Expert: Jannie Balliett - 11/22/2010

Question
Jannie
I received your email about breeding my dog. I think you misunderstood. I do HAVE my dogs on a monthly preventive medication, that is why I asked if you thought I needed a second opinion on it. I do not understand why one dog got diagnosed with it and the other one did not. My bitch is on her second stage of her HEAT CYCLE meaning this is the middle of her second week from the time she began her cycle. I did not say I was going to breed her while she had heartworm - that is why I was seeking your advice. I did educate myself about what hearworm does and the stress it can put on the heart of a dog, but I also read where there have been dogs that get pregnant with heartworm and it does not get transmitted to the pups.

Thanks  

Answer
It is not a question of whether puppies get heart worms-- it is the matter of the bitch having heart worms and being treated to save her life. If it is second stage-- that would likely mean surgery to remove them-- at the least medication for a VERY LONG time which lowers her immune system and thus, cannot be pregnant, and thus, the medication will cause deformed fetuses.

Please seek another opinion-- AND PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW HER TO MATE AND GET PREGNANT-- SHE WILL DIE!