HOUSTON -- A heartworm medication was pulled from the shelves after dogs apparently died from it, Local 2 reported Tuesday.

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Vet Explains How Drug Was Used

Three years ago, veterinarians began to use ProHeart 6. It only had to be administered to dogs twice a year instead of the typical, monthly dose.

Houstonian Steve Stazo believes his Springer-spaniel, Max, died from ProHeart 6.

"He loved and licked the kids," Stazo said. "Beware of what you're giving your dog."

At the Food and Drug Administration's request, ProHeart 6's maker pulled the heartworm preventative off the market.

"We had one (dog) that did die," said Dr. Ben Tharp, a veterinarian. "It was terrible."

Tharp is the vet for Radar, Local 2's weather dog.

He said he used ProHeart 6 in his practice for 2½ years.

Even though one of his canine patients died, he still believes the drug was safe.

"The general population -- heartworms is a whole lot bigger problem than the reactions we saw from the drug," Tharp said.

The FDA said over the past three years, approximately 5,000 animals have had an adverse reaction to ProHeart 6. About 500 have died.

But officials said that millions of dogs were given the drug without any problems.

Kelly Goss, a spokeswoman for the maker of ProHeart 6, released the following statement:

"We are saddened by any news of a pet's illness or loss. Based on a thorough evaluation of FDA data and consultation with independent experts in veterinary medicine and epidemiology, Fort Dodge Animal Health remains confident in the safety and efficacy of ProHeart 6."

Some dog owners wanted to know how they can tell if their pet was given ProHeart 6.

Vets said ProHeart 6 was the only heartworm medicine that was administered as an injection.

"If you had the injection, most of the real severe reactions are very, very soon after you give it," Tharp said.

More Information:

FDA Letter About ProHeart 6
Fort Dodge Animal Health News Release About Recall