Ashley’s Story: A Cautionary Tale That May Save Your Dog’s Life
Last week I happened upon this story (“Dog Owners Beware”) and knew that I needed to share it with all of you.
The post is written by Ashley Sassaman and is about the death of her dog, Jack, after he received an injection at the vet’s office. It’s a very sad story, but it’s also a heads up to all of us pet owners. We should all ask for the facts, side effects, and other additional information when our vet (or doctor) recommends any drug to us or our pets.
The drug Jack received was ProHeart 6 – A “new” heartworm preventative shot that is meant to replace the chewable tablets most of us dog owners currently use.
After Jack’s death, Ashley researched ProHeart 6 and what she found out was deeply concerning. A history of dog deaths going back to before 2004, when the drug was finally pulled off the market.
She also found out that in 2008, the drug was reintroduced to the marketplace with more precautionary steps attached to it – additional warning labels on the packaging, required web-based training for veterinarians, drug fact sheets and “informed consent” forms that were required to be given to owners and signed before the injection could be administered to their pet.
I am urge you to read her story, and the latest on the drug maker’s response. It will be worth your time.
At your next vet visit, make sure to ask for the facts, side effects, and other additional information about the drugs being given to your pet. It will be worth your time.
More to read:
Justice for Jack – Ashley answer the most frequently asked questions
ProHeart6: Proheart’s Back Story — Disturbing Details; Advice to Hold Off Using It (The Senior Dogs Project)
Client Information about ProHeart 6 (moxidectin)
It’s baaaack! ProHeart 6 attempts a cautious return (Pet MD.com)
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No Dog About It Blog 
Thanks for posting this Mel. I saw this last week and was so distraught with what these poor people went thru. I mentioned it and provided a link in one of my posts too.
It is so important that we are all informed of our choices and what is available to us. Whenever my vet and I discuss vaccines or protocols the last question I always ask her is, “would you give this to your own dog?”
Thanks Jodi. I was too. I cannot imagine the sorrow she must feel. I am glad Pfizer contacted her and is looking into it.
BTW- I really like your question. Great advice.
That is such a sad story. Thank you for passing it on as a very important cautionary tale.
It doesn’t get any more awful. It is so frightening to think that the people you trust to care for your pets and do what is in their best interests, could be giving you false information. We really do need to be our dogs’ advocates when it comes to health care and not blindly believe anything. I am so appreciative of Ashley for sharing Jack’s story and my heart goes out to her. Hopefully Jack is the last dog to have to go through something like this.
We really do Kristine. This story freaked me out. But, I will say that at least Pfizer stepped up. It’s more than I can say for the companies that make chicken jerky treats.
That is so sad! Thanks for sharing the information, Mel – I’m not sure I would have taken the time to research something that was recommended as an option in my vet’s office. This just goes to show we can’t take anything for granted.
I don’t think I would have in the past Amy, but I have become more diligent since my dog Indy developed seizures after receiving the rabies injection with other vaccinations (3 in 1 shot). I won’t let my dogs get any injection all at once anymore. I spread them out. I also ask more questions. This just validated for me why I should continue to ask questions.
The Proheart injection first came out when I first starting working as a vet tech a few years back. It was only out for a short time. I didn’t even know it was back out again until I saw this sad story on Facebook. Side effects of any medication should always be discussed, and the fact that you need to sign a consent form before giving the injection scares me. You don’t sign a consent form for an oral or topical heartworm prevention and as far as I know you should only need to sign a consent form when your pet is being sedated or going under anesthesia.
So sad, thanks for spreading the word.
I was hoping you would weigh in Jen. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I also was freaked out by the consent form. It was like a red flag. I am so sorry Ashley did not get that form. I suspect most pet owners would say no if they were asked to sign one before letting their dog receive a drug of any kind.
What an awful thing to happen! I sometimes feel bad to be asking our vet so many questions. Almost like I don’t really trust him though he’s so far been excellent. Lucky he’s a patient man! Better to be irritating than sorry, right?