Heartguard Protection - continued (7/7/'13)

Here are some helpful comments in response to the previous blog post, edited slightly, from our Icelandic sheepdog chat room: - 

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I’ve never had a problem with Heartguard, so I don’t have any experience with other products.

Saga is beautiful! Does he/she share any common breeding with my Elsa ( Thyrmheim Ovaent Gjof, DOB 11-17-09)? (- same grandfather, Kappu. Elsa and Saga - below - are first half-cousins - their mothers are half-sisters) They have such a similar head the resemblance is striking.

                                                    Thyrmheim Ovaent Gjof (Elsa)

                                                   Thyrmheim Ovaent Gjof (Elsa)

                                                    Vinlands Saga
Liz
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We use Iverhart Max and Activyl Tick. We have also used Trifexis during winter months when tick prevention was not needed. 

Mike 
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A heartworm preventative called "Interceptor" has a different active ingredient than Heartguard.

Interceptor - milbemycin oxime

Heartguard - ivermectin and Pyrantel 

Mike
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Mike:  I always liked Interceptor as it got intestinal parasites also and was safer for my border collies, since some of the collie breeds are not recommended for Heartguard. I don’t know if it’s true in your area, but here in Tennessee, Interceptor is no longer available, unfortunately.  I suspect they discontinued it because they have replaced it with Trifexis, which has the same active ingredient (milbemycin oxime) but also gets fleas  (with Spinosad, whatever that is) and is much more expensive. 

Suzanne 
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I've used all three on Lee with no reaction. Started on Interceptor had to switch to Heartguard Plus and now the vet is selling the third one. Thank goodness none seem to bother my dog.

Jennifer

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There is a DNA test for the MDR1 gene that tests for drug sensitivity to ivermectin (which is heartgard and iverhart) it is available from Washington State University. You can order it online and it is $70 for the test. Sensitivity to ivermectin is somewhat common in herding breeds. I have sent a test out for my puppy just to be safe. Trifexis is generally safe in herding breeds. All hw prevention also protects against some intestinal worms.

Suzanne Terrant, C-ATCH2 Shadow, Stormy the Silver Bullet, Sweet "Chipotle" Pea, and Tryggur in Training

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AS AN ASIDE: - - Saga had a Heartguard 'pill' today on an empty stomach without a negative reaction - she did not throw up - cross your fingers!