Vet question.....

[JimmyBob]

Our standard poodle was treated for hookworms in June; is it standard procedure for the vet to order a follow-up fecal test after initial treatment?

 

[Been Jammin]

Our standard poodle was treated for hookworms in June; is it standard procedure for the vet to order a follow-up fecal test after initial treatment?

I would not say it is standard procedure, but it is a good idea. They can be difficult to get rid of and very difficult to eliminate from the environment. Once the test comes back negative, make sure the dog (and all other pets) are on a monthly HW prevention that also prevents GI parasites.

 

[JimmyBob]

I would not say it is standard procedure, but it is a good idea. They can be difficult to get rid of and very difficult to eliminate from the environment. Once the test comes back negative, make sure the dog (and all other pets) are on a monthly HW prevention that also prevents GI parasites.

Thanks! Took her back yesterday and vet did fecal and major blood work. Lost weight from 39 (small standard) down to 31 as a result of worms; been eating/walking/etc. normal for a twelve year-old. On HW meds for years.

 

[Been Jammin]

Thanks! Took her back yesterday and vet did fecal and major blood work. Lost weight from 39 (small standard) down to 31 as a result of worms; been eating/walking/etc. normal for a twelve year-old. On HW meds for years.

What HW medication do you use?

 

[JimmyBob]

What HW medication do you use?

Trifexis.

 

[Been Jammin]

Trifexis.

Interesting. That is a good product (the one I recommend most). It has Milbemycin in it, which is a good product for prevention of intestinal parasites. If you are giving it consistently every month, it should prevent hookworms unless you have an overwhelming amount of eggs in the environment. They survive for a long time in soil, so that may be your issue. The dogs may be getting reinfected regularly.

 

[JimmyBob]

Interesting. That is a good product (the one I recommend most). It has Milbemycin in it, which is a good product for prevention of intestinal parasites. If you are giving it consistently every month, it should prevent hookworms unless you have an overwhelming amount of eggs in the environment. They survive for a long time in soil, so that may be your issue. The dogs may be getting reinfected regularly.

Update: blood work came back with low protein/albumin, vet referral to specialist, appt. in a.m.

 

[JimmyBob]

Update: blood work came back with low protein/albumin, vet referral to specialist, appt. in a.m.

Well, to quote Paul Harvey, now we know the rest of the story. Ultrasound showed abdominal tumor/enlarged lymph-node; you know the rest. We'll talk to surgeon, but also know "quality of remaining life" is most important; it won't be about us being selfish.

Thanks for listening!!

 

[Been Jammin]

Well, to quote Paul Harvey, now we know the rest of the story. Ultrasound showed abdominal tumor/enlarged lymph-node; you know the rest. We'll talk to surgeon, but also know "quality of remaining life" is most important; it won't be about us being selfish.

Thanks for listening!!

Ugh. Sorry to hear that. What a bummer.