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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Sentinel for flee / heartworm
| I was wondering if anyone knew any connection with Sentinel flee/ heartworm and AIHA. If no, is it safe for non AIHA dogs. I appreciate any advice anyone might have. We are thinking of getting a new puppy in a few weeks and I am a little paranoid now after losing one dog to that awful disease! We never found a trigger for Rosie, so I am a little nervous about alot of things! Thanks, Heather |
| Heather |
| I think you'd do better for the dog by using Interceptor for the heartworm cause it also helps control hookworm, roundworm and whipworm infections (i think). Sentinel is the same as interceptor but with an added ingrediant...a flea egg inhibitor...meaning a flea med that's systemic AND is used monthly (or every 45 days..whatever). It does not kill fleas....it basically is like a birth control for them. By using the interceptor then you can use something non-systemic for the fleas like Frontline or Advantage (NOT PLUS). I might be wrong but this is my understanding of these choices! Good Luck. Johnny & Tessy |
| Johnny |
| Johnny has this exactly right, but as always do some research...on your dog's breed. |
| Pat Vermont |
| Heather, I use Sentinel in our IMHA dog, Henri. I used it before his IMHA and after with no problems. BUT we know his IMHA was vaccine-induced. I have spoken with Dr Dodds about these drugs, and as she believes less is best...so on that note she suggested Frontline Plus...she said this would be the safest method of flea control. She does not like to use systemic drugs if it can be avoided. Sentinel is a systemic drug, whereas, Frontline or Advantage are topical....non-systemic, as Johnny said. So I think, you need to look at the risks in your area of the country, decid what category of drug is needed, and always follow the mantra that less is best. Hope this helps! Furry Hugs, Ella and Henri (West Highland White Terrier, 2-yo, diagnosed at 5-months with vaccine-induced IMHA, Meds: Sentinel, Benedryl) |
| Ella Seattle |
| Thanks for the advice, as I said I am super paranoid now about our next puppy getting this, I want to do what is best for her. Ella, I live in Oregon, sismilar climate to yours. Do you have a heartworm med as well? Do you only use the frontline in the seasons needed? Our Rosie I will always wonder what it was, so I plan to change diet, meds and anything that is chemical to hopefully prevent this again. Ella I am so glad to hear your little Westie has done well, I love those dogs!! It is not right that they have to fight this at such a young age! |
| Heather Oregon |
| Hi Heather, I use Sentinel every month and Frontline Plus as needed. Heartworm is not an issue in our area of the country. Since Henri's IMHA was vaccine-induced, I felt comfortable with continuing his monthly sentinel. BUT Frontline Plus might be adequate for your pup's risks. I don't use Sentinel in Henri because Henri needs it, I use it to prevent him picking up GI bugs that he could in turn give to our other dog, Bella. Let me explain...Bella has Addison's Disease SO a GI infection would make her disease difficult to manage. Henri goes to his Godmother's house on a regular basis and is exposed to wildlife there...raccoons, etc---his risk of picking up a GI bug is higher than a dog that has a purely urban life. So you must talk with you vet, assess your risks...and remember less is best. If Henri was a solely urban dog and/or Bella didn't have Addison's, I would use only Frontline Plus as needed. Most dog owners, I know, in our area, only use topical flea med. Hope this helps! Furry Hugs, Ella and Henri |
| Ella Seattle |
This thread was discussed between 26/01/2011 and 28/01/2011
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