August Tip of the month:
Dr. Mane’s ‘TIP OF THE MONTH’
PROHEART® 6 Heartworm Medication
When was the last time you gave your dog his monthly heartworm preventative on time? Can’t remember? You’re not alone. One in three dog owners admits to occasionally missing or delaying the monthly heartworm dose. This forgetfulness can leave your dog vulnerable to heart damage, organ failure, and even death.
ProHeart® 6 is the first heartworm preventative that provides six months of continuous protection in one dose! Unlike monthly pills or spot-ons you administer yourself, ProHeart® 6 is an injection given by your veterinarian. No more wondering when or if you gave the heartworm preventative. No more worrying about under-dosing or over-dosing. Just a quick visit to the veterinarian and your best friend can be protected from deadly heartworm disease 6 months at a time.
WHAT IS HEARTWORM DISEASE?
Canine heartworm disease is a potentially fatal disease affecting dogs in all 50 states. The disease is caused by the parasitic worm Dirofilaria immitis and is transmitted by mosquitoes. Your dog is infected when it is bitten by a mosquito carrying microscopic heartworm larvae known as microfilaria. The developing larvae eventually enter the bloodstream and migrate to the dog's heart. Adult heartworms begin producing their own microfilaria offspring about six months after infection.
IS MY DOG AT RISK?
ALL dogs are at risk. Mosquitoes do come into the house so indoor dogs are just as much at risk as outdoor dogs. Also, dogs with long hair coats, such as Chow chows, do not have long hair on their face and ears where mosquitoes can bite. Unfortunately, we have treated many heartworm positive dogs with long, thick hair coats too.
Sadly, we are still seeing too many heartworm positive dogs today. Even though pet owners of these heartworm positive dogs perceive that they have been compliant giving the monthly dose, the reality is that in our busy world, it is very easy to forget things! Besides owner forgetfulness, some dogs may also spit the pills out or vomit them up. It is sad that the resulting failure to give the medication each and every month (as well as at the proper time each month) results in major problems for these pets, as well as significant additional expense to these pet owners.
WHAT ARE SIGNS OF HEARTWORM DISEASE?
Clinical signs of heartworm disease include:
• Coughing
• Labored breathing
• Exercise intolerance
• Fainting
• Abdominal swelling
If you see these signs in your pet, see your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will conduct a blood test and, if heartworms are present, discuss treatment.
The treatment itself is not without risks. The best way to protect your dog from heartworm disease is to ask your veterinarian for a heartworm preventative like ProHeart® 6. Adult heartworms can live in a dog's heart for several years and grow up to a foot long. Eventually, they can cause serious heart, lung, liver and kidney problems, and even death.
HOW SAFE IS THIS?
ProHeart® 6 is safe for all dog breeds (including ivermectin sensitive Collies). However, ProHeart® 6 is not labeled for use in heartworm positive dogs.
It is safe at 88X the recommended dosage. It can safely be used with other medications, vaccinations, anesthetics and flea control products. It is generally well tolerated. Less than .05% of dogs showed mild, transient swelling or itching at the injection site. While even rarer, digestive, neurological or hypersensitivity reactions may occur. Unfortunately, ProHeart® 6 is not yet approved for use in cats.
WHAT ABOUT INTESTINAL PARASITES?
100% HEARTWORM PREVENTION IS MORE CRUCIAL THAN INTESTINAL PARASITE PROTECTION. Heartworms cause irreversible damage to the heart. No dog has ever died from roundworms. However, ProHeart® 6 does an excellent job treating hookworms.
WE WILL HELP REMIND YOU!
Twice a year certainly seems easier to remember than twelve times a year! Once your pet receives the first dose, our computer system will automatically send you a reminder card when the next injection is due. Additionally, if you would like to set up your own email reminder, you may go to Proheart6.com to set up your own. Also available are refrigerator magnets and collar tags as reminders.
We are very excited about this new heartworm preventive. Your pet needs it for guaranteed prevention, you need it for guaranteed administration compliance, and we need it because we want to keep your pet healthy.
WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THE PROHEART® 6 INJECTION FOR ALL DOGS, EXCEPT THOSE WHO ARE HEARTWORM POSITIVE!
Frequently asked Questions
What is ProHeart 6 and why has my veterinarian prescribed ProHeart 6?
ProHeart 6 is an injectable parasiticide that is used in dogs six months of age and older to prevent heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) continuously for six months and to treat common hookworm infections (Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala).
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before ProHeart 6 is prescribed?
Your veterinarian is your best resource for recommending appropriate medications for your dog. It is important to discuss your dog’s health history with your veterinarian so he/she can decide if ProHeart 6 is right for your dog.
Which dogs should not be treated with ProHeart 6?
ProHeart 6 should not be used in sick, debilitated or underweight animals. ProHeart 6 should be given with caution in dogs with pre-existing allergic disease, including previous vaccine reactions, food allergy, atopy, and flea allergy dermatitis. Dogs should be tested for heartworm disease prior to being treated with ProHeart 6. If your dog tests positive for adult heartworms, your veterinarian should treat the infection with an appropriate medication before administering ProHeart 6.
What possible side effects of ProHeart 6 should I look for in my dog?
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis): facial swelling, itching, difficulty breathing, collapse
• Lethargy (sluggishness), not eating or losing interest in food, any change in activity level
• Seizures
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea (with and without blood)
• Weight loss
• Pale gums, increased thirst or urination, weakness, bleeding, bruising
• If you notice any of these side effects or have any concerns about your dog, please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Can ProHeart 6 be given with other medicines?
In well-controlled clinical studies, ProHeart 6 was used safely in dogs receiving other veterinary products such as anthelmintics, antiparasitics, antibiotics, analgesics, steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anesthetics, and flea control products. ProHeart 6 should not be given within one month of your dog being vaccinated. Tell your veterinarian about all medicines you have given your dog in the past, and any medicines that you are planning to use with ProHeart 6.
How long will ProHeart 6 remain in the body?
Several studies have shown that by the end of the six-month treatment period, the amount of ProHeart 6 remaining in the body is too small to measure. An additional study demonstrated that after four consecutive treatments there was no accumulation of ProHeart 6 over time.
How does ProHeart 6 compare to other heartworm preventatives?
• ProHeart 6 is the only sustained release injectable for the prevention of heartworm infection. It is the only product in the United States providing six months of continuous protection following a single dose, and puts heartworm prevention solely in the hands of veterinarians, which avoids the problems with lack of compliance and protects against heartworm infection.
• Heartworm is a life-threatening canine parasite transmitted by mosquitoes that affects dogs in many parts of the world. Research shows most dog owners understand the importance of protecting their pets from this deadly disease, yet have problems adhering to a proper administration schedule. Missed doses compromise the ability of the products to control heartworms.
ProHeart 6 is now available at TOWNE SOUTH ANIMAL HOSPITAL. Come and speak to our Veterinarians to see if this product is right for your dog. Our Veterinarians will make certain you dog is healthy and meets the criteria for starting the ProHeart 6 heartworm medication.
