Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sky and Lyla on October 2, 2009 at 11:11am

I found this article (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5908836/). I don't know if there has been a more recent injection. It looks like this was pulled off the market a long time ago because it was harming dogs.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Judi, Dawn, Soffie & Griffyn on October 2, 2009 at 11:27am

Ya... I can't find much about it. But what I have found makes me very leary. A friend is planning to get it for her corgi and before she does I'm trying to find out anything I can so that we're all well informed.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Sky and Lyla on October 2, 2009 at 11:48am

Hmm, interesting. I couldn't find anything that talked about it still being available. Do you know if it is an Ivermectin injection? If Ivermectin is the drug used in the injection, I would never give it to a herding breed! The MDR1 gene mutation can happen in any herding breed. Although it is most prevalent in the border collies, aussies, shelties, etc, it has been advised that any herding breed watch out for drug sensitivities. If a dog carries the MDR1 gene mutation, it means that certain medicines, most notably Ivermectin, but others as well, can make their way into the dogs brain and kill them. For that reason alone, I would not give any herding breed a dosage of Ivermectin that would last for 6 months, as that would be a very large dose and would probably be lethal if the dog carried a sensitivity. Dogs can be tested for the MDR1 gene, and I would steer clear of the possible harmful medicines until they've been tested.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Judi, Dawn, Soffie & Griffyn on October 2, 2009 at 12:05pm

Wow!! Very valuable information, Thanks!! I'm hoping to gather enough information that I will be able to sway their decision away from getting the injection. I have some very strong bad vibes about it!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Sky and Lyla on October 2, 2009 at 12:02pm

I actually did find this article at a website I very much trust saying that the drug has been re-released and and she does not endorse it. http://www.greatdanelady.com/articles/proheart_6_again_htim.htm

Good luck!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Beth on October 2, 2009 at 12:03pm

Hmmm. I thought I had heard there was a new injectible in development, but I'm not sure. Honestly, the monthly chew is so easy (they think it's a treat!) I can't really imagine going to the hassle of going to the vet every six months for a shot when you can feed at home.

We use interceptor. It has the added benefit of being a general wormer, helpful for Jack who likes to snack on the lovely presents the feral cats leave behind.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Beth on October 2, 2009 at 12:07pm

Ok, it was re-released:

"Injectable heartworm medicine, called Proheart, was recalled in 2004 after over 500 dog deaths, but was rereleased in 2008 with some modifications."

http://www.answerbag.com/articles/Side-Effects-of-Heartworm-Medicin...

• ▶ Reply