Heart wormsQ: Our dog tested positive for a moderate case of heartworms. we took him to a teaching hospital for treatment, where he received 2 injections and stayed 3 nights. they said he did very well, and he could have his last injection in a month at a regular vet. when i called to find a vet, they didn't give a third injection. we can't afford to have him return to the vet school again. should we just begin heart worm pills or is there an injection i can buy and give? A: The two injections might be enough. but i would ask for letter from teaching hospital stating what injection isneeded likely immiticide, which most vets carry. but might be able to get away with just starting monthly heartworm pills as usually the two injections is enough in most cases if you cant find vet who will give 3rd injection
Is testing necessary?Q: Our dog takes heartworm meds during the mosquito months. when calling for a blood test appointment, the non-vet person on the phone assured me i could begin treatment prior to testing. when i said everything i have read states a test must precede the meds, she said that was with old meds. with "today's" newer meds, it's no longer necessary. she would not give me an appointment before june, and i think i need a new office! please help. A: Actually person you spoke with on phone is quite educated. there are virtually no risk to using once monthly heartworm pills even if dog has heartworms. risks were with old daily preventatives which are no longer available
Unfinished tabletQ: My 13lb shi-tzu would not consume the heartgard plus tablet by itself so i broke it up in her food. unfortunately, she only ate about half of the tablet( can't be sure of exact dose taken) and would not complete that serving of food all day. the tablets are for dogs up to 25 lbs...will half a tablet protect her? should i give her another tablet? she is quite lethargic and slow moving since eating the heartgard plus but is in heat.... thanks for any advice you can offer... i just rescued this dog about two weeks ago and am already very attached! A: I would not use these pills when she is in heat. better off skipping a month as can have reactions to drugs, vaccines, etc when given during heat period. dont worry for now but if note lethargy, upset stomach again next month then i would consider switching heartworm preventative pills to interceptor Shop for: heartgard, heartgard plus, interceptor
Heartworm medsQ: My almost 3 yrs old part lab and part austrillian shepperd has heartworms. my problem is that i can not afford the $400 treatment. i understand that there is a shot that he can be given each month. my question is, can i give him the shot that he needs in order to keep down my cost, or do i have to find time each month to take him to the vet? thank you A: No treatment exists other than what your vet offers. only other option would be to put your pet on once monthly heartworm pills to prevent further reproduction of the adult heartworms he has
Medicine for liver reading off the chartsQ: Do you have a suggestion for liver reading off the charts? my vet prescribed zenotil which cannot be cut up or crushed and my cat won't take it. i live alone and don't have anyone to help me hold the cat while i try to open her mouth. she is also taking hyperthyroid pills but these are no problem as they can be crushed and put in her food. do you know of another pill whilch would help her liver? she has lost weight and is hiding under the bed, as she is afraid i will try to force her. her latest thyroid reading was normal. do you have a suggestion for another medication, one that can be cut up and will it interfere with her tapazol (methmazole 5 mg) ? A: We carry a dosing device called a pet piller that is specifically designed for your needs.
HyperthyroidismQ: My cat is 14 years old and has lost a lot of weight in the last couple of years. my vet's diagnosis was thyroid problems, so we were given some pills. the cat would not take them at the time, and now i cannot get a refill, because it has been over a year. i cannot take the amnilmal back to the vet, as he does not support driving, and i fear he is not going to make it. could i buy from you on line some medication appropriate for his treatment. the name of the previous one was tapazole if i remember correctly. thank you in advance, regards, zoya A: We carry both the brand and generic equivalent for the tapazole, and with your veterinarian's approval we can also supply it in a flavored liquid if that would make administering it easier.
