Stephen,
Thank you very much. What you say seems quite plausible. The medications
that I've seen advertised were not Over-The-Counter but the ads suggested
that you run right out to your vet for the meds and the testing. They seem
to be building a demand though fear, I'm afraid.
Regards
Terry
"Stephen Kayes" <SKayes at usamail.usouthal.edu> wrote in message
news:saee83ac.050 at usamail.usouthal.edu...
> Terry:
>> I am not a vet but I have a thought you might consider as a possible
answer to your question. Assume for a minute that the drug what ever it may
be, is highly toxic to the worms. Normally, heart worms reside in the
pulmonary arteries near the heart. If the drug kills or paralyzes the worm,
they lose their position holding mechanism and are transported by blood flow
to the lungs where they become a pulmonary embolism and usually the result
of such a catastrophic event is sudden death. Most vets perform a simple
(and usually relatively inexpensive) test to see if you dog (or cat) has
heartworm before putting your pet on heartworm medication for just this
reason. Again, not being a vet, I am not sure what strategy is used if your
pet tests positive.
>> I am interested to know, by the way, what products you are seeing
advertised that you can buy over the counter. Down here on the Gulf Coast
of the U.S., HeartGuard (TM) is the drug of choice and it was my
understanding that you had to go through your vet to get it. I would be
worried that the products that you are seeing advertised on TV might be
wishful thinking on behalf of the animal holopathic, healthfood industry
that in the end would be ineffective and a waste of money. Please let us
know more about the products.
>> Steve Kayes
>> Stephen G. Kayes, Ph.D.
> Professor
> Cell Biology & Neuroscience; 2042 MSB
> University of South Alabama College of Medicine
> Mobile, AL 36688-0002
>> (334) 460-6768 (Voice)
> (334) 460-6771 (FAX)
>>> >>> "RingMaster" <RingMstr at attcanada.ca> 05/01 4:50 AM >>>
> I have been noticing a number of products advertised on Television that
> prevent canine heartworm infection. However, they all warn that the dog
> should be tested for heartworm BEFORE taking the product.
>> Is there a biological reason for not giving the preventive medication to a
> dog already infected with heartworm? Or, is it simply a marketing ploy to
> avoid an owner claiming that the medication did not prevent the heartworm
> infection?
>> Regards
> Terry
>>>
