Kimber's vet visit

[kimbersmom]

Kimber's been flapping her ears lately so when she went for her chiro/acupuncture visit on Tuesday, I asked the vet to check. Dr. S did and said, "They look yeasty. Have you changed her food?" Nope. Dr. S immediately took out a comb and ran it through Kimber's fur. "I'm looking for fleas. If the skin flares up, it can trigger the ears," she explained. Before I had a chance to panic (FLEAS!), she said there weren't any. It was unnerving to hear that there has been an increase in fleas in our area, though, and that a number of dogs that have been on Advantix for years (which is what Kimber is on) are having flea problems.

While I was there and had Dr. S's attention, I asked if she'd seen any heartworm cases in dogs that had been taking Heartgard regularly. She said she'd heard the same rumors but thankfully hadn't seen any issues in our area. She also shared her concern that one of the companies has added an anti-tapeworm component to the medication, fearing that will breed a resistance to tapeworms. She strongly believes dogs don't need to be dewormed every month.

Back to Kimber's ears. I got some ointment to squirt into her ears and on Day 2, Kimber's been remarkably patient with the procedure. I hope I'm really squirting goo into the ears!

[POPTOP]

Sorry to hear about the ears Kimber. Archie says he hates getting his ears cleaned.

We've been lucky with only one episode of fleas in 25 years here. Watch, now that I've said it . . . . . .

Archie cannot tolerate Heartgard, causes vomiting and lethargy. Switched to Sentinel.

[MikeLynn]

Sending good wishes, so Kimber's ears are soon as good as new Good luck! M&M

[Snowco Labradors]

"companies has added an anti-tapeworm component to the medication, fearing that will breed a resistance to tapeworms"

I am curious which products are doing this and where you read it....? and what your vet said about it?

Hoping the ears clear up for you and no further issues. Thank god there were no fleas. I went thru that about 2 years ago (first time in over 20) and it was not fun.

[Jax's Mom]

Hope her ears heal soon.

[Macy]

Hope Kimber's ears clear up quickly and glad it wasn't fleas! Macy acts completely pathetic when I get the "ear medicine" out.

[kimbersmom]

"companies has added an anti-tapeworm component to the medication, fearing that will breed a resistance to tapeworms"

I am curious which products are doing this and where you read it....? and what your vet said about it?

Sentinel Spectrum. According to the Sentinel Website, the product treats for 6 parasites, now including tapeworm: Sentinel® Flavor Tabs® | Smart is more protection at a better value

My vet recommends staying with Heartgard. She doesn't like Sentinel because of the above and she thinks the company is shady. She also says we should avoid Comfortis (?) because she's seen too many dogs, even lab-sized dogs, have negative reactions to it.