ivermectin and dogs

[hersheesmom]

I had heard that some people use Cattle or horse Ivermectin on their dogs. Do any of you do that and if so how do you dose?

 

[Riverrose28]

The only thing I know about this drug is not to let your dog get ahold of the paste version, as it can be lethal. I don't know about the injections that are used for cattle. Don't the vets usually prescribe a pill or tab that contains cianide for heart worms? I give heart guard and I don't have the package in front of me but I think it contains cianide. I would also be interested in others view on this subject, maybe Dr. Taylor will sign on.

 

[hersheesmom]

Yes they do... Heart guard. it is expensive and I have 9 dogs. I had only heard that some of the herding dogs cant take it. I used to mix the liquid with water and give it orally but I cant remember the recipe nor the per pound amount. I had a mini friend who gave her corgi paste but never had a problem.

 

[Riverrose28]

I know what you mean about it being expensive, I have six dogs myself, two bullies that we bought, and four rescues we adopted. Two of the rescues are 14 years old. Last year with money being so tight I didn't purchase hearworm meds for the two old guys, it might seem like neglect to some, but they spend most of their time in the house sleeping with all the comforts. I also gave my own five ways, purchased at the feed store and only had to get rabies at a clinic. We volunteer in a neighboring county for a rescue so cost was only $5. In our county dogs need a rabies every year instead of every three so it works out for us to have it done at a clinic instead of the vet. Only thing I regret about this economy is that my guys didn't get a physical this spring as usually so I have started saving already for next spring from my retirement check. Hopefully next year will be better for all of us and our animals.

 

[hersheesmom]

6 of mine are show dogs and they dont spend much time outside either. The other 3 are house pets, tiny toy poodles. I wont give them anything other than the 2 pound heart guard. I also give my own vaccines except rabies. They all go to the vet for that. I even give an extra influenza to those that are showing.

 

[bevann]

Many years ago when I was showing and raising German Shepherds my vet suggested that I use liquid ivermectin for my dogs as heartworm preventative.We weighed each dog and he figured the dose.I used a very small syringe smaller than a pencil in diameter to measure the dose.You must have each dog checked to make sure that it does not have heartworms before using the meds or you can cause serious problems.Now I have only 2 Corgis and they are on tabs each month.Maybe your vet will work with you in this tough economy.

 

[anoki]

There have been some studies done on this, and many people have given dogs liquid ivermectin as parasite control for their dogs. From what I have read on it, ivermectin in the liquid form is more safe to give even if your dog develops heartworm than some of the products on the market.

HOWEVER (and that is a BIG however), you have to be extremely cautious on dosage. Dogs need very, VERY little of the drug. They can very easily become disoriented, paralyzed, and even worse die from slight overdosing. I don't know what the off label dosage is for dogs.

The other extremely important thing to know is what breed your dog is. There are several herding breeds (mostly the collie family, also Australian Shepherds, and I have heard German Shepherds as well) that have a very high sensitivity to the drug, which means the drug is pretty much lethal to them.

There is a test available through WSU that can determine whether your dog has the sensitivity or not.

http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-VCPL/index.aspx

Yes, I have had to treat a Cardigan corgi with the liquid ivermectin with no adverse effects, and I know of breeders out there who use it with no problem.

I would not suggest EVER treating a dog with paste ivermectin whatsoever.

~kathryn

 

[hersheesmom]

If I remember we diluted it 1 cc of ivomec to 9 cc water. I think that way it was 1 cc per 10 pounds, Im just not sure. My dogs have been on sentinal and all neg for HW in the past 6 months. I was just trying to remember.

 

[drmatthewtaylor]

I sympathize with the frustration about the cost. Unfortunately, we have no control over that.

Certainly there are other choices, some better than others.

I hope everyone understands, but I'm pretty limited with what I can say in an open forum like this (don't PM me about it either).

I would encourage you to have a conversation with your Vet. I can't promise anything, but if your relationship is good, your Vet can go over the choices with you.

Dr Taylor

 

[Jill]

I've never done it. One of our dogs is a collie and there can be issues w/ some herding dogs. Our shih-tzu's... how would I dose it small enough? We just buy the stuff that is made for dogs and what we use is ivermectin free.

 

[hersheesmom]

Ok Im good now. Back to the sentinal... Dr Matt, please tell your dad Lyn Jacobs says hi!

 

[dianemcc]

Cattle dogs can not have Ivermectin products either.. Had a vet to give my show female some and it ended bad...