[Dailydrool] Heartworm protocol

[J Marchlewski]

The slow-kill method was tried on Matilda back in January.  By May, she had
a severe case of heartworms with some lung damage.

I questioned the slow-kill method in January but I was told by the rescue
coordinator that it was recommended by a vet. When I told my regular vet
about using the slow-kill method, he was very concerned. He couldn't
understand why a young seemingly healthy dog was treated with the slow-kill
method.  My vet prefers the protocol from the American Heartworm
Association - which advocates usage of drugs like Immiticide (sp?).

I pushed the rescue for the correct heartworm procedure for Matilda in May.
 After 30 days of recommended antibiotics, the injections were given in
June and July.  I adopted Matilda the day I brought her home from her last
treatment.

When I see Matilda panting heavily because of the lung damage, I get a
little frustrated that the correct heartworm protocol was not followed on
her.  To my knowledge, she was the only heartworm positive foster treated
with the slow kill method in the last few years by this rescue. Heartworm
positive dogs were treated using the Immiticide injections - except for
Matilda. It was one of my reasons for walking away from that rescue.

Looking back it was a good thing that Matilda's two adoptions failed.  The
adoptive families might not have realized that her heartworms were not
under control by the slow-kill method and that the heavy panting was a sign
of lung problems not just because of summer temperatures.

Please make sure your dogs get their monthly heartworm preventative.
 Remember most manufacturers will pay for the treatment if your dog becomes
heartworm positive while on their preventative (of course there are
restrictions).

Jan
Lady, Dexter and Matilda
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