Safety Profile of Moxidectin (ProHeart 6) and Two Oral Heartworm Preventives in Dogs

Abstract

Medical records of a nationwide veterinary practice (Banfield, the Pet Hospital) were evaluated to determine the incidence of adverse events and particular health prob- lems following administration of the sus- tained-release injectable heartworm preventive moxidectin (ProHeart 6), 2 oral monthly heartworm preventives, and/or vac- cines in dogs. Similar information was reviewed for dogs receiving neither heart- worm preventives nor vaccines. The safety profile of these products was comparable. However, ProHeart 6 was associated with a 27% increased risk of mast cell tumor (2.1 per 10,000 exposures), while one of the oral heartworm preventives was associated with