Ivomec Mange Treatment

Mange can be an itchy, uncomfortable skin disease for both dogs and cats. Worse, it can be passed from one pet to another, and in some cases can be passed from an animal to a human. Medication is available to treat mange, including Ivomec.

  1. Mange

    • Mange is a skin disorder caused by mites. It can occur in animals like dogs, cats and rabbits. The mites live on an animal's skin and inside its hair follicles. Mange is characterized by symptoms like patchy hair loss around the face and head of the infected animal, intense itching and reddened skin. Mange can lead to secondary bacterial skin infections, according to the ASPCA.

    Ivomec

    • Ivomec is a brand name for the anti-parasite medication ivermectin. It is most effectively used against external parasites like lice and mites and against internal parasites like intestinal worms. Ivomec is prescribed by veterinarians in small animal practices to combat the mites that cause sarcoptic, notoedric and demodectic mange. It can be administered to an animal orally or by injection.

    Side Effects

    • While ivermectin will not cause side effects in low doses, like those administered monthly to protect an animal from heartworm, it can cause side effects in the larger doses needed to kill the mites that cause mange. Possible side effects include dilated pupils and a staggering, drunken gait. Serious side effects involve respiratory paralysis, which can lead to death, according to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center.

    Complications

    • Ivomec should not be combined with certain drugs to avoid adverse reactions. If an animal is taking Ivomec for mange treatment, then it should not be given Valium or sedatives like it because this can lead to unintended sedation. A veterinarian can determine if it is safe to combine Ivomec with certain flea treatments or if they will combine to overload an animal's system with insecticidal medication.

    Considerations

    • Because ivermectin tastes very bitter, it can be a challenge to give Ivomec to an animal orally. Certain breeds of dog are likely to carry a mutant gene that will make them more sensitive to Ivomec, which can result in a greater risk of side effects. These breeds include Collies, Shetland and Old English sheepdogs and Australian shepherds, although the gene can show up in dogs of other breeds.