assistant -- 100% Positive Feedback on 14 Pet Accepts
7+ years of veterinary technician experience. Also enrolled Penn Foster College since 2005
Reply
October 25 12:12 PM (1 hour and 55 minutes and 38 seconds later)
         
Reply to Selena H.'s Post: Yes, the vet knew before he administered the Heartguard. My dog is six years old. After he became sick, I read on the internet that you can't give this particular medicine if the animal has active heartworms. The vet did not agree with that. He tried to tell me my dog has arthritis. But, you don't develop arthritis in 24 hours.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
October 25 12:33 PM (20 minutes and 29 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

Yes you are correct Heartgaurd can not be given to animals that have heartworms. But it does also depend on how severe the heartworms are. I have attached a link about heartworms

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/heartworm-disease-in-dogs/page1.aspx

I would find another vet. Take him there and get him stated on Heartworm treatment. I am so sorry.

 



Edited by Selena H. on October 25 2006 at 12:47 PM

I will give you the best advice that I can give, for you pets well being.
If you are satisfied with my answer please click the ACCEPT so I receive payment. If you need further help please let me know.
BONUSES are greatly APPRECIATED

Picture
Selena H. -- Veterinary Assistant -- 100% Positive Feedback on 14 Pet Accepts
7+ years of veterinary technician experience. Also enrolled Penn Foster College since 2005
Reply
October 25 2:42 PM (2 hours and 8 minutes and 54 seconds later)
         
Reply to Selena H.'s Post: Find another vet? Excuse me if this sounds rude, but I could've come up with that on my own.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
October 25 2:58 PM (16 minutes and 44 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

 

Was a Heartworm test done before given the Heartgaurd?

Was he on Heartworm preventive before this started?

Does he have any other health issues?

 

Ivermectin is what is in Heartgaurd it does not kill the adult heartworms.

It also depends on what class he is in, meaning how severe the heartworms are.

Your dog may also need get injections of immiticide. That can be gotten from a a veterinarian

http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/melarsomine-immiticide/page1.aspx

 

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_heartworm_treatment.html

Heartworm treatment is a long process and can get expensive.

Also did the Vet do any tests to determine that he was Heartworm Postive?



Edited by Selena H. on October 25 2006 at 3:10 PM

I will give you the best advice that I can give, for you pets well being.
If you are satisfied with my answer please click the ACCEPT so I receive payment. If you need further help please let me know.
BONUSES are greatly APPRECIATED

Picture
Selena H. -- Veterinary Assistant -- 100% Positive Feedback on 14 Pet Accepts
7+ years of veterinary technician experience. Also enrolled Penn Foster College since 2005
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