Stirling Collies

 

(2012-Interceptor is currently not being manufactured - A large manufacturing plant in Lincoln, Nebraska, has been voluntarily shut down by Novartis while the company addresses quality control issues. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a critical report of the plant last June, after addressing complaints from consumers about mix-ups between powerful prescription medication and common over-the-counter drugs. Recalls have been made on human medications such as Excedrin, NoDoz, Bufferin, and Gas-X.

Pet medications are also produced in the Lincoln plant, and the shut down has suspended production of Clomicalm, Interceptor Flavor Tabs, Sentinel Flavor Tabs, Program Tablets and Suspension, and Milbemite. Veterinarians have been unable to order these medications since early January. Deramaxx is also affected, but the supplies the plant had on hand were still being shipped out as of early January.)

Interceptor is best used for heartworm prevention for your Collie because it uses milbemycin oxime rather than Ivermectin. The number of Collies reacting to this particular drug is less than any other heartworm medication on the market and is thus strongly recommended.

Dogs should be tested and be free from both adult heartworm and microfilariae before starting on preventative treatment with Interceptor Administer one pill to your Collie every month. Most dogs eagerly eat the entire flavored pill but be sure to monitor your dog carefully to  make sure it consumes the whole thing. Aim to give your dog the pill on the same date each month so that the time intervals between doses is consistent. Continue using this pill monthly throughout the entire mosquito season or until otherwise noted by your veterinarian.

Some website stores might have Interceptor in stock.  Check around online if your vet doesn't have any Interceptor in stock.
 

 

 

Interceptor Spectrum is an alternative option:  The combination of ingredients in Interceptor Spectrum Chews prevents heartworm infection; controls adult roundworm, immature roundworm, adult whipworm, adult hookworm, adult tapeworm, and aids in the control of adult hookworm infection.  Interceptor Spectrum Tasty Chews active ingredients are milbemycin oxime and praziquantel.  Milbemycin oxime interferes with nerve transmission in invertebrates, which helps protect against heartworm, roundworm, hookworm and whipworm.  Praziquantel causes muscle spasm in tapeworm, which are then attacked by enzymes and disintegrate. It kills all intestinal forms of tapeworm except Spirometra spp, which require a higher than standard dose rate.
Warnings, Side Effects and Drug Interactions:

Dogs should be tested and be free from both adult heartworm and microfilariae before starting on preventative treatment with Interceptor Spectrum Chews. In rare cases, mild, transient, shock-like reactions have occurred in heartworm-positive dogs with a high number of microfilariae in the blood.

On rare occasions, reactions such as vomiting, diarrhoea, depression/lethargy and itching have been seen in treated dogs. If this product is overdosed, transient unsteadiness, trembling, depression, salivation and enlarged pupils may occur for up to approximately 24 hours.

This product may be used in pregnant females, breeding males and females, and puppies from 2 weeks of age.

 

 

Revolution is another alternative to treat heartworms in your Collie. It uses selamectin as the active ingredient and fights against other parasites such as fleas in addition to heartworms. This medication comes in a tube and unlike Interceptor, it is applied externally. To use Revolution, part the hair at the base of your Collie's neck to expose the skin. Squeeze the tube and empty the contents onto one spot on the exposed skin. Be sure to use the entire contents of the tube. The liquid is absorbed very quickly and should not affect any activities relating to your Collie. Like Interceptor, administer this medication on the same date once a month.

Warnings, Side Effects and Drug Interactions:
Talk to your veterinarian about the heartworm testing that is recommended BEFORE  starting your pet on a heartworm prevention program.

Collies or other herding breeds may have a reaction to selamectin if given over the recommended heartworm prevention dose. If your dog is one of these breeds, and your veterinarian has prescribed Revolution, observe your pet for at least 8 hours after giving the medication for weakness, staggering, dilated pupils, trembling, drooling, or pressing the head against a wall. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see these signs.

Side effects are very rare, but may include incoordination, trembling, or drooling. If Revolution is accidently given orally, you may see drooling and vomiting. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe any of these signs.

Some intestinal parasites, such as hookworms and roundworms can be spread to people. Talk to your veterinarian about other measures you can take to prevent your pet from being infected with intestinal worms, and protecting yourself.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking, and also if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.

* Heartworm preventive for dogs, cats, puppies or kittens

* Medication also can be used to treat and control roundworms and hookworms in cats

* Also delivers flea control and prevention - and tick control in dogs

For dogs/puppies over 6 weeks of age and cats/kittens over 8 weeks of age. Safe to use on pregnant and nursing animals.