Reaction to Ivermectin hearworm meds.?

This is a placeholder text
Group text

by melba on 16 August 2009 - 11:08

Has anyone ever had or heard of a Malinois having a reaction to Heartguard
or other ivermectin based heartworm meds.? And if so, what symptoms
presented themselves.Thank you.

Melissa

by Kuehnie on 16 August 2009 - 15:08

Hi Melissa,

I personally haven't known of any Malinois that reacted to Ivermectin, but the potential exists for any breed of dog to react to the parasiticide, especially if they receive too large of a dose. There are some herding breeds like Collies, Bearded Collies, and Australian Shepherds that show a genetic ivermectin sensitivity that can result in respiratory paralysis and death.

According to Merial Ltd and the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology, the symptoms associated with Ivermectin poisoning are depression/lethargy, coma, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, mydriasis (excessive dilation of the pupils), ataxia (incoordination) staggering, convulsions, paralysis, hypersalivation, and death.

I hope that helps a little!

Cheers,
Carissa

by MVF on 16 August 2009 - 15:08

The ivermectin studies were compromised in my opinion. After my wife's sheltie died following an ivermectin dose, I went back and examined the orginal scanned documents associated with the Merck studies. MANY dogs who did not do well on the drug were removed from the study along the way, yet the official % deemed sensitive to the drug was based only on those who stayed in the study. Hence, it is my view that the % of dogs sensitive to ivermectin is probably much higher than officially reported.

I think any herding breed needs to be treated at first with a partial dose only before going to the full dose. That is not official veterinarian policy, but you can insist on it.

by malshep on 16 August 2009 - 18:08

Hi Melissa, the collie breed appears to be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, but at the dosage for heartworm prophylaxis is generally believed to be safe. Remember that for the prevention of heartworm you are working with micrograms dosages. Many of the acute toxicity happens when given very high doses of milligrams per kilogram. My DS and my mal are on Heartgard with no issues. Make sure you talk to your vet and of coarse get your dogs heartworm tested before you start any heartworm prev. I dose year around. I hope this helps.
Always,
Cee

by yellowrose of Texas on 16 August 2009 - 22:08

I have used Ivermec/heartguard and Ivermec treatment on only gsd for 20 yrs...but I do the doasge very low .low , low...never every had heartworms...
'
I also skip a month every 3 months, just my invention and it has always worked and I have my own way of doing these kinds of medication...I also do not give rabies until 6 mos. old ,,do not care what the state laws say...My pups will not have a rabies shot until 6 mos old...

Yr

by Uber Land on 17 August 2009 - 02:08

there is a test that you can do to see if your dog carries the gene to be sensitive to Ivemect. I know some breeders who have been testing their stock for the sensitivity

MDR1 http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-vcpl/

by MVF on 17 August 2009 - 15:08

thnx uberland -- a genetic test is just what is needed.

Contact information Disclaimer Privacy Statement Copyright Information Terms of Service Cookie policy ↑ Back to top

Reaction to Ivermectin hearworm meds.? - Page 1

Pedigree Database