Novartis, the makers of Interceptor and Sentinel (popular heartworm preventatives), Deramaxx (an anti-inflammatory), and Clomicalm (an anti-anxiety) have had to temporarily shut down one of their manufacturing facilities.  Therefore, once our stock is depleted, we will be unable to provide these medications until further notice. 

The factory shutdown involved a problem with human medications produced in the facility.  No animal medications were affected, but the plant can only be re-opened with FDA approval.  This process can take many months.  We would like to encourage our pet owners to switch to either Heartgard (produced by Merial) or Trifexis (produced by Elanco/Lilly) to ensure that your pets stay protected from heartworm disease.  Please don't hesitate to call us if you have any questions regarding this unfortunate situation.

The doctors and staff at Commonwealth Animal Hospital are dedicated to providing you with important information and updates that may affect you.

 This notice is to inform you that Heartworm Prevention is more important than ever!  Merial, the makers of Immiticide (the only FDA approved drug for the treatment of Heartworm Disease) is currently unable to produce this life saving medication due to a shortage of raw materials.  There is a small supply available, but this stock is being saved and guarded by the manufacturers.  Only the most life-threatening cases will be provided with medication for treatment.

What does this mean for you as a pet owner?  This means that if your pet is exposed to heartworms via mosquito bite and is not currently on a monthly preventative, we may not be able to provide the necessary treatments to control the disease.  Therefore, we are STRONGLY urging all of our canine owning clientele to be diligent with your pet's monthly preventative!  Be sure your dogs are getting a veterinary approved Heartworm Preventative year round!  There are many products available and we are happy to provide assistance and answer any questions you may have while choosing which is right for you and your pet.

We do not have any information about when Immiticide will be available again.  Your diligent use of a monthly preventative all year round to protect your pet against this parasitic disease is your BEST and ONLY defense for the time being.

Please contact us with any questions or concerns you have regarding this notice and visit www.heartwormsociety.org  to stay as informed as possible about this unfortunate situation.

 -Courtney Wright, RVT