Program
The "flea pill", as it is commonly called, is still a major force in flea control. Recently a chewable tablet has been released for cats to replace the liquid that is currently used for cats. Many of our clients continue to be pleased with the effects of Program alone and others are adding Advantage or Frontline to their use of Program for a more thorough flea control.

Program (Lufenuron) is taken into the flea when it bits your pet. The female lays her eggs which fall off the pet within seconds. The eggs fail to hatch due to the drug. The male and female adult fleas are not affected by the Program but the drug is passed in the flea feces which can be later eaten by the larval stage of the flea found in the carpet. Once the larvae eat the feces laden with Program they will die, breaking the life cycle and preventing the development to adult fleas.

Even with the addition of many new flea control products, Program still has a big presence and if used in conjunction with adult flea killers can be a tremendous force against the flea population.

Advantage
Advantage was the first of the "new breed" of topical flea killers released in the last 12-18 months. Bayer, the company that makes Bayer aspirin, is producing the product which is cleared for dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens over 12 weeks of age. Advantage works by chemical adhering to the hair of the pet. When the flea comes in contact with the product on the pet's hair, the flea dies due to changes in the flea's nervous system. Advantage is not absorbed by the pet and stays only in the hair. Repeated washing with detergent shampoos more than once weekly may possibly shorten the effect of the product from the normal 30 day period. Advantage is applied at the shoulder to neck area so the pet cannot lick it off. Advantage can also be applied immediately after bathing even if the hair is still damp.

A new form for larger dogs has been released and should be applied in more than one location. Preferably the liquid should be applied at the shoulders and the rump area. Ask your veterinarian for more details.

Top Spot
Last fall Frontline Top Spot was released for flea control. The product is applied to the skin at the shoulders and will kill fleas within 48 hours. Frontline spray is also available for dogs and cats, but the Top Spot is much more user friendly. It is advisable not to apply Top Spot 2 days before or after a bath. The product can be used on puppies and kittens over 10 weeks old. In cats Top Spot lasts for 30 days, and in dogs will last 2-3 months. Top Spot will also kill ticks on dogs and cats for one month. Ask your veterinarian for details.

Feline Heartworm Preventative
Heartgard for cats was released in February, 1997 to control heartworm disease in cats. Once thought to be a non-existent to minimal problem, feline heartworm disease in certain parts of the country has reached up to 20% of the cats. In some studies, 50% of the cats that were autopsied were indoor cats. The threat exists for all cats in endemic (areas where heartworms are a problem) areas and all cat owners should be aware of this potential cause of quick death in an apparently normal cat.

Testing for heartworms before the preventative is started is up to the individual veterinarian. Animal Health Center does not recommend testing at this time since false negatives on tests are a concern. When newer testing methods are available recommendations could change.

Facts about Feline Heartworm Disease:

• Kittens can be started on the chewable preventative at 9 weeks of age. So far most all cats love the taste of the monthly chewable pill.

• Cats do not get many heartworms (usually up to 6 worms) and the microfilaria (baby heartworms) are visible for testing for only 30 days.

• The life span of the heartworm in cats is not as long as the life span in dogs, as it appears worms live for 18 months to 3 years. Acute death and severe lung disease are common complications of heartworm disease in cats.

• Symptoms of heartworm disease in cats can vary, but common signs include coughing, vomiting, acute death, wheezing or other respiratory problems.

• Diagnosis of Feline Heartworm Disease is difficult, and treatments have a high death rate, therefore the preventative promises to be a tremendous aid in controlling this disease. Most owners and veterinarians are unaware that cats have heartworms until it is too late.

• Cats already infected with heartworms can be given Heartgard safely to prevent further infection. The heartworms that are already in the heart will die within 3 years. There is no guarantee that the cats will not have a problem with the heartworms that are already present in their body as the Heartgard will not affect existing worms.

Contact you veterinarian about Heartgard for Cats!!