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Heartworm test, how often?

post #1 of 15
8/2/10 at 9:06pm
Thread Starter 
Last week, I went to on-line store to purchase Revolution. The store contacted me this morning, saying that my vet refused to prescribe it without first having Ku Ku get tested. I'm confused now as to why the vet told me to get Ku Ku tested. Ku Ku's been on Revolution for about 3 years now. Although it was originally prescribed by my vet in FL, Ku Ku is seeing the same vet here in HI who already know that she's been on Revolution. Except for one time which was right after I moved to HI and before I picked the local vet, I've been purchasing it from this same vet without being asked for a test.

I am now wondering if they don't want me to get it on-line.
The cost of Revolution at this vet is recently increased to $150 for 6 pack Vs. $80 from this on-line store. The problem is, my finance is a bit tight right now, can't afford to pay just about a double for the same product, considering I need to save $$$ for her annual check-up next month.

I need one for this month at least but I don't want to bring Ku Ku to the vet just for this test. Maybe I should get her annual check-up this month instead?
How often do you get your kitties heartworm tested?
She had a tapeworm before. That's why I switched it from Frontline Plus.
Other than this and the one she had earlier this year, she never had major parasite problems, not even a single flea either. She's been strictly indoor cat. I am not too sure if she'd even need the test...
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post #2 of 15
8/2/10 at 9:07pm
Technically I believe the recommendation is every six months ... or when a new Rx would be written....
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post #3 of 15
8/2/10 at 10:13pm
Thread Starter 
Oh wow...every 6 months? I always get the 6 packs...so does that mean, I should bring Ku Ku to get tested every time I purchase Revolution?
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post #4 of 15
8/3/10 at 11:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by KKH View Post
Oh wow...every 6 months? I always get the 6 packs...so does that mean, I should bring Ku Ku to get tested every time I purchase Revolution?
I believe that is what is supposed to happen.. Realize we have very very little heartworm here thus I have not used any items for it in about 10 yrs.. Ask the vet.. the info I am pulling up now said before starting treatment
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post #5 of 15
8/3/10 at 9:28pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by sharky View Post
I believe that is what is supposed to happen.. Realize we have very very little heartworm here thus I have not used any items for it in about 10 yrs.. Ask the vet.. the info I am pulling up now said before starting treatment


I needed to make an appointment for the check-up next month anyways, I'll contact my vet & see what response I'll get.
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post #6 of 15
8/3/10 at 11:00pm
You may want to call local shelters or low cost spay clinics and petco/petsmart to see if theyd be able to test/dispense or write rx. One of the vets I use is first to say heres a rx see if you can find cheaper and one of the reasons I love them.
Petco shows a felv fiv and hworm test for 35 and just hw for 26(tho thats under the dogs section.
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post #7 of 15
8/4/10 at 8:31am
Riley was put on heartworm meds, but only because he tested positive (100% indoor apartment kitty). The tests were done to diagnose his illness.

Not sure why they are insisting on the tests first, because if she did have them then she definitely needs to be on the meds since it kills the larvae and helps prevent re-infection.

Xander was given the meds also as a precaution and was never given the test, because he had no symptoms.
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post #8 of 15
8/4/10 at 8:59am
Have you never missed a dose of Revolution? If not she will not have heartworms, it's called a preventative for a reason. Discuss that with the vet and make sure they know you never miss doses.
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post #9 of 15
8/4/10 at 9:36am
My cats are indoors only and have never been tested as far as I can remember. The youngest one is 9 months old or so and is the only one using Revolution. She had a nasty ear mite infestation when we first got her and though she was treated the vet wanted her to run through a course of Revolution.
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post #10 of 15
8/4/10 at 3:56pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by AlleyGirl View Post
Not sure why they are insisting on the tests first, because if she did have them then she definitely needs to be on the meds since it kills the larvae and helps prevent re-infection.


I know...I thought it was strange, too. This is the only vet I bring Ku Ku ever since I moved from FL. Also the only place I purchase Revolution from, until this online store I was trying to purchase Revolution last week.
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post #11 of 15
8/4/10 at 4:35pm
I have only had my 2 girls tested for heartworms once in their lives. Callie, who was a stray when she came to me, got one about 10 years ago and Hannah got one earlier this year to rule them out as the cause of her coughing. (They were both negative.) Tumbles hasn't had a heartworm test and he might never have one.

My new vet knows we use Revolution eventho they are indoor only kitties, and she recommended me ordering it online since they don't sell it. I found it online at Drs. Foster and Smith for $75 w/ free standard shipping. That was about $10 cheaper than 1-800petmeds where they told me to look.
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post #12 of 15
8/4/10 at 6:54pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by stephanietx View Post
I found it online at Drs. Foster and Smith for $75 w/ free standard shipping. That was about $10 cheaper than 1-800petmeds where they told me to look.
Oh, that's definitely cheaper than anywhere else I know of(including my vet).
Is that for 6 months supply?
Do they contact your vet for prescription?
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post #13 of 15
8/4/10 at 11:18pm
I noticed a flea on Attitude and it was the beginning of heartworm season so I called the vet to see if I had to bring them in for an appointment to get it. They told me as long as I was a client to just come in and pick some up.

They have never had a heartworm test and I honestly doubt they ever will unless someone starts showing symptoms or other issues even though I doubt it as they are on Revolution for heartworm prevention during mosquito season(I live in the mid-west they are only here in the summer, same as fleas.

Taryn
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post #14 of 15
8/7/10 at 10:34pm
Thread Starter 
I stopped by at the vet today to discuss & ask what was going on.
Happened to be that that was the on-line store who messed thing up!
My vet was completely fine with me ordering Revolution from on-line store and even said I can contact them anytime if I need a prescription, even now!

Same goes for Heartworm test. The vet already knew Ku Ku has been on Revolution. I was also assured that since Ku Ku has been strictly indoor with no other cat(s) in the house, no symptoms or any existing problems, it is not necessarily for Ku Ku to get tested either.

The funny thing is, though, my vet said they DID NOT hear from the on-line store.
Now, I am wondering which vet or to whom this store contacted & inquired about Ku Ku...
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post #15 of 15
8/8/10 at 5:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by KKH View Post
Oh, that's definitely cheaper than anywhere else I know of(including my vet).
Is that for 6 months supply?
Do they contact your vet for prescription?
Yes and yes. It took a few days for them to contact the vet, get approval, fill the Rx and ship it, but it's on the way. Right now, they're having free shipping, too which is an added bonus.
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