I understand that my veterinarian has recommended that my pet be on a heartworm preventative year round. I understand the medication prevents heartworm disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes and also controls roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. I am also aware it is important to test blood work annually and if my pet is not on heartworm prevention year round or miss more than two months of heartworm prevention that my veterinarian recommends that I have my pets blood work re-tested for heartworm. I understand the blood work my veterinarian has recommended would alert us to exposure.
I am aware of the consequences of not performing the blood work. My veterinarian or representative of the hospital has spoken to me at length about these risks and has answered all my questions regarding my pet’s condition and the medication.
Medication: Interceptor Plus/Tri-Heart Plus/Advantage Multi or any other prescription heartworm preventative.
Wellness testing recommended: 4dx (Heartworm disease, Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis).
Risk associated with these medications: All dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection before starting treatment if over 6 months old. Interceptor Plus/Tri-Heart Plus/Advantage Multi will effectively kill the larvae deposited by the mosquitoes bite. I understand that in an unprotected dog the larvae turns into worms that release microfilaria into the blood stream. If the unprotected dog is given heartworm prevention with out knowing that the dog is heartworm positive the heartworm prevention can cause sudden death of microfilaria, triggering a shock-type reaction which can be fatal. For further information please visit The American Heartworm Society at www.heartwormsociety.org
