Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect dogs, and in some cases cats. Heartworms reside within the large vessesls of the heart, and the heart itself. This parasite can cause serious and permanent damage to the circulatory system, which can in turn cause congestive heart failure, breathing problems, and death.
Heartworm disease can be prevented by a simple, once monthly dosing of heartworm preventative, such as Intercepter, Advantage Multi or Heartgard. These preventatives, however, can cause a life-threatening reaction if given to a pet that already has heartworm disease.
Due to this, Brighton-Eggert's medical standard is that your pet receives preventative once monthly, year round, and and is tested every other year for heartworm disease. We also recommend that you test your pet before starting the preventative, or if you have lapsed on treatment for 2 months or more. Novartis, Merial, Bayer and Pfizer guarantee their products only if the testing protocol is followed.
I understand by giving a heartworm preventative without the recommended testing could cause serious side effects. I also understand that by not re-testing every 2 years, the guarantee put forth by Norvartis, Merial, Bayer and Pfizer is null and void. By signing this waiver I agree not to hold Brighton Eggert Animal Clinic, its staff and agents, responsible for any side effects brought forth from this medication.