 Active
ingredient: 136 µg Ivermectin
Directions for Use:
Give your dog ONE HEART GOLD CHEWABLE every 28-30 days. The first chewable should be given
before exposure to infected mosquitoes and only given to heartworm free dogs.
HEART GOLD CHEWABLE will kill heartworm
larvae which
are acquired from infected mosquitoes within the previous 30 days.
May be given to dogs of any age, pregnant females and stud dogs.
However if any side effects are observed consult your veterinarian.
Storage and disposal:
Store below 25°C (preferably in a refrigerator) in a dry place out of reach of children.
- Available:
Container of 20
- Container of 100
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Heartworm is caused
by a nematode worm Dirofilaria immitis which grows to inhabit the right side of the heart
and the connecting blood vessels. Because the adult heartworm can grow to 35cm in length
they can obstruct blood flow, cause severe inflammation to tissues and weaken the heart
leading to chronic congestive heart failure. As the disease progresses, fluid accumulates
in areas such as the abdomen, lungs and limbs and eventually if untreated the dog will die
from complications. Symptoms seen late in the disease include chronic coughing, laboured
breathing, fatigue, loss of body condition and a distended abdomen caused by the excess
accumulated fluid. Transmission: The Dirofilaria immitis heartworm is transmitted by mosquitos that
carry the infective larvae. The mosquito deposits the larvae on the dog’s skin where
it penetrates through into the underlying tissue eventually entering blood vessels to
migrate to the heart to mature.
When mature the female heartworm releases the immature form called microfilariae into
the blood stream. If a mosquito then bites the dog it can suck up microfilariae that
undergo certain changes in the mosquito to develop into infective larvae. When the
mosquito next bites a dog it can pass on the heartworm infection.
Diagnostic tests for the detection of microfilariae in blood samples can be performed
by veterinarians and pathology laboratories and it is important to test for heartworm
prior to symptoms occurring and also before starting monthly preventatives in the mature
dog.
Life Cycle: It can take as short as two months
for immatures to develop into sexually mature heartworms. Once in the heart they can
survive for several years, with females continuing to release microfilariae into the blood
stream.
Monthly prevention is the best form of disease control.
Monthly Dosing Instructions: Aim at giving
HeartGold Chewables to your dog at monthly intervals. Because HeartGold acts by killing
the heartworm larvae it will destroy any larvae that have been acquired during the month
and before the larvae can grow into adult worms.
Because of the high palatability of HeartGold Chewables most dogs will take them when
offered, but in a small percentage of cases it may be necessary to mix with food or
administer directly. For dogs less that 12Kg the Chewable can be broken in half, and for
dogs greater than 22Kg, multiples of the Chewable are given monthly.
Safety Margin: HeartGold Chewables have a wide
safety margin in male and female dogs, including pregnant bitches.
Unusual Signs: If your dog exhibits unusual signs such as dilated pupils, depression or a
staggering gait following dosing with HeartGold, consult your veterinarian.
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