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Chica's heartworm treatment update

BAMCB

Well-Known Member
I have not updated about Chica's heartworm treatment in awhile, life has really exploded around here(some really good and some not so much, but such is life). We are at the end of our second week of prednisone and 1.5 weeks into doxycycline. It has been really tough on Chica and she has had some not so pleasant side effects from the meds along with many days not feeling well. Vomiting, lethargic, urinating in the house and on herself, loss of appetite and the most recent being extreme amounts of mucus in her stools. We will do the next step down on her prednisone tomorrow and I'm looking forward to that!

I will give another update soon(I hope, heading out of town tomorrow morning;)) and definitely before her first scheduled injection on April 29th.

Though I am still in disbelief she is heartworm positive(after the 5 negative tests since last July!) I am most certainly looking forward to a healthy pup next fall. We just need to get through today and each day until then. Thanks to the support on this forum, the rescuing community and band of dog lovers I am confident we will!
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
Thank you for updating. I've been thinking about you with the 29th approaching. I'm keeping you all in my thoughts.
 

angelbears

Well-Known Member
Keeping our fingers crossed. Hopefully, it will be smooth sailing from here on out. Thank you for the update.
 

karennj

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the updates. I have to admit, I have been much more diligent about hw preventative since your post.
 

BAMCB

Well-Known Member
Thank you everyone:) and yes! Do keep up with heartworm preventative! I set a revolving monthly date in my phone with 2 reminders. I use to take mine off after 2 hard freezes but I won't be doing that anymore.
 

BAMCB

Well-Known Member
She's doing quite well the last couple of days. We are getting a taste of what it will be like trying to keep her from panting this summer and I think we are screwed:/ lol I will talk with the vet on Thursday(Ava's yearly check up and HW test;) about that.

I know she came with them but I'm very upset it took us so long to find. I will forever preach about HW preventative now. If I can save just one dog from this it's worth being that annoying lady! Hahahaha

How are you doing on your new lake front property? I hope everyone is safe!
 

angelbears

Well-Known Member
Your post makes me so happy!!! Way to go Chica...It has been wild the last 3 days but we are still dry and that is more than I can say for a lot of families around us.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
Keeping you and Chica firmly in my thoughts today, Bam. Hope everything goes well. Update when you are able, please.
 

BAMCB

Well-Known Member
Ok, dropped off for first injection. I am extremely busy today which will either good or bad. We shall see. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers she tolerates this well! Thanks for all the support you have given to us<3
 

BAMCB

Well-Known Member
Ok, I'm a bit worried. She is whining a lot. Not normal for her at all. She is in discomfort for sure but it seems more. She has a very slight tremor when she breaths but not on her limbs or overall(does that make sense at all?). We are just laying in bed together but she is restless, also NOT normal! Any and all suggestions needed!
 

tlov

Well-Known Member
I'm so sorry she is feeling bad. Does it seem any better today?


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BAMCB

Well-Known Member
Yes, she is much better today!! I am chalking it up to her nearly 10 hr day at the vet(without us!), 2 injections, good ear cleaning and sitting in a run that long. She was quite bloated and gassy too which could explain the unusual restlessness. Gas cramps and the injections could both have caused the whining and discomfort. I think I am over worrying on all of this:( only 2 left!
 

BAMCB

Well-Known Member
Sorry I've been kinda MIA for the last couple months, life has really become stressful this winter and spring. My daughter is putting me through the wringer for sure:(

Anyways, update on Chica! She received her 2nd shot today and will be back tomorrow at 8 am for the third(and last!). We have the air conditioning on high and lots of fans. I just cannot wait until this is all over and I can finally see the light at the end now:)
 

BAMCB

Well-Known Member
Chica has officially been released from heartworm treatment and allowed to slowly begin moving around more!!! She has been to the farmers market this week and has finally been able to join her pack at my dad's again for socializing and walking. She has been with us now for 1 yr and 1 week and we are finally done! I cannot be any happier!!

Unfortunately her treatment did not leave her with no effects. She has been diagnosed with diabetes and we are working hard to keep her regulated.

Thanks to everyone for the support and guidance through all of this. I think we are finally done and ready to start a new chapter with Chica.