Thanks for reminding me of the report: I had it in my archives. I contacted Novartis and spoke with one of their staff veterinarians and learned that the reason the amount of active ingredient is so high in Interceptor is to ensure it kills intestinal parasites. The heartworms are killed with the 1/5 dose. Makes it tough when you're only interested in treating for heartworm. After speaking with their vet, I would feel safe cutting the pills to approximate the 1/5 dosage. He didn't suggest that I do this, but he didn't gasp either, so... Our Bichon boys have been clear of HW for over 5 years, making it a tough decision whether to give them the meds. Of course, the treatment is drastic. I'm going to continue my research on using CS but doubt I find anything of much help. I've got the best info from this list and thank each of you for taking the time to respond. I'm impressed by the activity and tone of this list.
Thanks again, Elaine Kansas City, MO -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2005 10:28 PM To: [email protected] Subject: CS>Heartworm Preventive Here's a link to an FDA report on the effectiveness of giving a lower dose of Interceptor for preventive. Safeheart dosage is 1/5 the dose amt. of Interceptor and is effective against heartworms (though at the lower dose it is not effective against hookworms, roundworms, etc...) Safeheart is not to my knowledge marketed in the US, but you can use Interceptor at the Safeheart dose. For example, a 50lb. dog could be given the 10lb. dose to prevent heartworms. Unless a dog is also at constant high risk of getting hookworms, roundworms, and/or whipworms along with the risk of heartworm, then it makes no sense to give 5 times the necessary dose. Don't know if CS/EIS is capable of killing the microfilaria in the bloodstream, which is how heartworm is 'prevented', but it couldn't hurt. On the other hand, black and green walnut hulls can be very toxic; personally I wouldn't risk giving those over the 1/5 Interceptor. Laura H., TX http://www.fda.gov/cvm/FOI/1365.htm
