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› articles by michael goldberg, dvm
Heartworm Dear Dr. Goldberg, I have 3 Cairn Terriers and I live in a suburb of Montreal. I was wondering if there are any homeopathic alternative treatments for the prevention of heartworm disease, as my dogs need to get tested before they go on Sentinel every year? DV, Montreal Dear DV, Heartworm disease is a disease that is spread by the mosquito to dogs and cats as well as wild life. The larva of the heartworm is injected into the dog when a mosquito takes a blood meal. The larvas then grow and migrate through the differing organs of the body eventually ending up in the heart. Once the worm is in the heart, there can be clinical signs of heart problems such as coughing on minimal exertion, or decreased exercise tolerance among other less common signs. Current conventional treatments include both Ivermectin and Milbemycin, which are two separate drugs that will kill the larva in the early stages. They are virtually 100% effective but are both potential neurotoxins though side effects are very rare. Homeopathic nosodes are available as a possible preventative for heartworm. A nosode is a homeopathic remedy made from the actual disease in this case the heartworm and is used to prevent the disease. Studies as to the effectiveness of nosodes are lacking. A number of pet owners and holistic practitioners have been using the heartworm nosode as a preventative and have found that their pets do not seem to contract the disease. This though is strictly the experience of few individuals. I would recommend a discussion with your vet (or a holistic veterinarian) as to the actual potential risks of the disease in your particular area as well as taking into account your dogs' particular lifestyle. After these factors are accounted for, you may then make a choice as to how you want to proceed. In British Columbia for instance, there are very few indicators that heartworm can be contracted in the lower mainland (where I practice) and as such, I tend to recommend periodic testing only as opposed to treatment. Read more Articles by Michael Goldberg, DVM... |
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vancouver animal wellness hospital Michael Goldberg, DVM; Sue Hughson, DVM 105 e. broadway, vancouver, bc v5t 1w1 / phone: 604.738.4664 / fax: 604.738.4694 Hours of Operation: Monday, Thursday & Friday: 9am - 6pm, Tuesday & Wednesday: 9am - 7pm, Saturday: 9am - 5pm © Copyright 2004-2006. vancouver animal wellness hospital. All rights reserved. › Contact Us › Privacy Policy › Sitemap › Home |