Novartis temporarily suspends production of Interceptor, Sentinel

Megansmom said:
I have read, (here I think) that some Shelties can have reactions even seizures to Heartgard, I suppose this would be the MDR dogs in some cases.
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Any dog can have any reaction to any medication, theoretically. I know of dogs who have had seizures when topicals are applied.

However, we know that the dose of ivermectin in heartguard is well below the problem threshold for MDR-1 dogs. Dr. Shelli has said this over and over.
 
And there seems to be a variety of what you all use for monthly prevention! My dogs have to be on something all year since our mosquito population is relentless no matter time of the year :dead:
 
Megansmom said:
And there seems to be a variety of what you all use for monthly prevention! My dogs have to be on something all year since our mosquito population is relentless no matter time of the year :dead:
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Actually, based on my research, Florida and the Rio Grande area of Texas are the only areas in the US where year-around preventatives are needed. Here's what I base that off of:

"The lifecycle of the nematode involves six stages, and a dog can get infected with heartworm only if two of these stages are fully completed inside the body of the mosquito, and those stages can only be completed inside the body of the mosquito if the temperature stays above 57 degrees for at least 45 days straight, both day and night. If the temperature drops below 57 degrees even once during that 45-day period, the lifecycle of the nematode is broken, and heartworm cannot be transmitted to your dog. "

Next Monday and Tuesday it will be in the 40s in Houston :)
 
marymrumfelt said:
Actually, based on my research, Florida and the Rio Grande area of Texas are the only areas in the US where year-around preventatives are needed. Here's what I base that off of:

"The lifecycle of the nematode involves six stages, and a dog can get infected with heartworm only if two of these stages are fully completed inside the body of the mosquito, and those stages can only be completed inside the body of the mosquito if the temperature stays above 57 degrees for at least 45 days straight, both day and night. If the temperature drops below 57 degrees even once during that 45-day period, the lifecycle of the nematode is broken, and heartworm cannot be transmitted to your dog. "

Next Monday and Tuesday it will be in the 40s in Houston :)
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That is really interesting! Do you mind sharing where that came from? (Not that I don't believe, just would love to read more)
 
I know a lot of people who don't give their dog's heartworm pills during the colder month. The vet does recommend that you do a heartworm test before you start pills again, because if they do have heartworm, they can get sick from the pill.

I give it year round because it also covers whipworm, hookwork, and roundworm. My dog is always at the park, so who knows what she is exposed to.
 
corbinam said:
That is really interesting! Do you mind sharing where that came from? (Not that I don't believe, just would love to read more)
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http://terriermandotcom.blogspot.com/2008/05/billion-dollar-heartworm-scam.html

Tell me what you think of it after reading it!

The people who adopted one of my puppies, and has about 12 other dogs, has never used heartworm medicine and never has an issue. It's a personal choice and if it makes YOU feel better and that your dog is protected better, go for it! I don't give it but that's b/c mine have both had seizures after using it; heart guard that is. But if it really worried me, I'd do it for my sanity :)
 
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We exclusively use Sentinel which is also birth control for fleas. I also just called my Vet to understand more of the issue. Apparently the Novartis in Nebraska voluntarily shut down production due to something in the plant itself not the actual product quality. They are supposed to resume production the middle of this month.

She set aside a couple of pills for Toby since he is on a month to month basis due to his weight.

Quite frankly knowing people in the dog rescue world, so many of them are heart worm positive. The treatment is hard on the dog and from what I understand, the disease itself is entirely preventable with monthly meds. I have enough evidence to convince me it's worth keeping my precious fur babies on it monthly! :smile2:
 
Megansmom said:
Quite frankly knowing people in the dog rescue world, so many of them are heart worm positive. The treatment is hard on the dog and from what I understand, the disease itself is entirely preventable with monthly meds. I have enough evidence to convince me it's worth keeping my precious fur babies on it monthly! :smile2:
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Well, to be fair, a lot of those rescues are in horrible shape and unhealthy and immune compromised. A healthy, properly fed and cared for dog getting heart worms isn't hardly ever seen. With that being said, though, we all do what we feel is safest and best for our babies :)
 
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