Aslan is at the vet with DH. I wanted him checked over and tested for HW. He's positive. The vet doesn't want to treat him. Just use preventative, like Heartgard I guess. What the heck is up with that? I haven't talked to him, but I'm very upset. We've been through enough and now this? I've also noticed some wheezing after excerise. Aslan is full of energy and seems to feel fine. We need another vet. If someone can explain this to me, I would appreciate it. I'm at a loss. I have zero experience with HW.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SandraS,

I am SO sorry to hear this but don't panic just yet...

Hopefully muscat (our resident vet) will come along and give more info...but I think if the dog is very early in an infection the preventative can be used and it will kill the existing worms. I would get your records from your current vet and ask another to just review the records and see what they would recommend. It will cost something but probably not the same as an entire visit. Heartworm is NOT a death sentence if caught early on. You can also do a google search and get more info if Muscat doesn't come along soon. Where are you in GA? There are several folks on here from GA and maybe you can get a vet recommendation if anyone is near you.

Hey! I'm working a night shift today, so I'm still home.

There are cases in which just starting preventative can be adequate, but you need to define the "stage" of the disease to decide what is best. At least chest xrays should be done, and a blood panel is a good idea. If you feel like your vet is not being proactive enough, either go somewhere else, or let your current vet know that you want to be more proactive. Im assuming that Aslan is positive for adult heartworms (a little snap test done in house) not just positive for microfilaria (baby worms).

Who the heck knows what's going on. My husband was there, not me, and he's not good at listening, remembering, or asking questions. The vet was rambling, talking about when the interstate was built and something about worms being 18" long and on and on. DH heard them saying something when they were in the back running the test, like did you and are you sure you, so DH questioned him and he copped an attitude, said he had patients waiting and that was that. DH is on his way to another vet that's associated with UGA vet school and I'm meeting them there. Honest to goodness, I've about had it. I'm sure it's early, but I would like to know what we're facing and what to do about it. I emailed the former owner and her "uncle the vet" said dogs can live a long, healthy life with untreated heartworms. Geez. I guess we did rescue him.

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quote:

emailed the former owner and her "uncle the vet" said dogs can live a long, healthy life with untreated heartworms. Geez. I guess we did rescue him.

OH MY GOSH!!!! You sure did!!! I can't belive she said that!!!

quote:

Originally posted by SandraS:
Aslan is at the vet with DH. I wanted him checked over and tested for HW. He's positive. The vet doesn't want to treat him. Just use preventative, like Heartgard I guess. What the heck is up with that? I haven't talked to him, but I'm very upset. We've been through enough and now this? I've also noticed some wheezing after excerise. Aslan is full of energy and seems to feel fine. We need another vet. If someone can explain this to me, I would appreciate it. I'm at a loss. I have zero experience with HW.

Ive worked with several vets at vet clinics, and AND Ive never heard a vet say that...

Don't panic yet. If the heartworm is caught early it can be treated successfully with the preventive.

I know this because I have a HW positive dog that is being treated this way. He is gaining weight and has more energy every day. He just got his third month of treatment on the first of June.

Because of his young age and the fact that he has a low involvement he was the perfect candidate. I did a lot of internet searching and found a ton of information about this form of treatment. I didn't want to expose him to the danger of the regular treatment if I could do it this way.

We took him to a vet clinic where the doctors and staff have been trained at UGA vet college. They retested and he had a strong positive. He's going in tomorrow for the aggressive treatment with 2 shots. He'll stay 3 days, then come home to be quiet for a month. He's staying at our daughter's during the day while we work, then home at night and wknds. The former owner offered to take him back like he was goods that required a refund. Sorry, she let him get like this. I sure won't take him back to her way of thinking and a death sentence in her back yard. I'm so upset, but feel confident we're doing the right thing and all will be well. They said he should come through the treatment easily given his young age. I brought up the Heartgard treatment and he wasn't a fan. He wants the worms gone pronto and no more damage to be done. Seems to me it's 6 of one or half dozen of the other. Risky either way.
I really believe G@d meant for us to have Aslan, but just didn't know there was more to it than us having a dog again.
Even "our" vet asked DH if we got a warranty so we could take him back. Hello! We love this dog! He has brought healing to our broken hearts in a matter of 4 days. No, we're not taking him back!
I want to restore Aslan to perfect health and keep him that way as long as possible. He's a gentle giant and deserves better than he's had. If I told all the things he has done since we got him, the post would go on and on. The biggest change in my husband is laughter. He gets out of bed laughing at our big clown. I haven't heard him laugh in so long. You can't put a price on that.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SandraS,

I'm sorry you have to go through this. My pup was a very low grade case so could be treated with the milder method. I know a lot of vets aren't in favor of it but I truly feel it is the best in my particular case.

SandraS - you are making me cry. Of course Aslan belongs with you. Hearing your husband laugh again, priceless I'm sure. You and your DH are truly Aslan's "parents" now.

Sorry to hear about Aslans heartworms but on the good side you got him out a bad situation. Also you realize your vet isnt for you. your dogs and other pets are like your children. If your child was ill you dont ask the dr. for a warranty. it amazes me how some people think!

quote:

The former owner offered to take him back like he was goods that required a refund. Sorry, she let him get like this. I sure won't take him back to her way of thinking and a death sentence in her back yard.

Sandra, It still amazes me how some people view animals...as a commodity. He is yours, you and your DH have made a connection w/him already, I know I couldn't take him back to that life either.
I'm sorry Aslan is going through this, but you are doing exactly what I'd do. He'll be in our t's&p's and he'll be good as new after his recovery period.
Keep us posted.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Yve*,

"SandraS," As you know, a lot of other posters and I have been sharing this journey with you since Soko's passing and the steps along the way to having Aslan become the newest member of your family so I hope you won't mind if I ask a question or two in the interest of helping others learn from your experience....

I remembered something about Aslan's previous owners re heartworm so went back and checked. On June 17th you posted, "The dog recently had his shots and they're taking him in for a heartworm test before we pick him up. He's been on heartworm preventive treatment, but we want to be sure."

So, what happened? Did they not go through with having him tested, did you pick him up before the test results were known or was there some deception in the representation of the results or the earlier preventative treatment?

I know he is now a permanent member of your family and there is NO way you would even think about "returning" him so I'm asking only since I think it might be helpful for others to know what happened....

Although I have no experience with heartworms, it sounds like with proper treatment which you are getting for him, it will be fine in the long run. I think Aslan will be with you for a very long time; your DH will keep on laughing, and it's a toss-up on who saved who!

I do hope you will post back on what happened so others might learn from your experience.

The former owner said they didn't have the time to get him tested and I assumed the liability for it. I'm not surprised that he's positive. Living in South GA, always outside? How could he not be. I'm glad we went ahead and got him and glad she didn't get him tested. If she had, he probably wouldn't be with us now as I wasn't looking to be put through any more sick dog stress and according to her thoughts, Aslan wouldn't have gotten treatment. He would have lived out his days, full of heartworms in a back yard, in hot South GA. And look what we would have missed. That dog has brought my husband out of a very dark and sad place. Hopefully, this is just a blip on the radar. We'll take care of the problem and hope for another 10 years or more of good times.

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Thoughts and prayers for Aslan's speedy recovery

SandraS - I check this board regularly, I just don't always post. I've been following your journey and I just wanted to say that Aslan is indeed very lucky to have found you and your DH. I really do pray that things will work out and thank the Big Dog upstairs that you were guided to the other vets. Aside from your DH being happier, you have made Aslan happier and from the sounds of things, given him more love and care in the last week than he has ever had before; don't ever doubt that he knows that because I'm sure he does. Love to you.

I feel like our lives have been come a running soap opera since Soko got sick and left us. And everyone here has been so kind and caring. I don't have anyone to discuss pet stuff with, so this board has been a huge blessing to me. Even DH asks me what you all have said. His former "best" friend is of the old farmer mind. If the dog gets sick, shoot it and put it out of it's misery. He actually wanted DH to hold his little terrier so he could neuter it himself! DH told him in no uncertain terms to take the dog to the vet or he would take him.
I'm waiting by the phone for Aslan's blood and xray results and trying to stop the Soko flash backs where every phone call was more bad news. Thanks to all of you that have gone with me on this emotoinal journey.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SandraS,

Aslan is a lucky boy to have you guys. I have no doubt that he will be the perfect pet and will repay you fully for all your doing for him. Dont worry about the treatment I am sure he will be just fine.

Just heard from the vet. Bloodwork and xrays were good, so it's early stage. Aslan tolerated the shot well and is resting quietly. The vet said there shouldn't be any complications from the treatment. A few weeks of spoiled rest and he should be 100%.
One more funny........every night before bed, Aslan puts his big paws on the dresser and looks at himself (or the other dog) in the mirror. Ah the male ego.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SandraS,

Sandra, that is great news! I'm so happy that you opted for a second opinion. Hope to hear (read) that the little guy is getting stronger (and more spoiled) each day. That mirror routine is too funny! I've tried to get our dogs to look in the mirror but they don't even notice their reflection. However, if we play home movies of them on the TV, Couper runs behind the TV trying to find himself. And Jake does whatever is on the TV. If in the movie, my husband had said "Jake, rollover." then Jake sits infront of the TV and rollsover. It's so funny to watch because in the movie he will hear "Jake, go get your ball" and sure enough, Jake runs and gets his ball, plops it down in front of the TV and then sits there and waits for the next command he hears on the TV.

Sandra I am so sorry to hear about Aslan. I have some experience with the treating of heartworms, and in most cases, have had great results in the treatment you are useing now. I am so glad to hear ya decided to get a second oppinion, and get the right treatment for Aslan. I am hoping for that ya have many wonderful years together after all this is behind you. We always get a clean bill of heath on our rescues, before we find homes for them.
Aslan is lucky o be in you and Dh home and hearts.

Sandra - This is great news! I'm on vacation and had a few minutes to sneak on and check the boards. When I first started reading, I had tears in my eyes. I'm so glad he is going to be ok. You were meant to have Aslan in your family.

Great news about Aslan. Here's to a long happy life! I love the story about looking in the mirror...typical man.