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View Full Version : Kia's article and web clip!!! :D



ramanth
05-17-2004, 08:25 AM
Link to the Article (http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=26943)

Link to the Web Clip (http://www.wzzm13.com/clix/videoclixdefault.asp?cmd=view&articleid=1489)
(Need Real Player to view)




Heartworm Preventative Raises Concerns

By: Trisha Volpe


Created: 5/16/2004 4:24:38 PM
Updated: 5/16/2004 4:27:55 PM


As the weather warms up, your dog faces a hidden danger - heartworm.

Spring is the season for this potentially-fatal disease.

Now, a new drug is available that can prevent heartworm for 6 months at a time, instead of giving your dog a monthly pill.

But some say the new drug is deadlier than the disease it prevents.

For Kim Smith, her 5-year-old dog Kia and her other pets, are family.

"They're my children and I spoil them rotten," says Kim.

So last year, Kim thought she was taking care of Kia, with an annual trip to the vet. Kia received Proheart 6 - the only injectible medicine that prevents heartworm disease for 6 months. No pills to forget. But by the time Kia came home...

"I can't remember if she collapsed first or siezured," says Kim. "I went to pick her up and she jerked away from me and she just started convulsing and just yelping and crying."

Kia spent 3 days at the MSU animal clinic, near death. Kim says vets there suspected Proheart 6.

Kim has filed a report with the FDA. Kia's story will join more than 4000 other reports of dogs getting sick after a shot of Proheart 6. Across the country, more than 400 dogs have died.

We spoke with the maker of Proheart 6, a company called Fort Dodge. Officials there say millions of U.S. dogs have benefited from the drug with some 16 million doses sold. They say the FDA reports represent less than 1 percent of the total doses. And it's impossible to link Proheart 6 to all those cases, because most of the animals were never tested.

Still, the FDA is investigating and Fort Dodge has had to change its labeling, by adding the phrase “rare reports of death.”

Some Grand Rapids vets, like Dr. Dick Bennett, swear by it.

"My own dog has had Proheart 6."

But like any drug, Bennett says he's careful about the dogs who receive it.

"No pill, no medication is not without possible problems, you have to weigh out the good versus the bad," says Bennett.

But Proheart 6 isn't worth the risk here. Dr. Karyl Ropko says she'll stick to drugs like Heartguard and Interceptor that also prevent other worms.

"We always want to use medications that have the least amount of side effects that will do the job we need to in the safest manner," says Ropko.

For Kim Smith, Proheart 6 is no longer an option.

"It's like playing Russian roulette with your dog."

According to the Fort Dodge web site, 28 veterinary clinics in the Grand Rapids metro area use Poheart 6.

As for those against the drug, they say it works for some pet owners, but they just want everyone to be aware of the risks.

Web Editor: Trisha Volpe, Anchor/Reporter

cloverfdx
05-17-2004, 08:38 AM
Good article, The video clip did not work for me either so i will download real player and try to view it.

I am glad the word is getting out about PH6, our vets offered me somthing simalar the other day but i am sticking with Heartguard. It is not worth the risk.

4 Dog Mother
05-17-2004, 11:13 AM
PT TV stars, Kia & Kimmy!!! Way to go - the clip played just fine for me. You did a good job, Kimmy. Looked cool, calm and collected. Didn't look like you were nervous at all. And Kia what a good girl she was!

Logan
05-17-2004, 11:21 AM
Kimmy!! I think you and Kia did beautifully!! I'm so glad you were able to relay your experience with the public and with us. :)

ramanth
05-17-2004, 11:26 AM
I hope I didn't look or sound dorky! LOL!

I am unable to download Real Player here at work (the IT dept doesn't want it on the computers.) They are looking into a way to let me see it with either Quicktime or Media Player.

Either way, I'll see a recorded version of the news soon. (A friend is mailing me a tape.) :D

tatsxxx11
05-17-2004, 01:37 PM
OMG!!! Kimmy, Kia, you were both amazing! What a fantastic intgerview! I wss glad they gave it the time it deserved! You guys were FABULOUS; like real pros!!!!!!!! So many great shots of you both! That shot of Kia at the end, the closeup, was stunning! Oh, great job!!! And I hope a lot of others got a chance to hear and see your story! Woo hoo!!!

Ally Cat's Mommy
05-17-2004, 02:06 PM
Great job Kim!!! The interview was great, and both you and Kia look absolutely stunning!! You didn't seem nervous at all - just very natural, and everyone could see how much you love your furkids!!

I am sure this story has done a great deal to inform other dog owners of the dangers of the drug - yo have definately made a BIG difference and saved lives!!!

robinh
05-17-2004, 02:38 PM
Great interview! Kim- you didn't look nervous at all. You made some good points and for those of us who love our pets, you came off sounding intelligent - not crazy, like some people have accused me of being. Kia, of course, looked wonderful!!

:D

lute
05-17-2004, 03:31 PM
Kim,you did great! Kia! your a celeb now! I'm always in aw of this beautiful dog!:D

ParNone
05-17-2004, 04:16 PM
Hey Kim! You've have done a lot of good. My vet tried to get me to use Proheart 6 on Oz and Murph. Because of what had happened with Kia, I knew to tell him no way. After my initial disbelief that he would even suggest using it on a Collie, I told him about what happened to Kia. He's since stopped using Proheart 6. Kudos to you and Kia!

Par...

anna_66
05-17-2004, 08:42 PM
Our new tv stars!

Luckily it played fine for me.

You both did a fabulous job during the interview:) I'm so glad they were able to do this to get the word out to more people so they won't take the risk of their dog dying.

Great job you guys:D

Cookiebaker
05-17-2004, 09:04 PM
Wow, Kim, you look so professional, like you were used to this everyday! I'm impressed!!

So beautiful to see Kia in action, too. It's great that you are getting the word out about Proheart 6.

dappledoxie
05-17-2004, 09:39 PM
Great article!

RobiLee
05-18-2004, 12:18 AM
Excellent job, Kim and Kia. You guys did really well and you looked great also. Katie's first heartworm dose was the ProHeart 6 injection and although she didn't have any side effects I decided to switch to the chewables after you had told me Kia's story. I'd rather be on the safe side. Just think of all the pups that you may have saved. Thanks Kia and Kim for sharing your story and getting the word out there!

Robin :)

shais_mom
05-18-2004, 12:32 AM
YEAA!!
For Kia and Mommy!!
SOooooooo photogenic!! :p

I myself have been trying to get the word out about Kia's story also!

ramanth
05-18-2004, 02:12 PM
Thanks! :D

Logan
05-18-2004, 02:49 PM
Kimmy, I shared this link over at Jackie's site. Hope you don't mind!!! :o

sabies
05-18-2004, 08:25 PM
Great video clip Kimmy! You and Kia did a wonderful job. I'm so glad Kia is one of the luckier dogs to have an adverse reaction to the drug.

ramanth
05-19-2004, 08:33 AM
Originally posted by Logan
Kimmy, I shared this link over at Jackie's site. Hope you don't mind!!! :o
I don't mind at all! Everyone can share the link if they like. Spread the love. :D