Heartworm
Heartworms are parasites that
inhabit the heart and lungs of infected dogs as young as 4-6 months of age.
Heartworm disease can cause serious health problems, and may eventually lead to
heart failure and death. It is transmitted by mosquitoes. The
prevalence of this deadly disease has increased steadily since it was first
identified, and it now affects dogs in all 50 states and is moving into Canada.
The areas in Canada affected are the Atlantic coast, southern Ontario, southern
Manitoba and the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.
Heartworm Life Cycle
1. A mosquito bites an infected dog, taking in heartworm microfilariae
as it feeds.
2. The microfilariae develop into infective stage larvae within the
mosquito.
3. The mosquito transmits the infective stage larvae to a healthy dog.
The larvae migrate through the tissues, eventually reaching the heart.
4. Heartworms can grow up to 12 inches in length. Left untreated,
heartworm disease may be fatal.
Interceptor
Interceptor is a palatable, once-a-month tablet that prevents heartworm
disease, controls adult hookworm, and removes and controls adult roundworm and
whipworm infections in dogs and puppies. The tablets are palatable and most dogs
will take them willingly. It can also be given in food for the more picky ones.
How is
Interceptor given?
The first dose should be administered
within one month of the dog's first exposure to mosquitoes and monthly
thereafter until the end of the mosquito season. If a dose is missed give Interceptor immediately and resume the monthly dosing schedule.
Precautions
-
Do not use in puppies less than four weeks of age and less than two pounds of
body weight.
-
Prior to initiating Interceptor, dogs should be tested for existing
heartworm infections. Infected dogs should be treated to remove adult
heartworms and microfilariae prior to initiating treatment with Interceptor.
Mild, transient hypersensitivity reactions manifested as laboured respiration,
vomiting, salivation and lethargy, have been noted in some treated dogs
carrying a high number of circulating microfilariae. These reactions are
presumably caused by release of protein from dead or dying microfilariae.
Safety
Interceptor has been tested safely in over 75 different
breeds of dogs, including collies, pregnant females, breeding males and females,
and puppies over two weeks of age.
Sentinel
Sentinel is a combination of
Interceptor and Program. It protects against heartworm as well as intestinal
parasites and fleas.
Revolution
Revolution is a topical parasiticide which is applied every 4 weeks to the skin
on the back of the neck. Once applied, Revolution
enters the bloodstream through the skin. Concentrations of Revolution in the
blood and intestinal tract prevent heartworm disease and treat gastrointestinal
parasites. It selectively redistributes
from blood to sebaceous glands, which are found below the skin's surface.
Revolution's presence in the sebaceous glands and in the skin is the reservoir
of drug that provides protection against fleas, flea eggs, ticks and mites.
