Article about Increase of Heartworm

Dr, Karen Beck - who is quoted in my signature - had an article about the increase of heartworm due resistance to preventative meds. A lot of people find Dr. Beck (and Mercola) controversial in their holistic approach. Whatever your feelings, it is worth reading.

Article here.

There's also a new article on rabies vaccinations under "articles" I haven't read it yet so I can't tell you if it is informative.

I ran into the vet to pick up some cat food last week and they have a preserved heart on display, with heartworms. While we chatted, I was FYIed that they have seen that the preventatives are not working in all cases.
They also keep a map on the wall of our town and mark with a pin the location of each dog that has tested positive for heartworms. It's a telling graphic.

Thanks for the link! I had heard recently about the Heartgard Plus lawsuit and then someone also posted on one of my email lists that their vet had told them that Interceptor wasn't as effective now either. Not good.

I must do some research and find out what's happening in Australia. Damn.

I use Revolution which contain selamectin for heartworm prevention. Although we are not in a high-mosquito area normally, I have seen (and experienced) an increase of mosquitos lately. I try and keep all standing water emptied, keep the fountains flowing, the bird bath empty, and empty out containers after rain or watering. But we are still near the (big, wild) LA River ( ) which seems to have enough still areas (and enough water) to be a breeding ground.

Cats can get heartworm too. None of mine are outside and I don't give them Revolution all year long, but during warm months I dose everyone monthly.

BYW, I buy the huge dog size of Revolution, put it in a glass vial and dose it out the proper amount via syring. One huge dog package costs the same as the other doses and I can dose my entire crew with 1 1/2 tubes. Saves me BIG bucks!

I am in a low-risk area for heartworm but do travel to high risk areas for shows etc.

I use a compound, which includes milbemycin oxcine against heartworm microfilae, but I don't dose as often as the manufacturer advises (they advise monthly). I dose 6 weekly, and would probably do it at even longer intervals in the "off" season, except that I must dose 6 weekly with praziquantel against hydatid disease (am in a sheep grazing region), so I prefer to use a compound to minimise chemicals.

I have used the annual moxidectin injection on middle-sized and large fosters, but even though they meter the dosage by weight, I still think it is too much chemical at once for a toy size dog, let alone doing the same day as vaccinations!

It is sometimes hard to keep on top of the changes, new studies etc. I am so glad for PA peeps who post these studies!!

This hits home to me more today than any other. :(

When I spoke with the vet today about Mickey, he said he's the 3rd + case this week for just him (there are 2 other vets on staff there).
I use Interceptor for the boys and now worry that it isn't good enough but then again ,every study that goes by - this , that and the other has problems to) .