2ndChance Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 Went to vet today to pick up Interceptor. I've been a knucklehead lately and about 4-6 mos have gone by since his last dose. I know.... So my vet goes on to tell me that I need a worm test thing done before I allow him to go on it again. He was dewormed about 6 or so times before I got him two years ago at GAA. I put him through it again when I got him just in case before I started the Interceptor. I just had a $400 bill from the e-vet last week (no worries, he's fine) and this stuff doesn't come cheap. Is it necessary to have a worm test done? If so, I'll do it.... but I wanted to ask you wise grey-owners and not totally rely on the money-hungry vet! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KennelMom Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 Your vet is recommending a heartworm test. Most vets won't (can't) dispense prevention w/o a current hw test. So, you'll need to have it done...and I recommend it (ESP if you live in a mosquito area) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FountainLady Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 You need to have a heartworm test done on your dog before a vet will prescribe Interceptor. I had our prescriptions filled via Valley Vet Supply (Direct Pet Superstore) - they offered free shipping, and had the best price I found this spring. Their website is www.valleyvet.com . You won't be able to save on the cost of the test, but you can pay less for the actual preventive medicine by shopping around some. I paid $38.95 for a 6 month supply for each of my dogs. Quote CORY and CRICKET - Solitary Tremble & CASPER - Pj's Mia Farrow* With CAPT. GUS - Solitary Trigger, RAINY - Peach Rain, PUP - Red Zepher, DOC - CTW Fort Sumpterand MAX - Shiowa's Silver Maxamillion / Afghan .... all waiting at the bridge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hubcitypam Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 Agreed. You need a HW test before starting Interceptor. That is unrelated to general all purpose deworming. We get our HW test at the shot clinic for $20. Maybe you could ask around about shot clinics, etc? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2ndChance Posted May 14, 2011 Author Share Posted May 14, 2011 We get our HW test at the shot clinic for $20. Maybe you could ask around about shot clinics, etc? Good idea! I can also go up to NGAP (National Greyhound Adoption Program) in Philadelphia... it's about an hour or so drive. I go there for teeth cleaning, shots, etc. But I'll check to see if one is closer. Thanks everyone... just needed to make sure it was needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest d0ggiem0mma Posted May 15, 2011 Share Posted May 15, 2011 Test is definitely needed!!! Most vets require a test once a year even if you swear the dog never missed a dose. If he's missed 6 months of doses it is dangerous to start using heartworm meds without testing. Heartworm meds work by killing the little baby worms before they can cause trouble. It takes a couple months for the baby worms to reach adulthood. After they become adults, the heartworm meds can still kill them... but the dead adult worms can act like blood clots or cause a life threatening allergic reaction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerilyn Posted May 15, 2011 Share Posted May 15, 2011 My vet told me if I keep Lila on the Interceptor year round he would only need to test her every two years. If we stopped the medicine for the winter he would need to test her before starting up again. Quote Jerilyn, missing Lila (Good Looking), new Mistress to Wiki (PJ Wicked). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hubcitypam Posted May 15, 2011 Share Posted May 15, 2011 My vet told me if I keep Lila on the Interceptor year round he would only need to test her every two years. If we stopped the medicine for the winter he would need to test her before starting up again. My vet is of the same protocol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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