|
Pet Medication Home -> Heartworm Infection in Dogs and Cats
Heartgard Plus is The #1
Choice Of Veterinarians For Heartworm Disease Prevention! Heartgard
Plus also Treats and Controls Roundworms and Hookworms.
New Survey Reveals Heartworm Disease
Is a Serious Problem for Pets
Heartworm Disease Continues to Spread, but Fewer Dog and Cat Owners
Are Taking Precautions for Their Pet's Health
May 22
DULUTH, Ga. — In a survey that tracked reported heartworm
infection cases in dogs and cats, the American Heartworm Society
found that at least 250,000 dogs and cats tested positive for heartworm
infection nationwide in 2001. This survey is the first of its kind
to track heartworm disease infections by county and is the first
survey since the 1950s to track heartworm disease in detail.
The survey, sponsored by Merial, maker of HEARTGARD® (ivermectin)
brand products, analyzed heartworm tests completed in 2001 by 18,000
veterinary clinics nationwide. Reported cases were highest in the
Southeast and Texas, and heartworm infection in dogs and cats was
shown to be present throughout the entire country, in the vast majority
of counties.
“Heartworm is a deadly, but easily preventable disease that
too many pet owners are not taking seriously,” said Dr. Donald
Doiron, president of the American Heartworm Society. “Many
pet owners dont realize that some heartworm preventives can also
prevent other common threats such as gastro-intestinal parasites,
including hookworms and roundworms. Today, thanks to improved science,
there are several simple choices for prevention that are even considered
enjoyable for the pet.”
Heartworm is a potentially life-threatening disease that is spread
through mosquito bites. It is often called a silent killer because
animals may not show signs of illness until the disease is severe.
Symptoms, which include fatigue, weight loss and a chronic cough,
often dont appear until the heartworms have infected the heart and
lungs, causing damage to these organs. Depending on the size and
activity of the dog, it can take 15 to 19 worms before there is
any sign of illness, and then there can be some risk with treatment.
Disease in cats, on the other hand, can be fatal with only one worm.
“Merial is committed to providing pet owners and veterinarians
with the best information about pet health, including heartworm
disease,” said Dr. Doug Carithers, Director, Veterinary Professional
Services, Merial. “Like so many diseases, heartworm disease
is easier, and cheaper, to prevent than to treat. Were committed
to investing in major disease surveys such as this to continue to
improve the lives of our pets and to further educate the animal
health community.”
Lack of Protection
According to a recent Gallup survey, only 55 percent of dogs in
the U.S. are on a heartworm preventive, down from 66 percent in
1998. While many veterinarians recommend using a heartworm preventive
year-round, the average pet receives only six doses a year, not
enough to guarantee against infection and spread of infection. Additionally,
far too many pet owners have a false sense of security because their
pets dont go outside. Even these pets need year-round protection
— nearly 55 percent of all reported feline heartworm cases
are diagnosed in indoor cats.
“Without proper prevention, it is possible that 50 to 90 percent
of dogs could be at risk for contracting heartworm disease every
year, depending on which area of the country they live in,”
said Doiron. “Through this survey, we hope to demonstrate the
prevalence of, and consequently, the need to protect pets against
heartworm disease. The American Heartworm Society recommends that
pet owners talk with their veterinarian about routine administration
of a preventative. Prevention of the disease is much safer and more
economical than treatment of an infected dog or cat.”
Prevention
Fortunately, heartworm disease is easily preventable. With a simple
veterinary visit, pet owners can obtain a heartworm preventive like
Heartgard Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel), the number one veterinarian-recommended
heartworm preventive. This simple monthly treatment protects against
heartworm, as well as controls intestinal parasites, like roundworms
and hookworms. Additionally, HEARTGARD Plus is the only heartworm
preventive in a real-beef Chewable that dogs love to take and owners
prefer to give.
What the vet says
Heartgard Plus is an extremely effective drug for the
prevention of parasites. Heartworms are present in most parts
of the United States and in many parts of North America. |
Heartgard Plus Is The #1 Choice Of Veterinarians
For Heartworm Disease Prevention! Only Heartgard Plus Comes In A
Real-beef Chewable That Dogs Love. Heartgard Plus Also Treats And
Controls Roundworms And Hookworms. It Is Approved For Use In Puppies
As Young As 6 Weeks, Small Dogs Regardless Of Weight, Pregnant Or
Breeding Bitches, Stud Dogs, And Collies. Heartgard Plus Is 100%
Effective Against Heartworms, And Treats And Controls Other Dangerous
Parasites. 6 Oral Monthly Doses.
Heartgard Plus FAQ
Generic Name
Ivermectin (eye-ver-mek’-tin) Plus
Brand Name(s)
Heartgard Plus (Merial), Iverhart Plus (Virbac)
What is this medication used for
Heartgard Plus is an anthelminthic (dewormer) used for the prevention
of heartworm disease in dogs. When combined with pyrantel pamoate
it is also used for treating roundworm and hookworm in dogs.
How Heartgard Plus should be used
Heartgard Plus is given once a month year round for the prevention
of heartworm disease. The usual dose of Heartgard Plus in dogs up
to 25 pounds is 68mcg/57mg, for 26-50 pounds is 136mcg/114mg and
for 51-100 pounds is 272mcg/227mg. Dogs over 100 pounds are given
a combination of tablets. The chewable tablets should be chewed.
They are not meant to be swallowed whole. For dogs that normally
swallow treats whole, the tablet can be broken into pieces. As an
alternate to year round dosing, this medication can be given during
the mosquito season and for one month after the season ends.
What are the side effects of Heartgard Plus
The side effects of Heartgard Plus are rare at the recommended heartworm
prevention dose. Higher doses in dogs may cause tremors, dilated
pupils, and loss of body weight or death. Side effects in cats include
agitation, loss of appetite, staggering, dilated pupils, tremors,
blindness and disorientation.
What special precautions are there
Heartgard Plus should not be used in animals allergic to it. Use
with caution in Collies. Heartworm testing should be performed prior
to the start of prevention therapy. If the animal is off Heartgard
Plus for 6 months or less, start the medication and test after 6
months since microfilaria, that take 6 months to mature, will result
in a positive test result. Because humans can contract roundworm,
hookworm and tapeworm from animals, it is important to maintain
good personal hygiene. It is also important to eliminate fleas on
the pet and in the household and to not feed the pet rodents or
uncooked meat or fish. To prevent reinfection, daily cleanup of
stools is recommended.
In the event of an overdose
Contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room. Symptoms
of overdose may include vomiting, diarrhea, and incoordination in
dogs.
How should I store this medication
Keep this medication in the original box. Do not remove the tablet
from the wrapper until ready to give the medicine. Store this medicine
at room temperature. Keep this medication out of the reach of children
and pets.
|
