Re: Revolution

[BernerFolk]

In a message dated 3/19/2003 10:27:23 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

> what are people's opinions on Revolution? 

I don't have one...yet <g>.  I like to see new products in wide usage before 
I try them as the testing prior to market release is on a very small scale.  
It's really after there's significant market penetration that you can start 
to get a good idea of possible side affects and the rate of negative 
reactions. 

I also shy away from products that include add'l active ingredients for 
parasites I don't have to address.  For example, I prefer Heartgard 
(ivermectin) over Heartgard Plus (ivermectin + pyrantel) because all I need 
is heartworm protection.  I've never had a problem with ascarids or hookworms 
so why administer a toxin to treat them?

Revolution is effective against a bunch of stuff (but NOT ticks).  Read the 
material carefully to see if it's one chemical that has broad affect or 
whether it's a combination of things that deal with problems you don't have.  
The latter can be primarily a marketing creation rather than one based on 
need.
 
>  Suggestions?

If fleas are the only critter you want to address, you might want to look at 
Program.  I haven't researched it, but the premise of preventing the 
formation of chitin (which mammals don't have) is promising to me.  You 
should be able to find adverse reactions for all of the vet prescribed 
products somewhere on the FDA website.

Another option for fleas only is a service like Fleabusters (or 
do-it-yourself) that dusts your home with finely powdered borax.  As far as I 
know, Borax is not toxic per se, but you do have to be cautious with the 
dust...it's not something you want to breathe in.

If you're dealing with fleas and ticks then you have only a few choices in 
the current generation of veterinary products (Frontline, Advantage, 
Revolution, Program, Preventic).  

Frontline is the only one of these products that's effective against both 
fleas and ticks.  In this case, I would use the Frontline Plus as the plus is 
an insect growth regulator (ie: very species specific) to short circuit the 
flea's repro cycle so you don't maintain a flea population in your home.

The alternative is to combine a flea product such as Program with the 
Preventic collar which is effective against ticks IF properly fitted and 
replaced on schedule.  I believe the collar's problematic if your dogs get 
wet and it can be toxic of chewed. If you choose a combination approach, 
check to be sure that the components are compatible.

Of course, if you have puppies you also have to consider safety for them and 
a nursing dam.  I haven't researched that at all...

-Sherri Venditti