OK, here's the deal.. Got a male GS from a rescue. The rescue does not have much paperwork on him. They do know that he was heartworm positive and did receive the deep muscle shots. Two or three. I forget the name of the Heartworm shots that he received.

Ok, I believe, this was back in Nov. 1st part that he received the shots. The rescue gave me a bottle of preventative that reads ," give 1ml per 44lbs body weight". I am assuming this is Ivermectin.

OK, here is the question. Is it true you cannot see if the dog is negative until 6 months from treatment?

Also, I have read about not to give Ivermectin (preventative) while the dog is still positive or possibly positive.

I need to know if I am doing the right thing now by continuing to give him the Ivermectin... That is what i think it is... or that's what a vet told me from the dosage. Should I not be giving the preventative until we find out he is negative? When can he be tested? Is there anything that needs to be done now?

He acts healthy, loves to run, play, etc... Sometimes it is if he is "worn out" and will lay down and rest a lot. But dont get me wrong, he is up and following me plenty.

I just want to do what is best for him, since he is now like a family memeber. CAN SOMEONE WITH SOME KNOWLEDGE ABOUT MEDICATING FOR HEARTWORMS HELP ME PLEASE!

Thanks.

K.Kovar

I'm not clear on why the vet didn't answer this, but here's a start:

From

QUOTE: Testing prior to first starting chemoprophylaxis is advocated for the reasons stated previously. END

So, yes, a negative test before giving the preventative dosage is recommended by
http://www.heartwormsociety.org/AHS%20Guidelines-Canine.htm#canine

I would take the dog and the med to the vet who will now be his vet. Also, I don't think I would assume that any drug is anything if it had no label. Ever.

On another note, congratulations on your adoption!

And I want to add that the city I live in rescued about 100 Katrina dogs, several of whom had contracted heartworm in the aftermath, and all went on to recovery and excellent health.