[Penny & Maggie's Mom]

The new Whole Dog Journal has an article about a recall of two lots of Iverhart Plus. It is for the large size (51-100 lbs), and evidently does not contain enough medication, so there is a possibility of dogs contracting heartworms even while on the med. Here is an article which gives the lot numbers for anyone using this product. http://news.vin.com/VINNews.aspx?articleId=13680 (BTW, this isn't the WDJ since you can't copy them but a news article)

 

[Dallas Gold]

This is very important information. Wow. What a potential for tragedy. Thanks for the information.
Thank goodness we don't use Iverhart.

 

[LibertyME]

I am using IverhartPlus right now - dont have those particular lots.

However even with those lots the way I understand it...there would only be a problem if you were relying on one dose to keep an 85 pound dog heart worm free for 6 months.... All of my dogs are waaay under 85 pounds and are treated monthly...even if I had the lots I would not be concerned.

From the cited article:
"The company (Virbac) is picking up the tab for additional heartworm tests for dogs weighing 75 pounds or more. Those tests should be conducted within six months of a dog’s last Iverhart Plus dose, Youngblood says."

 

[Rob's GRs]

I do not use this product but thanks for posting this information as it could be an important health issue now for some dogs.....

 

[Penny & Maggie's Mom]

I read it as the package (of 6 tabs) did not contain enough medication for 6 months protection. Shoot, if one pill protected for 6 months, we'd only need to give them 2 pills a year. Anyone having the affected lots can exchange them for new.

I am using IverhartPlus right now - dont have those particular lots.

However even with those lots the way I understand it...there would only be a problem if you were relying on one dose to keep an 85 pound dog heart worm free for 6 months.... All of my dogs are waaay under 85 pounds and are treated monthly...even if I had the lots I would not be concerned.

From the cited article:
"The company (Virbac) is picking up the tab for additional heartworm tests for dogs weighing 75 pounds or more. Those tests should be conducted within six months of a dog’s last Iverhart Plus dose, Youngblood says."

 

[sammydog]

Thanks for the info. I did not read the article yet, but I will be researching. We just did Barley's heartworm test last week and picked up new pills...

 

[LibertyME]

The potency for a 51 pound dog would be different then for a 100 pound ...so they have to come up with an average acceptable potency that will allow for dogs on the heavier end of the scale to still have effect treatment.

If that assumption is correct...sure does make one wonder if so much is really necessary....especially if you have a 50 pound dog.

I called Virbac and left a message...hope I get a call back. My curiosity is getting the better of me!

 

[Penny & Maggie's Mom]

Please let us know what they have to say. I already have our crew on a 35 day schedule to lessen the amount of chemicals they're ingesting.