Emma is ill

[tandemgal]

I took Emma to the Vet yesterday for routine maintenance - slight limp on right foreleg, new heartworm pills, microchip.

The Vet did a new heartworm test and Emma tested positive. Can't tell you how upset we are...

In order for the test to show positive she would have had to have them for 6/7 months so that means sometime between late Nov and March she became infected. I don't give her pills during winter because we don't have misquitos... this is all my fault - now my baby girl is very sick.

We have started her on two baby asprin and two antibodics a day for two weeks. On the 11th Emma goes to Vet for 2/3 day stay while they give her two shots to kill the heartworms. After that we MUST keep her calm and minimal movement for 6/8 weeks while the worms desolve. After that she goes back on Intercepter and a few months later is retested. If she is still positive we start all over again.

[Jespah]

T-Gal - don't beat yourself up - you have to go with the information you get and make educated decisions from there. Believe me, I know.

We give heartworm meds here in southern Ontario from June through to November.

Just take it one day at a time and do what you have to for her - be glad that it was caught now and that you have the option of treating her. We are all here for you during this and we'll do whatever we can to support you all.

Deb

[corgimom]

T-Gal,

Here is Wisconsin, as cold as it is my vet recommends yearly which I do. I
can remember some warmer days in November and February where I saw mosquitos in the house.

Deb is right, you do the best you can with what you know. I know I have read that you have to keep them calm after treatment, but it sounds like many dogs recover fine. I can't remember what the reason was in regards to keeping them calm after disolving the worms - what is the reason for that again?

I will keep her in my thoughts and please keep us up to date on how she is
doing(and yourself)

Did she have any other symptoms like coughing or tiring out easily?

linda

[Cardiguy]

Sorry to hear about Emma's heartwork. Just do what you have to do and Emma should be fine. Keep us posted.

[Chip's Mom]

T-Gal

I am so sorry to hear about Emma. Everyone is right - do not beat yourself up over it - many of us take our pups off heartworm for the fall and winter months. I never gave Digger heartworm unless we were going to the beach - now how foolish is that. We will pray for you and Emma. From what I understand, the treatment works great and she will be up and around giving you corgi kisses in no time.

[CorgiMum]

deleted...

[Jeni D]

Oh, T-Gal, I'm so sorry to hear about Emma, but at least you did catch it early, so I'm sure everything will be just fine. I agree, don't beat yourself up. Before reading your post, I had every intention of taking Dudley off of heartworm meds for the winter, but I guess we know now you can never be too careful. I'm sure everything will work out super and please keep us posted on her recovery.

Best wishes being sent your way

Jeni

[Corgis'R4me]

Originally Posted by tandemgal

I took Emma to the Vet yesterday for routine maintenance - slight limp on right foreleg, new heartworm pills, microchip.

The Vet did a new heartworm test and Emma tested positive. Can't tell you how upset we are...

In order for the test to show positive she would have had to have them for 6/7 months so that means sometime between late Nov and March she became infected. I don't give her pills during winter because we don't have misquitos... this is all my fault - now my baby girl is very sick.

We have started her on two baby asprin and two antibodics a day for two weeks. On the 11th Emma goes to Vet for 2/3 day stay while they give her two shots to kill the heartworms. After that we MUST keep her calm and minimal movement for 6/8 weeks while the worms desolve. After that she goes back on Intercepter and a few months later is retested. If she is still positive we start all over again.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*~* I have a neighbor who has 3 dogs. She told me that she NEVER uses any heartworm medicine...because she doesn't feel that it is worth the money. In her opinion...it is just all, "hype" that the pill even helps to prevent anything.

BOY.....is she wrong...huh ?
** I am going to share your story with her. **

I like this neighbor as a person...but, she and her husband leave their dogs outside all the time. Their kids have told me & my kids that the dogs have gotten dehydrated many times & also have had stomache viruses before.

Poor doggies...


*~* Nikki

[tandemgal]

Thanks for everyone's kind words - it's good to know I have friends to talk with about this...

The reason Emma needs to be quiet and not more around too much after the shots is because once dead the heartworms will begin breaking down and be obsorbed by her body. If she is active, one of the worm pieces could break free and act like a clot causing Emma to have a heart attact or stroke.

So other than food and bathroom breaks or laying beside me Em will be in the crate for 6 weeks. The vet thinks this will give Emma the best results.

The only thing I can think of that should maybe have been a warning is sometimes Em snores or sounds a little moany when she is sleeping. But I thought that was because she needs to loose a little weight. The Vet says she is 3 lbs overweight - wants her to be 25 lbs at her size.

[CorgiMum]

That is extly how much weight Dylan lost for his operation.

Three pounds. Your Vet will advise you I am sure, with Dylan, I had to cut his food by 20%, and increased his pumpkin to make him feel full. Also, I use a proper measuring cup, otherwise I am sure I would be too generous.

Good luck to you and Emma with the 6 wks of crate management.

[darci]

Oh my gosh, poor Emma. I am so sorry to hear this, many healing vibes coming your way.
Keep your chin up, we do the best we can with the info we have.

[dcole]

Positive thoughts going out to Emma and to you, T-Gal. Please keep us posted.

-Debi

[Michael Romanos]

T-Gal - this problem is alien to us in New Zealand. It's not that we don't have mossies, but they are not the type that cause heartworms. It sounds dreadful and sometimes the dice can be loaded against you even with careful precautions and observations.

Emma is not going to be happy in being isolated and "locked up." But I can only hope for a successful outome. Taylor and I will make our three events in tomorrow's agility competition as an honour to Emma. So if we get a clear round - it will be dedicated to Emma.

[CeCe]

T-gal
please don't blame yourself. I'm learning more and more about the things (including chemicals) we give our dogs which is supposed to be for their good - and as I go along I get more and more confused. All we can do is the best we have with the knowledge we have at the time. It seems to me that heartworms were incurable at one time, so thank goodness that is no longer so. Have faith your Emma will be all right. You have lots of love and support

[tandemgal]

Again thanks everyone for all the encouraging words and thoughts - it means a lot to me.

Michael that's very kind of you and Taylor to dedicate his competition to Emma - we are honored...