Since Heartworm season is coming up, we will continue this discussion of Heartworm prevention with other available formulations, so stay tuned!!
For the second time in less than a year, we have been presented with a case of Ivermectin toxicity. In both of the cases, the owner purchased the Ivermectin from a feed store where they were instructed on the "proper" dose. Unbeknownst to them these owners were drastically overdosing their pets, and in a few short hours the pet began to show signs of toxicity which are vomitng, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, disorientation and blindness. If severe enough, Ivermectin toxicity can lead to death. Ivermectin is a drug labeled for use in cattle and swine. The picture to the left shows the bottle. Notice the label on the bottle. Pictured on the front is a cow and a pig. Do you see a picture of a dog or a cat? No! The reason being is because this formulation of Ivermectin is not labeled for use in the dog or the cat. So, if it is not labeled for use in the dog or the cat, maybe, just maaaaaaaybe, it might be dangerous. And the fact of the matter is that it is VERY dangerous. Call me crazy; call me irrational; call me anything you want, but just don't call me in the middle of the night when your dog is suffering from Ivermectin toxicity! Well, actually, I am kidding about not calling me. You can call me, but just realize a late night emergency Now in this picture to the left you will notice the active ingredient is in fact Ivermectin. That is because it is in a very precisely calculated dose for a particular weight. The amount of Ivermectin needed to prevent heartworms is a small amount and that tiny dose is injected into the meaty chew in a Heartgard Chewable so that it is very safe.
Since Heartworm season is coming up, we will continue this discussion of Heartworm prevention with other available formulations, so stay tuned!!
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Dr. Haley Hydrick Clark
Dr. Haley Hydrick Clark graduated from the University of Georgia in 1998 with a degree in Animal Science and from Tuskegee University in 2002 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine. Archives
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