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Heartworm Meds

I am very concerned about giving my Aussie heartworm meds. Would you be able to give me any feedback on your opinion. The breeder is very adamant about giving Aussies any such meds.

Thank you for your time.

Sharon E.

Comments for Heartworm Meds

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Heartworm meds
by: Anonymous

I give my 4 year old Aussie Heartguard Plus with no adverse reaction. I had a dog years ago who got heartworm. Believe me, you don't want to go there.

Heartworm Meds
by: Anne

Hi,
Our Aussies are sensitive to Ivermectin wormer.
There is a mutant gene that aussies can possibly
have to the sensitivity of Ivermectin, the active worming ingredient in most heartworm meds. There is a test MDR1 to test for this sensitivity in an individual dog. you can read about it here.

http://www.ashgi.org/articles/mdr1.htm

That is why your breeder is adamant about it but
there is a solution. Talk to your vet or other aussie owners about reactions ivermectin.
Hope that helps.

Anne Calmes
Gold Ring Aussies
Louisiana, USA

Heartworm Meds
by: Anonymous

I highly recommend that any Aussie owner have their dog tested for the MDR1 mutation. I had my mini Aussie tested just a month before she was spayed. It was the best $75 I've ever spent. It turns out she carries two copies of the genetic mutation, which makes her extremely sensitive to some pre-surgery drugs and anesthesia. The vet took extra precautions and used gas on her instead of drugs that could have been toxic. Although it is said that ivermectin is okay in heartworm prevention doses, I am currently using Sentinel, which does not have ivermectin. It contains milbemycin oxime. My understanding is that it is currently believed to be less toxic to MDR1 dogs than ivermectin. But, I've also been told that research is ongoing, so theories may change as to which is better. (I haven't seen any problems with my girl as a result of her heartworm preventive meds. But, I do watch the dose per pound ratio.)

Only Safe Heartworm Prevention
by: Penny

I have 5 aussies and used Interceptor. I did have a aussie that started having seizures after using Ace tablets. So I am very very carefully about
what medicines I use. My Vet said Interceptor is
NOT COMING BACK and the only safe one she can
recommend is Sentinel which has the flea control
in it too. If your Vet does not have any, they
should be able to get some soon. Glad to know that
there is so many concern aussie owners who care
so much for their dogs. Play with your aussie and
have a great day.

Interceptor Changed
by: Gary

I've had three Aussies, simply wonderful dogs! I was very concerned as well not being able to obtain Interceptor (milbemycin oxime) any more, but I have found Interceptor "Spectrum" which is milbemycin oxime AND praziquantel. My vet said this should be fine and has the added protection against roundworm, whipworm, hookworm & tapeworm besides the protection against heartworm. So far so good, no side effects noted seems like her usual self!

Good luck and enjoy your Aussies!
Gary

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