K-9 Advantix

[jeeperino]

It seems others have had better luck than I did with the product k-9 Advantix. I normally use frontline but decided to use the advantix because of its repellant powers.

The good- I could see mosquitos staying off the dogs with my own 2 eyes, I am sure the mosquito repellant works well.

The bad- I used the proper dosage and followed directions, so there is no user error. The Advantix DOES NOT work well against ticks compared to frontline. Not 2 weeks after the Advantix application i noticed multiple ticks on a few of my dogs. The dogs spots are all in different parts of the yard so location is not a factor.

Frontline and Bronco spray are all Im gonna use from now on. The combo of the 2 seems to work well for me.

Here is a question, would a 50/50 dose of Frontline/Advantix give me the full spectrum results I desire?? Repell mosquitos and ticks in one? It seems with either product you have to take one or the other(ticks vs. mosquitos). Im iffy about mixing 2 pesticides and putting them on a dog.

[FearlessKnight]

It seems others have had better luck than I did with the product k-9 Advantix. I normally use frontline but decided to use the advantix because of its repellant powers.

The good- I could see mosquitos staying off the dogs with my own 2 eyes, I am sure the mosquito repellant works well.

The bad- I used the proper dosage and followed directions, so there is no user error. The Advantix DOES NOT work well against ticks compared to frontline. Not 2 weeks after the Advantix application i noticed multiple ticks on a few of my dogs. The dogs spots are all in different parts of the yard so location is not a factor.

Frontline and Bronco spray are all Im gonna use from now on. The combo of the 2 seems to work well for me.

Here is a question, would a 50/50 dose of Frontline/Advantix give me the full spectrum results I desire?? Repell mosquitos and ticks in one? It seems with either product you have to take one or the other(ticks vs. mosquitos). Im iffy about mixing 2 pesticides and putting them on a dog.
I am not sure that I would do that either, being they are basically chemicals. I would do A LOT of reasearch on the different ingred. in each item and study it carefully. I think I would also find out what in K-9 advantix repells the mosquitos and see if you can buy only that or supplement it somehow.
Maybe even call Frontline and ask them, let them be aware of this. A lot of times companies WILL listen to their customers and take advise given, especially if it is going to improve thier product, they may raise the price, but they do it all of the time.

[toddrock]

It seems others have had better luck than I did with the product k-9 Advantix. I normally use frontline but decided to use the advantix because of its repellant powers.

The good- I could see mosquitos staying off the dogs with my own 2 eyes, I am sure the mosquito repellant works well.

The bad- I used the proper dosage and followed directions, so there is no user error. The Advantix DOES NOT work well against ticks compared to frontline. Not 2 weeks after the Advantix application i noticed multiple ticks on a few of my dogs. The dogs spots are all in different parts of the yard so location is not a factor.

Frontline and Bronco spray are all Im gonna use from now on. The combo of the 2 seems to work well for me.

Here is a question, would a 50/50 dose of Frontline/Advantix give me the full spectrum results I desire?? Repell mosquitos and ticks in one? It seems with either product you have to take one or the other(ticks vs. mosquitos). Im iffy about mixing 2 pesticides and putting them on a dog.


Man sorry to hear about your bad results with ticks. I had the exact opposite experience. I left my dog with my in-laws in Mexico and when I got back he was just covered in ticks. It still pains me to this day to think about how the poor guy was. Long story short, that day I put Advantix on him per the instructions, and next day not a tick on him. I was amazed and couldn't be happier. To this day not a tick or flea. Good luck

[GAowner]

We swtched to Advantix since it was supposed to be better. Recently we have been pulling ticks off him. Its possible we let it go over 30 days so he got a good bath and we reapplied the Advantix.

[miakoda]

Do NOT mix the two products! You will cause serious reactions from the mixing of the chemicals.

As for the mosquitos, I have never seen Advantix work for that & I've tried it numerous times. However, I think it's cool you noticed it.

As for ticks, IMO Frontline works better hands down. I use Advantage on all my dogs every 2 months, but when we are headed to the woods, I put on Frontline about 48 hours in advance.

I say stick with what works the best for you.

[CynthiaATL]

We swtched to Advantix since it was supposed to be better. Recently we have been pulling ticks off him. Its possible we let it go over 30 days so he got a good bath and we reapplied the Advantix.GA because of the "LACK" of winter we had here in GA there is going to be an overpopulation of fleas and ticks. I am seing ALOT of ticks this season at my clinic. I use frontline on 1 of my dogs and Revolution on the other. And I pulled a tick off of Scrappy (he uses frontline) the other night. I believe that they are good products but sometimes it can be over come by the amount of insects. I know when I lived in Colorado the drug rep told me that it some areas that fronline can last for up to 90 days. It all depends on the population of fleas and ticks in your area.

As far as Advantix I never did really care fo it. Did not seem to work as well as Frontline IMO. And Mia is right I would not mix any chemicals.

[BoogiemanBlood]

i can't comment on whether the 2 mixed is safe or not, but i tried advantix also and thought it was less effective than frontline for sure against ticks and fleas. it didn't take me long to switch back.

[jeeperino]

Mixing is out of the question. Im gonna stick with what works. Im glad to know Im not the only one who noticed Advantix was an inferior product to the Frontline for ticks. Trial by fire.

[BoiBoi]

i started using advantix and it seems to work for my dog, but so did frontline. Now here's a question what do people with large yards of dogs use for ticks and fleas, i don't see it feasible to use frontline on that many dogs, it would cost an arm and a leg. I've heard some people get the cow tags, i wonder how good they work and how much they run

[jeeperino]

Boi, I have 12 dogs. With the frontline I buy an x-large dog vial and split it up between 2 dogs. I use the frontline every 2 mths or so (depends on when I see it stop working) I dont spend more than $200-300 a year on frontline cause I dont use it in the fall/winter.

[FearlessKnight]

Boi, I have 12 dogs. With the frontline I buy an x-large dog vial and split it up between 2 dogs. I use the frontline every 2 mths or so (depends on when I see it stop working) I dont spend more than $200-300 a year on frontline cause I dont use it in the fall/winter.
Same here, we buy the XL as well, but we mix them a little different.
We use a per 5 lbs ratio. 1 tube usually does 3 dogs.

[chloesredboy]

Boi, I have 12 dogs. With the frontline I buy an x-large dog vial and split it up between 2 dogs. I use the frontline every 2 mths or so (depends on when I see it stop working) I dont spend more than $200-300 a year on frontline cause I dont use it in the fall/winter.Thats probably the reason it didnt work for you,It's very important to use the exact dosage for the exact weight of the dog.We have people come in and buy the stuff like that to split it between animals.Then they're back in two weeks later hollering about how it doesnt work.I know it ****s how exspensive it is,but maybe if you try ordering it on-line in bulk it might be cheaper.I'm sure if I didnt get discounts on the stuff I wouldnt be able to afford it for all the dogs.

[jeeperino]

I do follow dosage instructions, I divide it up in a plunger by the CC and measure it out exactly per lb recommended. All you have to do is a lil math to figuire it out.

[chloesredboy]

While you are putting on the correct dosage,most of these meds have more than one active ingredient and "other" ingredients.For example the main active ingredients in k9 advantix are
lmidacloprid and permethrin.When you divide a tube it may be very likely that one animal is getting all of one ingredient while another is getting all the other.It may even be that one or two are getteing all the actual medication and another animal is just gettin the "other" ingredients.Just like if you break an aspirin in half one half may have the medication and the other may just be all the fillers.But anyhow,I personally have always seen the best results from frontline and its what we alsways reccomend at work.

[FearlessKnight]

Not trying to start anything, but nobody has yet been able to explain to me the reasoning (other than that of a money maker) why the same tube of something is ok for a 22 lb dog BUT is also ok for 35 lb dog.....that is almost 2 dogs....the frontline people couldn't even explain that one.........It states on the box, the ratio that is measured and if followed properly....you get results....we have fleas and ticks out the a$$, but no problem on the dogs.....


On another note...not argue....but this would mean that we were to want the full effect of milk, we would have to drink the whole gallon....or eat the entire loaf of bread, or the whole bottle of juice....

They dont make each individual tube seperate from all others, they make batches and it gets dispensed into tubes.....the igredients are mixed, it now is what it is.


When I bake cakes two layers, I mix all ingred. and the pour half into one pan and the other half into another pan, they turn out the same way.....
one is no better than the other.

[CynthiaATL]

The active ingredients in Frontline PLus is Fipronil on the box it says

Active ingredient
Fipronil 9.8%
(s) methoprene 8.8%
Inert ingredients 81.4%

The amount in the tube doubles as the weight range goes up. Thats why it is ok for weight ranges. The bigger the dog the more is applied.

0-22 .67ml
23-44 1.34ml
45-88 2.68ml
89-132 5.36ml

And it is measured out by ml so as long as you split it up accordingly there is no reason why it would not work (and save money). If you buy the largest size you could split it up between dogs.

Like I said I have talk to reps from Pfizer (Revolution) and Merial (Frontline, Heartgard. When I told the Pfizer rep that I was uncomfortable with a topical for heartworm he told me that they give a little more just in case some got rubbed off.

And the Merial rep came to the clinic and did a presentation saying that frontline can last longer than a month in certain areas that do not have a high flea and tick population. ANd that is straight from the company that makes it. Also you may see a flea or tick every now and then Frontline does not repel. The flea or tick has to get on then it will die.

In the winter I use Forntline every 3 months but come spring I start monthly.

The only Advantix I have in front of me is the up to 10pds and that comes in a .4ml tube so I am not sure if that is similar to frontline as far as doubling doses as the weight range goes up.

And Chloe some meds are not meant to be divided. But some are (thats why some are scored).

[chloesredboy]

Cake and medication are not comparable.Medication is nothing more than chemicals.Chemicals can seperate and go through all sorts of changes.Synergism,antaganism,interactions are all things that happen with medication that do not happen with cake.And as far as the milk,juice ,bread argument,yes,you do have guidlines to be followed if ypu want to get the full effects of each.They are called reccomended daily allowances.While its true you may not have to drink an entire gallon of milk to get something from it ,you do have to follow these guidlines in order to get the maximum nutritional benefits from the milk.These guidlines do vary ,just as medication dosage varies with certain variables.

[CynthiaATL]

Cake and medication are not comparable.Medication is nothing more than chemicals.Chemicals can seperate and go through all sorts of changes.Synergism,antaganism,interactions are all things that happen with medication that do not happen with cake.And as far as the milk,juice ,bread argument,yes,you do have guidlines to be followed if ypu want to get the full effects of each.They are called reccomended daily allowances.While its true you may not have to drink an entire gallon of milk to get something from it ,you do have to follow these guidlines in order to get the maximum nutritional benefits from the milk.These guidlines do vary ,just as medication dosage varies with certain variables.If that is true always then how do you explain the meds that come scored from the manufacturers.

You are correct some meds are not meant to be divided. But usually liquid forms can be. How do you explain injectable meds if they are not meant to be divided.

Just a thought.

[chloesredboy]

If that is true always then how do you explain the meds that come scroed from the manufacturers.

You are correct some meds are not meant to be divided. But usually liquid forms can be. How do you explain injectable meds if they are not meant to be divided.

Just a thought.Even the meds that come scored can be messed up like that.It's never a gurantee that your getting the right ratio of med to fillers.I am just a firm believer that you should follow directions on medications exactly as they are.Most people have absoluetly no idea of how many med errors are made by people simply not following the directions.Now,I am not a chemist so I cant say for sure what the axact reasoning behind it is,but there is a reason why those meds are sold like they are,And who are we to decide that we know better or can outsmart all the peoples' who job it is to properly calculate ingredients and dosages.Just like if you go to the doctor and he prescribes you 250 mg of biaxin a day.Are you goimg to go home,pull out a PDR and recalculate the dosage ,probably not.All I'm saying is that these meds are sold as they are for a reason.You buy the medication ,use as directed.If the med isnt working ,I'd be more likely to think it was the fact that it wasnt being used as directed ,rathar than there being something wrong with the medication.People dont realize that there are small things that can greatly affect a medications actions.Hell,there are some med out there that you cant take and drink grapefruit juice with,some you cant take and drink milk because the milk will make the medication useless.Ok,now im getting way off subject,I just think that the way a med comes and the directions for using it should be followed precisley.

[CynthiaATL]

Again you get scripts from your Dr and on the label it is prescribed as take 1/2 tab BID. The manufacturers would not score a pill if the pill is not suppose to be divided. Now capsule I would not divide. But that is me.

How are we suppose to know you ask we trust or Dr and the peole who make the pill. Now they are not always right hense recalls. But we can not live by what ifs.

Also with Frontline all it is at each weight range is doubling the the amout (look at my past reply). So as long as you divide it up accordingly.

If you have 2 dogs that weigh 42pds and 40pd. At that weight you would use the 22pds - 44pds frontline with each vial containing 1.34ml. You could get the Frontline 45pds-88pds with each vial containing 2.68ml divide it and a box of 6 would last you 1yr. Simple math.

Also as I stated that the Merial rep told everyone at my clinic that Frontline as been proven to work longer than 1 month in certain areas that do not have a high flea or tick population. Actually he said it can last up to 90 days.

Now we can go round and round all day but I have my opinions based on me working in this field. And seing it happen daily. Do I know everything no. And if I am wrong I will admitt it. But I am speaking about what I have seen.

[chloesredboy]

Thats what i'm saying,In working in this field I see at least a customer a week with this same complaint.The common factor they all have is that they are spliting up the vials amongst multiple animals.And Im not trying to argue ,I just really think that may be why the meds arent working like they're supposed too.I certainly don't know everything either,so all I can do is offer my opinion based on my own experience.Also ,he aws talking about advantix,not frontline,so while I know what your saying in regards to the frontline is true,it may be difrent with the advantix.

[CynthiaATL]

I am not trying to argue either :). A healthy debate is always good. So ppl can see other opinions and facts and then form thier own opinion.

These companies are alway changing their product. Either when it no longer works as well or they come up with something better. Advantage now advantix and Frontline top spot now Frontline plus.

And I have tried advantix and I do not like it. 1 of my dogs is on Heartgard and Frontline and the other is on Revolution.

And you have to take into consideration that the product may be overloaded. It just can not handle the amount of fleas and ticks. I have seen that as well. The owners had such an infestation.

This year I have seen more fleas and ticks than last year. I think it is due to the lack of winter we had.

[chloesredboy]

I am not trying to argue either :). A healthy debate is always good. So ppl can see other opinions and facts and then form thier own opinion.

These companies are alway changing their product. Either when it no longer works as well or they come up with something better. Advantage now advantix and Frontline top spot now Frontline plus.

And I have tried advantix and I do not like it. 1 of my dogs is on Heartgard and Frontline and the other is on Revolution.

And you have to take into consideration that the product may be overloaded. It just can not handle the amount of fleas and ticks. I have seen that as well. The owners had such an infestation.

This year I have seen more fleas and ticks than last year. I think it is due to the lack of winter we had.REvolution is great,if you can afford it.Alot of our customers with more than one pet just cant afford it though,and its too bad ,because its good stuff and so convenient.

[simms]

REvolution is great,if you can afford it.Alot of our customers with more than one pet just cant afford it though,and its too bad ,because its good stuff and so convenient.
I disagree, the only thing Revolution is convenient.

[chloesredboy]

I disagree, the only thing Revolution is convenient.Really?have you had problems with it?I've always had good luck with it.I guess it depends on quite a few factors though,We really dont have a big problem with fleas here,and my dogs have never had a tic.We do however have obscenely larg ,nasty mosquitos so my biggest fear is heartworms and it does great for that.Iv'e had several years where we've never had fleas even with no protection.

[CynthiaATL]

I disagree, the only thing Revolution is convenient.It does good for heartworm and fleas. Not to well on ticks. But they will supply a free preventic collar for the ticks. And that works. I live by the woods and like I said I have 1 dog on Frontline and heartgard and 1 on Revolution and I have not had a problem. And this year is pretty bad from what I have seen at work for fleas and ticks.

I did talk to the Pfizer (Revolution) rep and I told him that I was not to comfortable with a topical for HWP. He told me that they do guarantee their product and if the dog comes down with heartworm they will pay for treatment. And that they do put a little more in the tube of the topical in case some rubs off. And they will pay for an intestinal wormer if your dog comes down with those while on Revolution.

At my clinic we only get a discount on Revolution. Otherwise I would use Frontline and Heartgard on both. BUt due to the fact that 1 of my dogs is allergic to Revolution I have to have him on Frontline and Heartgard.

[miakoda]

I disagree, the only thing Revolution is convenient.
I agree. The one thing I hate about Revolution is that human error (which occurs often) in the application of this product will result in a heartworm positive dog instead of just a dog with fleas. We see more dogs come up HW+ after being on this product, not because it doesn't work, but because of their own error in applying it: they didn't apply it directly to the skin; they didn't apply all of the product; they bathed the dog immediately before; they bathed the dog immediately after......& the list goes on.

[CynthiaATL]

I agree. The one thing I hate about Revolution is that human error (which occurs often) in the application of this product will result in a heartworm positive dog instead of just a dog with fleas. We see more dogs come up HW+ after being on this product, not because it doesn't work, but because of their own error in applying it: they didn't apply it directly to the skin; they didn't apply all of the product; they bathed the dog immediately before; they bathed the dog immediately after......& the list goes on.LOL your right about human error. The Ivermectin toxcity case I saw was from human error. BUt that can apply to many meds and situations. I can not tell you how many times owners forget to give HWP period no matter what form. The product itself works. But I know how you can tell clients 1 thing and then they do another:rolleyes:

We sell alot of Revolution at my hospital and it is because it is more cost effective to the owner. And since I have been there I have not seen 1 positive case related to Revolution. But that does not mean it is not out there. I am speaking from my experience only. But we do apply the 1st dose infront of them and make sure they understand how to apply it properly. Also at the puppy series they get revolution at each visit.

Mia I am curious has Pfizer paid for treatment in those cases. I wonder that. I always hear they guarantee the product. I am wondering if they follow through. I know Merial has followed through at a clinic I worked at.

[simms]

LOL your right about human error. The Ivermectin toxcity case I saw was from human error. BUt that can apply to many meds and situations. I can not tell you how many times owners forget to give HWP period no matter what form. The product itself works. But I know how you can tell clients 1 thing and then they do another:rolleyes:

We sell alot of Revolution at my hospital and it is because it is more cost effective to the owner. And since I have been there I have not seen 1 positive case related to Revolution. But that does not mean it is not out there. I am speaking from my experience only. But we do apply the 1st dose infront of them and make sure they understand how to apply it properly. Also at the puppy series they get revolution at each visit.

Mia I am curious has Pfizer paid for treatment in those cases. I wonder that. I always hear they guarantee the product. I am wondering if they follow through. I know Merial has followed through at a clinic I worked at.
Absolutly pfizer picks up the tab! However there are stipulations.....

[simms]

It does good for heartworm and fleas. Not to well on ticks. But they will supply a free preventic collar for the ticks. And that works. I live by the woods and like I said I have 1 dog on Frontline and heartgard and 1 on Revolution and I have not had a problem. And this year is pretty bad from what I have seen at work for fleas and ticks.

I did talk to the Pfizer (Revolution) rep and I told him that I was not to comfortable with a topical for HWP. He told me that they do guarantee their product and if the dog comes down with heartworm they will pay for treatment. And that they do put a little more in the tube of the topical in case some rubs off. And they will pay for an intestinal wormer if your dog comes down with those while on Revolution.

At my clinic we only get a discount on Revolution. Otherwise I would use Frontline and Heartgard on both. BUt due to the fact that 1 of my dogs is allergic to Revolution I have to have him on Frontline and Heartgard.

Why would I want to use preventic collars when I dont have too....LOL Revolution is a substandard product.

[simms]

I agree. The one thing I hate about Revolution is that human error (which occurs often) in the application of this product will result in a heartworm positive dog instead of just a dog with fleas. We see more dogs come up HW+ after being on this product, not because it doesn't work, but because of their own error in applying it: they didn't apply it directly to the skin; they didn't apply all of the product; they bathed the dog immediately before; they bathed the dog immediately after......& the list goes on.I agree, however I've seen some cases that the product failed.

[chinasmom]

I'm in SC and the fleas have really took a toll on my squirrel dogs. I have sprayed the whole kennel, changed bedding, and used everything you can think of. I was just wondering that if dogs stay in one place for so long, the fleas just get in the soil or something. It sounds crazy, but Dawn and a little pine-sol kills them when I bath them. Then in two days they get frontline plus and sprayed with bronco gold, and in a week or so, they are totally infested again. They are staying on top of the dog house to keep off the ground. I even give them those tablets for 24 hour kill. I don't know what else to do except move the kennel. The pits don't have them, I just have to battle flies.

[chloesredboy]

I'm in SC and the fleas have really took a toll on my squirrel dogs. I have sprayed the whole kennel, changed bedding, and used everything you can think of. I was just wondering that if dogs stay in one place for so long, the fleas just get in the soil or something. It sounds crazy, but Dawn and a little pine-sol kills them when I bath them. Then in two days they get frontline plus and sprayed with bronco gold, and in a week or so, they are totally infested again. They are staying on top of the dog house to keep off the ground. I even give them those tablets for 24 hour kill. I don't know what else to do except move the kennel. The pits don't have them, I just have to battle flies.I'm from S.C and I we had a never ending battle with bugs also.Whats even worse than the fleas,were the "palmeto bugs"No matter what we did we couldnt get rid of them.WE were able to keep them outside for the most part ,but it was still awfull.I guess it might be the climate down there,bugs just love wet, humid ,places.

[CynthiaATL]

Absolutly pfizer picks up the tab! However there are stipulations.....I have personally seen Merial (heartgard) follow through but at my hospital I have never had a case of HW+ when the dog has been on Revolution. So thats why I was asking Mia if she personally saw Pfizer follow through. Because the rep says they will I just wanted to know if someone personally saw it. The stipulations that I know of is that they buy the products through a licensed Vet (not online) and that they had a negative heartworm test in the last year.

And like I said I get a discount at my clinic on Revolution thats why 1 of my dogs is on it. I pay $40 year for Revolution. Compared to $52 for Heartgard and $88 for Frontline for 6 months.

The other 1 is on Heartgard and Frontline because he is allergic to Revolution. But I have said in other post I prefer Heartgard or Interceptor and frontline combo. But due to the discount I go with Revolution. The dog that is on Revolution does not have a preventic collar on and I have not seen a tick on him (check him daily). But I have seen at work a few dogs come in with ticks that have used Revolution. As well as ticks on them with Frontline. And Mia is correct it usually falls back on human error when applying the product.


I was just speaking on what I have seen and dealt with.

[chloesredboy]

I've never seen HW+ on revolution.I have however seen a dog overdosed on Ivermec that still had HW

[simms]

I've never seen HW+ on revolution.I have however seen a dog overdosed on Ivermec that still had HW
So what's the story on the dog overdosed on Ivermec that still had HW?

[simms]

I have personally seen Merial (heartgard) follow through but at my hospital I have never had a case of HW+ when the dog has been on Revolution. So thats why I was asking Mia if she personally saw Pfizer follow through. Because the rep says they will I just wanted to know if someone personally saw it. The stipulations that I know of is that they buy the products through a licensed Vet (not online) and that they had a negative heartworm test in the last year.

And like I said I get a discount at my clinic on Revolution thats why 1 of my dogs is on it. I pay $40 year for Revolution. Compared to $52 for Heartgard and $88 for Frontline for 6 months.

The other 1 is on Heartgard and Frontline because he is allergic to Revolution. But I have said in other post I prefer Heartgard or Interceptor and frontline combo. But due to the discount I go with Revolution. The dog that is on Revolution does not have a preventic collar on and I have not seen a tick on him (check him daily). But I have seen at work a few dogs come in with ticks that have used Revolution.


I was just speaking on what I have seen and dealt with.

I can dig it...

Im all about freebies as it is one of the small perks that this field offers. Get with your reps ladies!

[chloesredboy]

So what's the story on the dog overdosed on Ivermec that still had HW?She had to be put down.The owner found out the dog had the heartworms from her regular vet.They brought her in and tried to act like they didnt know what was going on.Well the owner told us the dog had heartworms and was being "treated "by the other vet and thought maybe her dog was having a reaction to the treatment.Fair enough,it does happen.Of course she couldnt remember what the dog was being treated with.we get ahold of the dogs regular vet who confirms that the dog does have heartworms,but that the owner never brought the dog back for treatment after insisting on a second opinion.She finnaly admits that she a friend told her about Ivermec "curing" heartworms and decided that she could save "a ton of money" by just ordering the Ivermec off the internet and treating the dog herself.So she ends up giving the dog the entire bottle over a three day period thinking it will kill the worms faster than just giving the suggested dosage .Only thing it did was kill her dog.The dog was way to infested anyhow,I seriously doubt she would have survived even with proper treatment.Its actually a sad story ,I felt bad for the dog .Our office and the other office both would have been flexible with payment options.But,some people just dont think.The fact that she didnt think we would find out what the reall story was just goes to show how smart she was.

[chinasmom]

You can't give preventive meds for heartworms if they already exist. That's a whole other treatment plan.

[CynthiaATL]

You can't give preventive meds for heartworms if they already exist. That's a whole other treatment plan.Yes imiticide is the treatment. 2 injections given in the lumbar muscles of the back 24 hrs apart.

But you can still give a HWP to a positive dog. It will kill the microfilaria and prevent new worms from maturing. The thought behind this is that it will not make it worse. ANd that the adult heartworms will eventually die off.

Now I was told my Dr that the Vet that previously owned the hospital I work at(before me) did this. And usually the dog does before the heartworm dies.

SO I would reccomend treating properly (imiticide) because it is better for the dog.

I would not reccomend doing this!!!! But I am letting you know what I have heard of.

[simms]

Yes imiticide is the treatment. 2 injections given in the lumbar muscles of the back 24 hrs apart.

But you can still give a HWP to a positive dog. It will kill the microfilaria and prevent new worms from maturing. The thought behind this is that it will not make it worse. ANd that the adult heartworms will eventually die off.

Now I was told my Dr that the Vet that previously owned the hospital I work at(before me) did this. And usually the dog does before the heartworm dies.

SO I would reccomend treating properly (imiticide) because it is better for the dog.

I would not reccomend doing this!!!! But I am letting you know what I have heard of.
You were told correctly......As far as the tx with the imiticide,yeah it's supposed to be the safer method . IMO it should be a case by case tx, risk is relativly the same.

[simms]

She had to be put down.The owner found out the dog had the heartworms from her regular vet.They brought her in and tried to act like they didnt know what was going on.Well the owner told us the dog had heartworms and was being "treated "by the other vet and thought maybe her dog was having a reaction to the treatment.Fair enough,it does happen.Of course she couldnt remember what the dog was being treated with.we get ahold of the dogs regular vet who confirms that the dog does have heartworms,but that the owner never brought the dog back for treatment after insisting on a second opinion.She finnaly admits that she a friend told her about Ivermec "curing" heartworms and decided that she could save "a ton of money" by just ordering the Ivermec off the internet and treating the dog herself.So she ends up giving the dog the entire bottle over a three day period thinking it will kill the worms faster than just giving the suggested dosage .Only thing it did was kill her dog.The dog was way to infested anyhow,I seriously doubt she would have survived even with proper treatment.Its actually a sad story ,I felt bad for the dog .Our office and the other office both would have been flexible with payment options.But,some people just dont think.The fact that she didnt think we would find out what the reall story was just goes to show how smart she was.

The only thing the client did wrong, was not give the propper dose....it happens. Sometimes supportive care is better than actual tx.

[chloesredboy]

The only thing the client did wrong, was not give the propper dose....it happens. Sometimes supportive care is better than actual tx.well if she really thought it would be better to treat this way based on an opinion she formed after research and talking to proffesionals,that would be fine.But the fact she lied about proves she had no clue what she was doing and that she KNEW she didnt know what she was doing but decided to do it anyway just to save some money,not because she really believed it was a better treatment.And yes ,dosage errors do occur but not on that level.Beside anyone with an ounce of sense in their head would know not to use an entire bottle medication in a three day period.

[CynthiaATL]

You were told correctly......As far as the tx with the imiticide,yeah it's supposed to be the safer method . IMO it should be a case by case tx, risk is relativly the same.
Yea I agree. A weak positive yea. But it all depends on the case like you said. But the dog usually ends up dying because of congestive heart failure, damage to the heart. Before the adult worm dies.

A realitively young dog yea. But an older dog (5-7) I would go with the imiticide. What I would do with my dogs is treat with imiticide. BUt due to the fact I work at a hospital I could do it. Now If I did not work at a hospital it might be different.

ALso I want to corrct something I wrote. The largest frontline dose actually has 4.02ml in it. But I did ask the Vet I work for and he said as long as you divide it according to the weight you will be fine.

[miakoda]

Yes imiticide is the treatment. 2 injections given in the lumbar muscles of the back 24 hrs apart.

But you can still give a HWP to a positive dog. It will kill the microfilaria and prevent new worms from maturing. The thought behind this is that it will not make it worse. ANd that the adult heartworms will eventually die off.

Now I was told my Dr that the Vet that previously owned the hospital I work at(before me) did this. And usually the dog does before the heartworm dies.

SO I would reccomend treating properly (imiticide) because it is better for the dog.

I would not reccomend doing this!!!! But I am letting you know what I have heard of.
Our clinic has quit treating heartworms through Immiticide unless the client absolutely pushes for it. People are actually unaware that the fatality rate of Immiticide treatment is much higher than what they are told. Not too mention that many dogs that do survive are left with heart damage.

As for the slow-kill treatment, adult heartworms will die off between 1 1/2 years to 3 years. If you have a 2 year old dog, chances are it is not going to die before the heartworms do. If you have a 13 year old dog, just put it out of it's misery.

The slow-kill method, which is putting the HW+ dog on Heartguard (& ONLY Heartguard!), is fast becoming the popular treatment option. With the slow-kill, the chance of a bolus causing a blockage somewhere in the cardiovascular system is greatly reduced. Of course the slow-kill method has it's cons, but IMO the pros drastically outweigh those of the Immiticide treatment.

And for the record, through my own stupid fault & lack of record keeping, my Rottie went 3 months without preventative & came up HW+ 4 months later. We put her back on Heartguard & within 2 years was HW- & has been ever since. I've seen numerous success stories at our clinic with this method. With the LA pit bull rescue, we've only had 2 dogs survive Immiticde treatment out of almost 20 dogs. I won't ever do it.

[simms]

Our clinic has quit treating heartworms through Immiticide unless the client absolutely pushes for it. People are actually unaware that the fatality rate of Immiticide treatment is much higher than what they are told. Not too mention that many dogs that do survive are left with heart damage.

As for the slow-kill treatment, adult heartworms will die off between 1 1/2 years to 3 years. If you have a 2 year old dog, chances are it is not going to die before the heartworms do. If you have a 13 year old dog, just put it out of it's misery.

The slow-kill method, which is putting the HW+ dog on Heartguard (& ONLY Heartguard!), is fast becoming the popular treatment option. With the slow-kill, the chance of a bolus causing a blockage somewhere in the cardiovascular system is greatly reduced. Of course the slow-kill method has it's cons, but IMO the pros drastically outweigh those of the Immiticide treatment.

And for the record, through my own stupid fault & lack of record keeping, my Rottie went 3 months without preventative & came up HW+ 4 months later. We put her back on Heartguard & within 2 years was HW- & has been ever since. I've seen numerous success stories at our clinic with this method. With the LA pit bull rescue, we've only had 2 dogs survive Immiticde treatment out of almost 20 dogs. I won't ever do it.
Mia,

Did your Doctors use doxy and pred as part of thier follow up tx to immiticide?

and for the record ....I wont use immiticide as a tx opption either.

[miakoda]

Mia,

Did your Doctors use doxy and pred as part of thier follow up tx to immiticide?

and for the record ....I wont use immiticide as a tx opption either.
The rescue dogs treated with Immiticide were not treated at our clinic. However, prednisone was prescribed as was a drug to dilate the blood vessels as well.

[CynthiaATL]

Our clinic has quit treating heartworms through Immiticide unless the client absolutely pushes for it. People are actually unaware that the fatality rate of Immiticide treatment is much higher than what they are told. Not too mention that many dogs that do survive are left with heart damage.

As for the slow-kill treatment, adult heartworms will die off between 1 1/2 years to 3 years. If you have a 2 year old dog, chances are it is not going to die before the heartworms do. If you have a 13 year old dog, just put it out of it's misery.

The slow-kill method, which is putting the HW+ dog on Heartguard (& ONLY Heartguard!), is fast becoming the popular treatment option. With the slow-kill, the chance of a bolus causing a blockage somewhere in the cardiovascular system is greatly reduced. Of course the slow-kill method has it's cons, but IMO the pros drastically outweigh those of the Immiticide treatment.

And for the record, through my own stupid fault & lack of record keeping, my Rottie went 3 months without preventative & came up HW+ 4 months later. We put her back on Heartguard & within 2 years was HW- & has been ever since. I've seen numerous success stories at our clinic with this method. With the LA pit bull rescue, we've only had 2 dogs survive Immiticde treatment out of almost 20 dogs. I won't ever do it.
Well thats good to know. I stand corrected:) Everything I have been told and taught in school has been immiticide treatment.

I have never seen Heartworm treatment till I moved back to GA (I was in Colorado) And Since Ive been back the 2 hospitals I worked at here have used immiticide. I'd say between the 2 clinics Ive seen prob about 30 - 35 treatments personally and We have only lost 1 dog. He came in with a bloated belly (due to congestive heart failure). IMO the Dr should not have treated him with his heart in that condition. But hey I am just a tech.

And I can say this about the Dr I work for now is that he does explain all the risks including death to the client.

[miakoda]

Cynthia, we were taught all about Immiticide treatment as well as a few others. However, thanks to an "old school" doc & teacher, we also spent some time reviewing a study of using Heartguard & Heartguard Plus as a slow-kill method.

I will be happy to see if I can access the results of a study done here at LSU & will send them to you.

Both methods are correct treatment methods & both have serious pros & cons. IMO, it depends on the owner & the dog to determine the course of treatment.

[CynthiaATL]

Cynthia, we were taught all about Immiticide treatment as well as a few others. However, thanks to an "old school" doc & teacher, we also spent some time reviewing a study of using Heartguard & Heartguard Plus as a slow-kill method.

I will be happy to see if I can access the results of a study done here at LSU & will send them to you.

Both methods are correct treatment methods & both have serious pros & cons. IMO, it depends on the owner & the dog to determine the course of treatment.
That would be great Mia! Thanks.

Yea I agree sometimes them "old school" docs can teach ppl alot!