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September 14, 2018. American Veterinarian By Maureen McKinney
Today, the American Heartworm Society (AHS) released a revised version of its highly regarded canine heartworm guidelines—the first update since 2014. Reducing disease transmission, clarifying testing recommendations, and avoiding treatment shortcuts are priorities in the new guidelines. Based on the 2016 Triennial Symposium of the AHS, as well as new research and clinical experience, major changes to the guidelines include the following.
Heartworm Prevention: Use of Mosquito Repellents
According to Dr. Rehm, the incidence of heartworm disease in the United States and its territories rose by 21% between 2013 and 2016. Prevention is the cornerstone of any practice’s heartworm management program, yet compliance continues to be problematic and is believed to be 1 of the key roadblocks to reducing incidence rates.
“Right now, roughly two-thirds of pets are not on prevention,” Dr. Rehm said in a previous interview with American Veterinarian®. “Sometimes I think we take for granted that our clients know more about it or have some more parasite common sense, if you will, than they actually do. And we don’t probe enough to find out where our clients are on the learning curve about parasite prevention.”
Year-round use of macrocyclic lactone (ML) preventives and environmental control of mosquito populations continue to be the basis of prevention, but AHS now recommends the use of Environmental Protection Agency–approved mosquito repellents/ectoparasiticides to control the mosquito vector and reduce heartworm transmission in high-risk areas.
“The use of repellents is not a blanket recommendation, nor should repellents ever be used in place of ML preventives,” Dr. Rehm said. “In regions with relatively low heartworm incidence numbers and few mosquitoes, use of heartworm preventives alone can be sufficient to safeguard patients.”
Heartworm Testing: Putting Heat Treatment in Perspective AHS continues to recommend annual heartworm screening for all dogs over 7 months of age with both an antigen and a microfilaria test. Because of the high sensitivity of these tests, however, the guidelines recommend against routine heat treatment of blood samples for heartworm screening because “it is contrary to the label instructions for commonly used in-house tests and may interfere with the accuracy of results of not only heartworm testing but also the results of combination tests that include antibody detection of other infectious agents.”
Instead, the guidelines recommend that veterinarians consider heat treating serum when circulating microfilariae are detected or when active clinical disease is suspected but an antigen test has returned a negative result.
Heartworm Treatment: Use of Non-Arsenical Protocols
While no changes were made regarding the best treatments for canine heartworm, AHS is using the updated guidelines to double-down on its stance that the society’s current protocol remains the best method for successfully and safely treating infected dogs.
“We get questions from veterinarians about the AHS protocol itself, which includes pretreatment with an ML and doxycycline, followed by a month-long waiting period, then 3 doses of melarsomine on days 60, 90 and 91,” Dr. Rehm explained. “Heartworm disease is a complex disease, and there are no shortcuts to appropriate treatment. Skipping any 1 of these steps can affect both the safety and efficacy of heartworm treatment.”
For dogs that are not candidates for melarsomine treatment, Dr. Rehm noted, alternatives such as the non-arsenical combination of moxidectin and doxycycline may be appropriate. “However, it’s also important for veterinarians to understand that these non-arsenical protocols have serious disadvantages, the most important of which is the length of time required to kill adult worms, during which time heartworm pathology and damage can progress,” he said. “This also greatly increases the length of time the pet needs strict exercise restriction, which is problematic.”
To view the updated guidelines, as well as the AHS feline heartworm guidelines, visit heartwormsociety.org.
I wanted to repost this from Erika. She was the best of the community. I could go on and on about her…but her words are so much more profound.
I have added a recording with Erika from the NLA rendezvous. Again… her words are more profound than any I could write.
Erika Burns Andres – My words:
Experience.
Experience is who we are. It is what makes us, forever teaching and molding us and ruling our view points, and emotions, and our knowledge, and communication skills.
Experience, when learned from, and applied; helps us to become better people in this world if we apply the lessons from the experience, and comprehend the experience.
In my personal journey with wolfdogs and wolfdog community, I have learned that it is a journey of continued learning. This journey occurs online and offline.
I have found it best to stay humble, and try to keep in mind that we are all students. I was a breeder before Facebook times. This made online a peak of the desired education of the things I wanted to learn further.
I figured out quick it was going to be an experience to learn from, but I would have to learn by tuning out the distractions that come with it.
The first Facebook wolfdog I ever saw was (Loki), that belonged to Cindy Matthews. I recall going wow that is one of the best wolfdogs I have ever seen.
He looked so much like the very first one I saw in my childhood at age 6. The one I saw at age 6 was my first inspiration. However Loki was my first online inspiration.
Later I recall seeing pictures of (Shango) that belongs to Sharon Green it was love at first site again. My goal was to always breed down in content, then back up.
However, the very first two wolfdogs I saw on Facebook became inspirations for me to try and mold and mimic far as looks. It never happen, but lead me to the very looks so many see today from us.
I recalled learning why wolf hybrids were now called wolfdogs. We always called them hybrids in the 90’s, the online wdc educated and explained why wolves and dogs do not produce hybrids.
This took some adjusting to far as using the correct terms. But eventually I settled to be politically correct. I recall thinking to myself , I need to mold my animals like this one or that one. But found I kept getting distracted in education with arguments and unwanted drama being new to Facebook.
So my next focus was, (who do I want to be like and get more of a productive experience) ? And this is not to offend anyone. But I wanted to be like Sharon Green. She educated , but was never biased, never really took part in drama, or attacks on people. And would ask questions in further learning. This gave me a guide as to what personality is the best way to learn, and still be able to coexist with as many in the wolf dog community as possible.
Aside from the obvious education, a few things I learned were as follows.
Never assume just because people say something is fact.
Get to know people on a more personal level.
In most cases, never give up hope that people can change.
Approach is essential to education.
Remain humble, and never be afraid to ask questions.
Educational experience goes better when we educate with genuine concern.
I try to keep in mind that we don’t truly know others back ground, genetic influences, or life circumstances that influence their thinking or learning process.
I learned to be greatful for any progress fellow owners may venture to make, as humans have free will. They don’ have to do anything or any change. So when we see that change acknowledge it.
I have met so many that have influenced me in my journey of betterment.
I have met some that are models as to what I do not want to be. And others that I have seen a love, a passion, a logic that serves as all id like to embody.
I have seen so many change for the better, and while I don’t know what changed their heart, aside from gaining a true love for wolfdogs and fellow owners. I can say that I feel education and the experience of the wolfdog community is indeed getting better for new comers to remain unbiased, focused on education, and in turn better in education than those before.
We now have even more to learn. Genetic testing such as Embark, is a new look into wolfdogs that gives insight far deeper than pheno ever could. So once again it is something to have to comprehend and learn more about and expound in education from there. For me it has been a learning experience from the time the wolfdog community began to embrace it. So now I have a mental check list to aide in my experience of the wolfdog community.
1. Analyse for positive logic and learning.
2. Practice good human relation skills.
3. Find someone who conducts themselves in a way you coincide with to be a positive asset to the wolfdog community, and by example encourages you.
4. Never feel content. As it slows learning and evolving for betterment.
5. Ask questions, and fact check the answers.
6. Have genuine concern.
7. Recognize your gifts and stick to those as we all have various gifts. When we try to go beyond our gifts it can mess up education for others.
8. Learn about wolves and wolfdogs and all the core basic essentials.
9. Learn from the mistakes of others as well as my own past.
10. Learn about Embark and what it means for wolfdogs, and what it means for previous education and future education. And what it means for a breeder and their breeding program. And learn how it can be a rescues dream come true. For even more informed placement.
11. Try to keep in mind just as much as we love our animals , try to offer the same genuine love for your fellow humans. Lack of compassion for our own kind is not natural, but should never be limited. I’ve figured out many humans have that issue. But I can’t judge because I really had a pretty good upbringing that taught me to do these things. I do fall short at times for logical reasons.
12. Just because some articulate better than others, it is best to consider the message than the format. Example; If a person says, (wow the stratus clouds look divine). That is wonderful and educated indeed. However; if another member says, ( The thinner clouds are very pretty). It is the same concept just written in two different formats that say the same thing. Education is not governed by articulation alone, but knowledge. Always consider the facts behind the knowledge, regardless of format.
13. Get to know members on a personal level,it will save a lot of heart break, and you might just make a great friend or two in the process.
I have tried to make all these things into a checklist to be a better member, better educator, better breeder. And a better friend.
In the process of going by this guide, I have met rescues that were so nice and logical. That care so much about the animals. I have made some really awesome friends along the way as well. I have met many, but I swear I knew Samantha Tambor in a past life. It’s like I went to school with her or something. It’s honestly hard to explain. If anyone can get through to me and make since of things that don’t add up to me, it’s her.
There are others that have a place in my heart as well. And have helped so much with my education and experience in the wolfdog community. Kim Miles, Jerry Mills, Kat Woldancer, Janice Mcguire, the late Donald Lewis, My customers/friends, Juan Cypress Creek. Bobby B and I use to talk years ago, I actually like him. Though his experience has made him become very reserved.
Certain people’s drive has also inspired me. Back when there were forums Cindy was like an investigator I learned much from her research. Christa Ward was the first to try and understand my program with breeding lows. And actually made me feel she really was asking for the right reasons. She was the first ever I shared my goals with.
I was always totally terrified of rescue views. Rescues that changed my mind that rescuers can be logical and have a heart based on logic love and compassion for the animals and people were as follows.
Natasha Handcock Nancy Brown Justine T Sonia S Connie Howard John Deboard Malinda S Melissa Greene Stephanie A Deborah S John Smith
There are others as well, but those names come to mind first.
Passion for education is as follows
Greg Largent Deanna M Samantha Tambor Natasha Handcock Kim Miles Jody Haynes Rose P Kat Wolfdancer Richard Vickers George S Laura Loft Stephanie Alcorn
There are so many I can’t name them all. As I continue this journey the above guidelines of learned experience is what has made my journey of experience positive, educational, and perception changers. I hope to continue to learn more, and see us all change for the betterment of each other, the betterment of wolfdogs and the future of wolfdogs. I hope that my place in the community online and offline can be a positive one and others may learn from it. If I could say any meaningful advice, it would be to love equally. The rest will work itself out if that one key factor is truly followed. Forgive equally. The biggest challenge of the wolfdog community is the wolfdog community. I look forward to the day all can truly see that.
BREAKING GOOD NEWS!
Anti-Wolf Rider Dropped From Omnibus Bill!
YOU DID IT!
Congress heard your howls! Thanks to you, the 2018 spending bill is moving forward devoid of the “War on Wolves” rider seeking to eliminate Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves in 4 states!
Every voice raised in support of wildlife and wild places can make a difference. And when we all work together we can make big things happen! None of this would have been possible without your calls, emails and the leaders in Congress who #standforwolves.
MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) The Vermont House has voted to ban coyote hunting tournaments in Vermont.
The measure is included in a miscellaneous fish and wildlife bill that was approved by the House Wednesday. People who violate the ban face fines up to $1,000 and jail time up to 60 days. An effort to remove the ban was defeated by a 38 to 100 vote. Another effort to send it to another committee also failed.
Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter says Vermont has a healthy coyote population and says his department did not seek the ban. Lawmakers debated the measure for nearly two-hours Wednesday.
“If they feel that they need to stop competition coyote hunts they should probably also stop competition rabbit hunts, competition deer and buck hunts, and competition fishing derbies,” said Rep. Brian Smith, R-Derby.
“I hope that we will ban these competitions and I see this as being a win for the hunting community,” said Rep. Susan Buckholz, D-Hartford.
Vermont becomes the second state to ban coyote hunting tournaments after California. Vermonters can still hunt coyotes all year.
Posted December 31, 2017 at 09:00 AM | Updated December 31, 2017 at 11:45 AM
The first of two full “supermoons” of January 2018 will soon be shining in the sky. Here’s a look at a supermoon that appeared over West Orange, N.J. in 2016. (Robert Sciarrino | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
If there’s such a thing as a Super Bowl for amateur astronomers, it’s happening in January 2018. The new year is ringing in with two rare “supermoons” — including one that will be a “blue moon” — along with a lunar eclipse. All during the same month.
The first of the two supermoons will appear in the sky on New Year’s Day, and the second one will be glowing on Jan. 31. That one will be a “blue moon,” because it’s the second full moon during the same calendar month.
Such an occurrence happens only once in a blue moon — well, technically, once every two to three years, according to astronomy experts from Space.com.
The first supermoon of 2018 will be officially at its fullest phase at 9:24 p.m. Eastern time (New York City time) on Monday, Jan. 1, and will be the biggest full moon of the year. The best time to see it is in the hours just after sunset, when the moon will be rising in the eastern sky.
You can also see the full moon as it sets on Tuesday morning, in the hours before sunrise. (Monday’s sunset takes place in New York at 4:39 p.m., and Tuesday’s sunrise takes place at 7:20 a.m.)
The second supermoon of 2018 — the so-called “blue moon” — will be officially at its fullest phase at 8:26 a.m. Eastern time (New York City time) on Wednesday, Jan. 31.
So, the ideal time to see it is on the night of Jan. 30 or the night of Jan. 31.
A lunar eclipse will be occurring on the morning of Jan. 31. Although it is considered a full lunar eclipse, experts say people in most parts of the eastern United States will not be able to enjoy the full effect because the moon will be so low in the sky during the full phase of the eclipse.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes through the earth’s shadow, blocking the light that the sun normally reflects off the moon’s surface — the light that makes the moon appear to glow.
The earth’s shadow will start touching the moon’s face at about 5:50 a.m. Eastern time, and a partial eclipse will start at 6:48 a.m., with the moon appearing to be red. Experts say the moon will be close to the horizon, so if you’re planning to see the eclipse find a location that has a clear view of the west-northwest.
At about 7 a.m., the maximum phase of the lunar eclipse will take place, with the moon close under the horizon, according to timeanddate.com.
“The best time to view the eclipse in New York would be around this time,” the website says. “Since the moon is near the horizon at this time, we recommend going to a high point or finding an unobstructed area with free sight to west-northwest for the best view of the eclipse.”
What is a wolf moon?
The wolf moon is an old nickname for the January full moon, dating back to the days when native American tribes gave nicknames to each month’s full moon to help keep track of the seasons.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the full moon of January “appeared when wolves howled in hunger outside the villages.” That’s how the nickname was derived, and it continued to be used during colonial times.
Since there are two full moons in January 2018, the first one will be known as the wolf moon and the second one will be called the blue moon.
What is a supermoon?
The average distance between the Earth and the moon is 238,000 miles. When the moon tracks less than 223,000 miles from the Earth during its full phase, it’s considered a “supermoon” because it appears to be larger and brighter in the sky, particularly when it begins to rise over the horizon.
Some experts say that despite all the social media buzz over supermoons, they are only slightly larger than a normal full moon and casual observers probably won’t notice the difference between the two. Regardless, if the atmospheric conditions are good, this weekend’s full moon should appear to be brighter than usual.
How often do supermoons occur?
Supermoons usually occur a few times each year, but 2017 was a dud, with only one full supermoon in the sky. That was in early December, with the full “cold moon.“
Earlier in the year, a supermoon occurred on three different occasions during the moon’s new phase, when the moon was dark at night. Although there was nothing to see, those moons met the technical definition of a supermoon because of their close proximity to our planet.
This over 10 year study in Canada should open a few eyes around the world that the culling of wolves is NOT the answer to increasing Moose, Elk and Deer populations. One needs to look at the environmental root caused before condemning Wolves to be slaughtered as the cause of herd reduction.
Scientists spent a decade monitoring wolf, moose and endangered mountain caribou populations in the remote rain forests of southern British Columbia. In a study published Tuesday in the journal PeerJ, they found that if you let people hunt more moose, you get fewer wolves and more caribou. While this approach may only be part of the solution for preserving the caribou, it illustrates the complexity of conservation in natural environments.
“The band-aid solution is killing wolves, but that’s been treating the symptom,” said Robert Serrouya, a biologist at The University of Alberta who led the study. “We’re trying to deal with the cause.”
That cause is part of a counterintuitive narrative that goes like this: when a nonnative species wanders into a new place, its predators follow. The nonnative species knows how to fight or avoid its predators, and is good at reproducing. But for native species that evolved without worrying about the new predators, and are less fecund, it’s a big problem.
That’s what happened in the Channel Islands off California when pigs brought by humans attracted eagles that started preying on native foxes. The Canadian caribou tale is more indirect: Climate change, extensive wolf control in other areas and logging in British Columbian rain forests — which left decades worth of shrubby moose food in place of ancient trees — encouraged the moose to expand its territory. They traveled from their flat boreal forests homes to the rugged rain forests in southern British Columbia and Idaho where mountain caribou live. Wolves followed and started preying on the native caribou.
First Nations people in Canada who are native to the mountains where this study took place don’t even have a word for moose, said Dr. Serrouya. The animals may have never lived there. But today moose outnumber white-tailed deer (which are also invading) around 16 to one — and both outnumber mountain caribou.
To reduce moose numbers, the government of British Columbia increased hunting permits in 2003 by tenfold in a 2,500-square-mile area in the Columbia mountain range. The researchers compared what happened there with a nearby area to the west separated by mountains. It had a similar climate and ecology but no increased hunting. The scientists asked: Could sport hunting alone reduce the moose population to its historical level of few to none? Would that reduce wolves as well, relieving pressure on the mountain caribou? And would that help restore the caribou populations from near extinction to something sustainable?
Over ten years of monitoring the movements, survival and reproduction of the animals, the scientists found that extra moose hunting, even in this remote area, was enough to reduce the moose from around 1700 to just 300 or 400. It also reduced the wolves, which dispersed from the area and had fewer babies. The survival rate of the largest caribou subpopulation increased enough to stabilize in the hunting area, but continued to plummet in the area where hunting was not allowed to increase.
A similar approach was used in California to save those Channel Island foxes: killing feral pigs had an effect on the golden eagles that were hunting the foxes.
But moose control may not by itself be enough to save caribou in some circumstances. In one small group of caribou with fewer than 50 animals, the population did not stabilize. This suggested to Dr. Serrouya that without the social benefits of big group living (like extra eyes to watch for predators), the mountain caribou were vulnerable to additional pressures like random catastrophes, inadequate food or predation by cougars and bears. He thinks to truly restore mountain caribou populations, a more nuanced, multifaceted approach is necessary.
“It’s not up to me to decide what goes extinct or not,” said Dr. Serrouya. “But personally, if we can prevent extinction, and if we caused or are contributing to that, then sure — it’s a good thing to do.”
Please support this most worthwhile function Hosted by APEX Protection Projects and Malibu Wines. Meet the APEX Pack and assist Paula Ficara and Steve Wastell in their yearly fundraising efforts for all that they do for the animals thru their projects and programs designed thru APEX Protection Projects.
AHS continues to recommend annual heartworm screening for all dogs over 7 months of age with both an antigen and a microfilaria test. Because of the high sensitivity of these tests, however, the guidelines recommend against routine heat treatment of blood samples for heartworm screening because “it is contrary to the label instructions for commonly used in-house tests and may interfere with the accuracy of results of not only heartworm testing but also the results of combination tests that include antibody detection of other infectious agents.”
