Prayers needed for my new addition, Jimmy, he has heartworm.

Here is the original post about Jimmy so everyone can see what a terrible life this poor guy had. Jimmy's thread.

Well, I was afraid of this. Jimmy has heartworm, but the vet is pretty sure we can cure him. I always thought most dogs with heartworm die, but our vet said Jimmy should be fine. I got a call this morning with the results and I was so scared. They had me bring Jimmy in right away to be retested. Then the vet came in and told me it only takes two shots to fix most of the time. Whew! I feel better now. Jimmy already had one of the shots this morning. They go in his back and he HATED it. Poor guy. They gave me something to calm him down tomorrow morning because he has to have the other shot tomorrow. We won't know if the shots worked until the spring when he gets retested. The vet said even if it didn't there are other options.

Please pray that Jimmy gets rid of his heartworm and that the shot doesn't hurt him too much tomorrow morning. On the plus side, Jimmy would have died if I didn't rescue him when I did. I guess it's fate that he's with me:)

oh I am so sorry for You and Jimmy.
I hope he'll be cured without too much disconfort.
You really did save him.

Good luck!
Wow, they must of come a long way with a cure for heartworm. Last year I only knew of 2 treatments, both were time consuming with multiple injections, days or weeks apart and months of quiet time for the dog. Then re-tests like every few months for a year or 2.

Thats great that all he needs is 2 shots, 2 days in a row.

Can't they re-test in 6 months?

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Originally posted by lv4dogs
Thats great that all he needs is 2 shots, 2 days in a row.

Can't they re-test in 6 months?

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I don't know if they can. The vet said Spring, so I assume that's the soonest possible.

Poor Jimmy :(

Try not to worry though. The heartworm treatment is pretty hard on them, but I've seen it successful way more times than not. Actually, in the past 5 years at the shelter, we've done many, many, many heartworm treatments and every dog so far has made it. At the vet clinic where I work, I've seen several dogs go through the treatment too. Some of them have a harder time than others (even a few complications), but they've all made it there too. I do know it is harder on smaller dogs, so just be sure he's put on bed rest for 5-7 weeks so his heart rate doesn't go up while everything is getting out of his system.

I've had several fosters that I've taken through heartworm treatment and my friend has two 3 lb. Chihuahuas that just went through it. They're all doing great now!

You are Jimmy's angel for sure. Good luck with getting him healthy again. He'll be back to normal in no time and all this will soon be a distant memory.

And I just want to say that you have the CUTEST group of dogs EVER! What a sweet-looking family!

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Originally posted by My Peanuts
I don't know if they can. The vet said Spring, so I assume that's the soonest possible.

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I wasn't thinking, spring isn't too far away. I can't believe how fast this year has went.

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Originally posted by lv4dogs
I wasn't thinking, spring isn't too far away. I can't believe how fast this year has went.

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LOL, I didn't realize that either. 6 months will be March! :eek:

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Originally posted by aly
Poor Jimmy :(

Try not to worry though. The heartworm treatment is pretty hard on them, but I've seen it successful way more times than not. Actually, in the past 5 years at the shelter, we've done many, many, many heartworm treatments and every dog so far has made it. At the vet clinic where I work, I've seen several dogs go through the treatment too. Some of them have a harder time than others (even a few complications), but they've all made it there too. I do know it is harder on smaller dogs, so just be sure he's put on bed rest for 5-7 weeks so his heart rate doesn't go up while everything is getting out of his system.

I've had several fosters that I've taken through heartworm treatment and my friend has two 3 lb. Chihuahuas that just went through it. They're all doing great now!

You are Jimmy's angel for sure. Good luck with getting him healthy again. He'll be back to normal in no time and all this will soon be a distant memory.

And I just want to say that you have the CUTEST group of dogs EVER! What a sweet-looking family!

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Thanks Aly. I never knew any dogs that had it or went through treatment. The vet said the same thing. He couldn't think of one dog that didn't make it. I like those odds. Still, I wish poor Jimmy knew I was doing this to help him.

You're amazing. What a great family you have. :)

I'll keep adorable little Jimmy in my prayers. If he will tolerate the crate, that's your best bet to keep him quiet and still.

Bless you!

Thoughts, prayers, and well wishes are going out to Jimmy from Florida. We're praying hard for a complete recovery for this little doll. Thanks for giving him a chance!! You're all angels!!

Terry, Daisy and Delilah:)

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Originally posted by My Peanuts
Thanks Aly. I never knew any dogs that had it or went through treatment. The vet said the same thing. He couldn't think of one dog that didn't make it. I like those odds.

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The organization I work with has had two fosters within the past year that have had to go through heartworm treatment, and both did fine. Just make sure he doesn't get too excited or run around too much for the first two months.

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Still, I wish poor Jimmy knew I was doing this to help him.

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I am pretty sure he does understand that. ;)
What a lucky boy he is that you came along when you did.

I had read the other post, but forgot to congradulate you on your new addition :D I have an uncle named jimmy!
And also, our neighbor's black lab had heartworms, and was treated, and now lives a happy, healthy life again! We all know Jimmy will make it trough just fine.

Sending prayers and pawsitive thoughts out to Jimmy.

Aw, poor guy! :( Prayers on the way. ((hugs to the both of you))

First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! I missed that thread! Poor guy, he has gone through so much. Well, now he will be wonderful and happy, and live a long and healthy life!

Jimmy and you will be kept in our hearts thoughts and prayers! (((((HUGS)))))

Steph, Jes, and Splinter