I guess I need a new vet...

[hsmamato2]

There is a difference between making a living and having me pay for your vet school loans and the new wing to your office at the same time.

I was peeved at my vet last year when she told me that the organization that represents the heartworm industry came up with new guidelines that dogs now need to be tested every year even if they have been on the recommended preventative year 'round. We live in WI where there is a *hard* (think 20-degrees below zero) freeze in the winter. Dogs used to be tested only every other year if they received heartworm medication every month since they were protected. Apparently, the industry was losing money in testing and my vet's assistant came right out and asked me if I cared about my dog since I didn't want to pay for an unneeded test. I gritted my teeth and paid for the test.

ETA, the same pet store vet charged me less than half of what my regular vet wanted for a feline teeth cleaning.

FWIW, here's an interesting article...
http://terriermandotcom.blogspot.com/2008/05/billion-dollar-heartworm-scam.html

 

[robinb]

FWIW, here's an interesting article...
http://terriermandotcom.blogspot.com/2008/05/billion-dollar-heartworm-scam.html

That was interesting! We never used to dose year round but arranging for the yearly test was such a PITB we were happy to skip it and dose more. I just bought 2 6-packs of Heartgard Plus for $53 (actually $43 with a rebate) and I paid $28 for the test (my regular vet wanted $45), so it seems to be more cost effective for me to go back to seasonal dosing and have the test yearly. I'll save $35 over 2 years and I won't be giving my dog an antiparasitic that's not needed.

 

[goofyisinphilly]

Try to look for an independent small office vet. Our vet is a one person vet with 2 office assistants. He only does general care, neutering, shots. Small stuff. The office only charges small prices as well. For a full series of shots, exam, heart worm test it was around $75 maybe? It could have been $50. I love our vet and it is well worth the 20 mile drive. Our previous 2 vets were crazy expensive. $200+ for the same annual exam.

 

[Gr8t Fan]

FWIW, here's an interesting article...
http://terriermandotcom.blogspot.com/2008/05/billion-dollar-heartworm-scam.html

Thank you so much for the article. My daughter recently adopted a Cairn Terrier from a local shelter who is up to date on all her shots, but I've been stressing about the "big upsell" when we take her to the vet for next years shots. This should cover us for heartworm prevention at least, and we'll look into Petco for shot packages.

 

[pryncess527]

If you have a vet school nearby, you might try them as well. I used to live near a University with a vet school and they offered amazing care at really affordable prices because it was a teaching hospital so did not need to get all of it's funding from patients. And they were always up to date on the latest information as well. Vet schools aren't everywhere and not all of them accept regular patients, but it's worth looking into if you have one in your area.

 

[lucyem]

I just want to agree - find a new vet. Some are better then others. I have a great one. I have horses and she will see everyone for spring shots at once. Dogs, cats horses here at home. If i need anything i can call and she does not need to see me for every little thing. She will give me options " i have it for this much but you might find it cheaper online". I could buy my own shots and administer them but i want that at least yearly contact so in an emergency she will come. I know my vet needs to make a living. But i like that she understands that not all of us can afford all the nickel and dimeing some vets do.

 

[Order66]

FWIW, here's an interesting article...
http://terriermandotcom.blogspot.com...worm-scam.html

YIKES!!! There is some seriously scary and dangerous information in that article. We like to joke about people who come to our clinic armed with information from "Dr. Google".....but it's really no joke. There is some small amount of truth in this article, but it's laced with really bad advice regarding your dog's health care.

Heartworm is rare: FALSE. It's not rare at all. And with the interstate travel of dogs that has become so common, especially the relocation of rescues from southern states to the north. Unless you live in dry states like AZ where mosquito's are pretty rare, your dog is at risk for heartworm. I live in what this article calls a seasonal area and we test at least 40-50 positive dogs a year. Last month we had 3 in one day. One clinic-one city- 50 dogs!

True that heartworm is not a "rapid" disease. It's a slow and painful destruction of your dog's heart and lungs. Fun eh? It's also very very false that it stays in the larval stage for 90 days. By 90 days your dog has immature L5 (adult stage) heartworm and a preventative like heartgard will NOT kill them. Dogs are infected with heartworm at the L3 stage. anywhere from 2-14 days after biting your dog that larva molts into L4 stage. From there it's 45-60 days until it migrates to the heart as L5. There is matures another 3 months or so, then begins to mate. That's 47 to 74 days at most. Giving your dog a pill every 3 months is NOT going to prevent heartworm. Recommended dosing is every 30 days to give 1- maximum effectivness and 2- allow a window of owner failure in giving the medicine on time while protecting the dog.

It's seasonal is true. Mosquitos are the required host. No mosquitos=no infections. I live in one of these areas too. You are most likely safe to stop in winter. But the American Heartworm Society recommends yearly testing even for dogs on all year because they saw an increase in cases when bi-yearly was recommended. This is mostly do to owner failure, not product failure. But the companies that manufacture these products generally guarantee them and if your dog tests positive, when tested yearly and purchased through your vet (rather than petmed express or other online company) they will pay for the treatment of your pet. This is why we follow the guidelines. Not to "make money" off you. If we don't follow the guidelines, you don't get your guarantee.

The ivermectin dosages given are far above recommended heartworm protection. Ivermectin toxcicity can happen.

The "slow kill" method described is probably the most scary. Sure, giving ivermectin will keep the heartworms from any further reproducing, but the adults will not die. They can have a lifespan of up to 7 years. THat's 7 years of causing heartfailure in your dog. It can be done in cases of money or health of the dog, should also not be attempted without a medical professional. And Dr. Google doesn't count.

and BTW- just to add. I'm also the owner of a formerly heartworm positive dog I adopted from Georgia.

regards

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I could never understand if your dog is on heartworm preventative year round and never misses a dose, why do they ever have to be tested? I have 7 dogs and my vet gives me the liquid heartworm meds for them since it is the least expensive way to go for me. As of yet, he has not made me get them tested since their very first initial visits. I just hope in this economy that he stays that way. I will say the last time I took one of my Chi's in for dental work it ran me nearly $100 more than it did the time before! So the prices have gone up there.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I had a postcard from the vet (been there once, we're new in town) that said my dog needed bordatello vaccine. Thinking we might need to board her sometime, I made an appointment. I get there and the vet assistant comes in with a "care plan" that includes $200 worth of crap I have never heard of.
I was expecting a shot for about $20. She says the dog needs another shot lepido - something and that they don't give that without an exam - another $50. My dog had an exam 8 months ago and has no health problems. I told her I wanted the shots she needed, nothing else. We get the shots, and I said I need heartworm pills. She says they don't make her old kind of pills anymore and the new ones are over $100 for six.

I balk at this and then she tells me there is another type that are $30 for six. But they aren't "as good". I felt like I was getting a bait and switch at a used car lot the whole time. Then I get the song and dance about the $400 dental cleaning, again. How do people with multiple dogs afford all this stuff? What do we really need?

Didn't read all the responses and I ALWAYS do, in your case I just read your first post and will give my opinion I have 7 dogs have lived in NY and FL I have been a victim too of this kind of Vet Now my dogs get Rabies shot, Heartworm test and then a RX from our vet so I get it filled through 1-800-petmeds thats a savings and NO not all vets will allow you to do that Flea stuff Frontline plus for years also bought in bulk

They/re never boarded but if they were you do need Bordatella if not, not necessary. See if Humane Society or ASPCA in your area has clinic for vaxs usually MUCH cheaper I had a vet in NY who wanted $425 for a spay on a several month old doxie, ASPCA charged me $125 BIG difference

I felt years ago the dogs are being over vaccinated and did some research and finally found a vet with my thinking, I am their care givers and their voice I nixed the lyme vaccinations and all the other "necessary" stuff also found a 3 yr rabie vax instead of yearly Oldest dog will be 14 in Sept youngest is 6 mostly pointers Oh and the dental cleanings stopped that too, I brush their teeth, give them good old hard bones, and if I have to I can pick the plaque off any teeth, they are used to my fingers in their mouth
All healthy All happy members of the family all rescues been with us since puppies ..must be doing something right...right ?

Ruthie

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Didn't read all the responses and I ALWAYS do, in your case I just read your first post and will give my opinion I have 7 dogs have lived in NY and FL I have been a victim too of this kind of Vet Now my dogs get Rabies shot, Heartworm test and then a RX from our vet so I get it filled through 1-800-petmeds thats a savings and NO not all vets will allow you to do that Flea stuff Frontline plus for years also bought in bulk

They/re never boarded but if they were you do need Bordatella if not, not necessary. See if Humane Society or ASPCA in your area has clinic for vaxs usually MUCH cheaper I had a vet in NY who wanted $425 for a spay on a several month old doxie, ASPCA charged me $125 BIG difference

I felt years ago the dogs are being over vaccinated and did some research and finally found a vet with my thinking, I am their care givers and their voice I nixed the lyme vaccinations and all the other "necessary" stuff also found a 3 yr rabie vax instead of yearly Oldest dog will be 14 in Sept youngest is 6 mostly pointers Oh and the dental cleanings stopped that too, I brush their teeth, give them good old hard bones, and if I have to I can pick the plaque off any teeth, they are used to my fingers in their mouth
All healthy All happy members of the family all rescues been with us since puppies ..must be doing something right...right ?

Ruthie

you sure are! your dogs are beautiful. I agree on the dental, I don't send mine for a cleaning. Only ones that have gone for dental work are my 2 smallest Chihuahua's. That was not by choice but due to needing it done. We give greenies to keep teeth clean. I am 56 years old and have had dogs since I was 17 and never took them for dental cleanings.. I currently own 7 myself. I have a Roti mix, 3 Jack Russell's and 3 Chihuahua's (2 are very tiny)

 

[sookie]

Bordatella vaccination is only needed if you plan to board your dog within the next 6 months. We rarely board our pup but when we do we just make an appt and get her a vaccination done, that's it, you don't need to do that one every 6 months unless you board a lot. How long has it been since your dog last had vaccinations done? Our dog is allergic to Lepto so we don't get her that one but we do get her boosters every 3 years (I think) for rabies and whatever else she needs, just no Lepto in it. As for flea and heartworm meds, yes, your dog needs a yearly exam to have a prescription for that and dentals are needed when your dog gets older. We give our dog Revolution for fleas and heartworm, I pay about $25 per dose, we have to dose monthly. We did give Trifexis for a while and that worked fine for us but it is more expensive.
I would say follow your gut, if you think you're being railroaded don't buy anything extra and look for a new vet.

We use K9-Advantix and Sentinel. Sentinel is finally back on the market after being recalled. With these I have flea, tick, and worm protection.
Trifexis is very expensive but it was the only option beside Heart Guard. I felt that Heart Guard was NOT a good product because it did not provide the protection that Sentinel and Trifexis provided. But Heart Guard is cheap and gets the basic job done if that is what you want (not the extra flea or various worm protection).

Your dog does need the cleanings as they get older. I did not do them for my doxie routinely but he ended up with some tooth problems and he had to have some teeth pulled - I felt so bad!! Never again. New puppy will get her teeth cleaned as prescribed.

The shots and boosters really are important. I would keep up on those. If you can find a way to get the cleanings done on the teeth I would do it too - it can help them from not getting sick. My doggie had the beginning of an abscessed tooth - that is what lead to him getting some teeth pulled, anbx, etc. If I had gotten his cleanings it would have been different (maybe - he is very old).

OP, if your really worried, get dog insurance. We do and it covers preventative AND the teeth cleanings (which have to be done under anesthesia).

 

[nancycg56]

I adopted one of my dogs with his very own severe case of heartworms. I don't care what it costs, I will NEVER skip a dose on any of my dogs. The treatment is not fun for the dog and my JRT had to be crated for 2 months. That is torture for a JRT.

My littlest dog with all the problems came from a hoarder and never saw a vet until she was taken from the home (80 dogs). She had such poor nutrition that her growth was stunted, eye problems, teeth problems, etc.

I'm a sucker for the dogs that need help and nobody wants...

 

[aprilchem]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned this, but you can administer Bordatella and Lepto yourself. I get mine at the local farm supply store for my two dogs; they run about $6 each. One is a shot and one is intranasal, and they're very easy to administer. My vet is fine with it (I live in the country and most dog owners do it) and our kennel is fine with it; I bring the packaging to them and write the date of administration on it.

I'm sure some vets would give you reasons why they wouldn't like it, but both of my dogs had those vaccinations at the vet at least once before I started administering them myself, so I knew they weren't allergic.

And at least in my state you can't do the rabies vac yourself, but there are tons of free rabies vac clinics. We even have "drive-thru" ones where'd you don't have to get out of your car!

 

[Luvchefmic]

you sure are! your dogs are beautiful. I agree on the dental, I don't send mine for a cleaning. Only ones that have gone for dental work are my 2 smallest Chihuahua's. That was not by choice but due to needing it done. We give greenies to keep teeth clean. I am 56 years old and have had dogs since I was 17 and never took them for dental cleanings.. I currently own 7 myself. I have a Roti mix, 3 Jack Russell's and 3 Chihuahua's (2 are very tiny)

Thank you! I used to have the cleanings done religiously (worked for vets for a few years and was taught that was impt) after re-evaluating everything I weighed the pros & cons anesthesia etc I decided to stop it, of course if someone got an abcess or broken tooth let the experts handle it Until then it seems to work Would love to see your dogs too and OP wish you the best with all the advice/experience we are sharing with you

 

[chiefmickeymouse]

Thanks for the advice and opinions. I have always taken my dog for yearly visits and vaccinated. She has always been on heartworm preventative and Advantage for flea and ticks. Whether or not to vaccinate wasn't the issue. I had a problem with the vet selling me shots she wasn't due for and neglecting to tell me there was a less expensive heartworm preventative. I don't think I can trust them anymore so I'm moving to another vet.

I spoke to her old vet in South Carolina and they confirmed that her records (which they faxed to the new vet) showed she wasn't due for over a year for rabies and DHPP vaccinations. This is what angered me the most.

I know the dental cleaning would be great, but we can't afford it right now. We just learned that our older DS has a genetic disorder and a heart condition and his medical bills will be pricey.

To all of you out there taking such great care of your pets (and especially you rescue moms and dads!) keep up the great work.

 

[dhuba]

I'm getting madder now, I think I need to go to bed! They told me she was overdue for rabies and DTPP. I said no, they were three year vaccines. The vet told me the records from her old vet show they are one year. I dug them out of the filing cabinet, and they are three year. I should have brought the hard copy with me, but my old vet had faxed them in. I didn't know I would need my hard copy. Live and learn and get a new vet!

There is no difference between a one year vaccine and three year rabies vaccine. They are the same shot. If they are on a regular schedule and aren't overdue then it would be good for three years. My daughter is a vet tech and I know she told me this. So if she told you your dog had a one year rabies and not a three year then they were definitely being less than honest by making you think they were different vaccines.

 

[wgeo]

We moved cross country and didn't know anyone so I picked a vet out of the phone book - oops.

Took my 5ish yr old dog in for an ear infection (which he was chronically getting) vet gave me some meds seemed nice, I thought all was good. So I went back when it was time for the rabies shot. Get the paperwork on the way out and it said it was a 2yr shot, it didn't sink in until I was home but I thought maybe something was different in this state . When the ear infection came back again and I needed more meds we went back in and I asked the vet why it was only 2 yrs and he actually told me that it is a 3 yr shot but that most owners are so bad about getting their shots on time that he lists it as 2 so that by the time they get around to having the next shot their dog still has enough vaccine in their system. My problem with that is that all the official paperwork says 2 years, so to license him in the city I would be required to get him vaccinated way more then he needed. Grrr.

Found a new vet, who looked at me like I was crazy when I said my dog had almost constant ear infections for years - put my dogs on one course of the right meds, gave me some ear wash and he hasn't had an ear infection since (going about 7 years now). However they do strongly strongly push the yearly blood tests and constant heartworm dosing and I live in WI, I just don't like getting the lecture that I'm dooming my dog if I don't do all that - but I put up with it. I get the lecture on the other side from my mom who has had more dogs then I can count live past 15 years old and never once has she "wasted money on heartworm" meds. Good times!

 

[Luvchefmic]

Thanks for the advice and opinions. I have always taken my dog for yearly visits and vaccinated. She has always been on heartworm preventative and Advantage for flea and ticks. Whether or not to vaccinate wasn't the issue. I had a problem with the vet selling me shots she wasn't due for and neglecting to tell me there was a less expensive heartworm preventative. I don't think I can trust them anymore so I'm moving to another vet.

I spoke to her old vet in South Carolina and they confirmed that her records (which they faxed to the new vet) showed she wasn't due for over a year for rabies and DHPP vaccinations. This is what angered me the most.

I know the dental cleaning would be great, but we can't afford it right now. We just learned that our older DS has a genetic disorder and a heart condition and his medical bills will be pricey.

To all of you out there taking such great care of your pets (and especially you rescue moms and dads!) keep up the great work.

The things will all work out, its always difficult finding a new vet that you can be a team with when you move to a new area...especially a new state We went through 2 of them before I found the perfect one when we moved here

On to your DS I send you prayers and nothing but the best with his situation
take care

 

[platamama]

I spoke to her old vet in South Carolina and they confirmed that her records (which they faxed to the new vet) showed she wasn't due for over a year for rabies and DHPP vaccinations. This is what angered me the most.

As far as the rabies vaccination goes, there are state and municipal regulations regarding how long the rabies vaccine is "good" for. Could be in your new locale, it is only for 1 year. I lived in a state where a rabies shot would be good for 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years depending on which county you lived in. It is important that you have the paperwork to back up your claim on the rabies vaccine, otherwise you're looking at a long and costly quarantine period if your pet is involved in a bite incident. I doubt that your South Carolina paperwork will support you in a new state if the regulations are different there.

 

[ceecee]

Our groomer required the kennel cough shot (bordatella) in order to be groomed.

If you take them to a Dog Park it is also a good idea. My vet charges $18 and I get them every yr at their yrly exam appt with whatever other shots they are due for. I get my Heartguard and Flea meds from 1800petmeds. Vet gives me a precription because his prices are higher for the heart worm med.