To Baxter’s Pep Squad: Treatment Update
“The only completely consistent people are the dead.” Aldous Huxley
Last Friday we took Baxter in for a second opinion regarding his heartworm treatment. For three weeks we have been doing the slow kill method, which is coincidentally the prep for the fast kill, also; he would be due about now if we changed our minds. The new vet did manage to change our minds. He estimated Baxter’s age at about four years, and his infestation about two years long. In his practice the average time for slow kill is another two years. That was an eye-opener. A lot of damage has been done by the parasites, and a lot more will be done in two more years.
So the family talked it over and we felt that Baxter would want these gone as soon as possible. So we decided to go with the fast kill:Â a series of 3 injections with an organo-arsenic compound called Immiticide. It can be rough on the dogs, but a lot better than its predecessor Caparsolate.
Baxter received his first injection today, and we are surprised how well he is doing. We had to work at keeping him not bouncing off the wall, when he saw the girls again.
Keeping our fingers crossed…
3 Comments
Kimbo
Get well soon, Baxter! I miss playing and napping with you!
julie
I sure hope things are going well with the treatment. I know that was a difficult decision for you guys. Thanks again for giving him a home. I am now trying to place the other dogs from whence he came. One down (I hope – as of yesterday) … one and perhaps two more to go. That will leave this family with only 1 dog, which they can handle.
aniko
Nine days and no signs of any side-effects from the first injection! He is getting bouncier every day.