Immiticide Shortage Poses a Huge Problem Nationwide

Very interesting posts made regarding the nationwide shortage of immiticide.

“I work at a military installation small animal clinic in Georgia. We have heartworm positive test quite often. I have seen at least 8-12 in the past 6 months. It is really unfortunate. At any rate we too have ZERO Immiticide but we have been starting dogs on the “slow method” as well. We are giving them a combo of Doxy and Heartgard. The amount of Heartgard is increased to 1 chewable every 2 weeks (or twice a month) and the amount of doxy varies on the animal.

We give the 2 together for several months. With dogs that have been on ZERO Heartgard we start them off with a (free trial) puppy size 1 time, then move them up slowly to the appropriate size one step at a time. So the first time is a puppy size, then 2 weeks later the 26-50 and so on.. if needed to reach the appropriate size for their weight. (I call it a puppy size since it is a free puppy kit we get from the company).

As far as results we have been testing animals 4+ months later and we have seen some that have come back negative after the treatment. As far as cost goes it is fairly cheap because we only serve military and our prices for products are typically cheaper particularly for these products.On a last note, I have also heard that they are administering Immiticide for those “critical” cases that are in need. There is a form of sorts to fill out from the vet who sends it in and can apparently obtain the Immiticide. I haven’t seen any come through our doors that are showing any signs of an immediate need for the Immiticide and we haven’t orderd any that I am aware of. We will have to weather the storm with everyone else I guessOh I forgot! I have heard that the combonation of the 2 meds does something to the digestive tract of the heartworm therefore not allowing it eat or digest properly which then leads it to slowly die… again this is only what I have heard in conversations with other vets. ”