Ivermectin is a powerful medication used to treat several different types of mite infestations in dogs, as well as heartworms and other parasitic infections. It is important to note, however, that as of 2009, the Federal Drug Administration has not approved ivermectin for all prescribed uses. It has also been shown to be a dangerous drug to certain breeds of dogs, including Collies and Australian and German shepherds to name a few. As such, it is critical that you do your research and discuss ivermectin treatment options thoroughly with your veterinarian prior to giving it to your dog.
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Otodectes Cynotis Mite
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Doctors Foster and Smith Pet Education reports that the most common ear mite in dogs is the otodectes cynotis mite. This little mite invades the ear canal of dogs and is extremely contagious, capable of passing quickly from dog to dog, or from dog to cat or other household animals such as rabbits or ferrets. This mite is also capable of living in other areas on your dog's body and must be destroyed immediately to prevent further infestation as well as permanent hearing loss. Insecticides made with ivermectin are available by prescription and can be used to treat your dog's ear mites. Treatment usually lasts anywhere from two to four weeks.
Sarcoptic Mite
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Both VetInfo and The Pet Center indicate that ivermectin is frequently used to treat the sarcoptic mite. Mange, also known as scabies, is a skin condition where sarcoptic mites actually burrow into your dog's skin, causing severe inflammation, itching and loss of fur. Often misdiagnosed as allergic dermatitis, mange is a serious condition that causes skin lesions, crusty patches, scabs and self-mutilation; your poor dog's skin becomes so irritated, he will mutilate himself scratching and biting. Treatment for mange with invermectin can be prescribed by your veterinarian and is performed either by injection or pill.
Demodex Mite
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The demodex mite comes in three forms: canis mite, demodex gatoi mite, or demodex injai mite. This mite is also responsible for the irritating discomfort of mange. This type of mange, called demodectic mange or demodicosis, is not contagious except from mother to puppy during the first week of the puppy's life. Unlike scabies, the demodex mite primarily lives in the dog's hair follicles. There are three distinct ways demodicosis can occur on your dog. First, a localized infestation infects only a small area of the dog's skin, such as the leg or the area around the eye. Second, an all over infestation resembling scabies affects the skin throughout the dog's body. Third, an infestation called demodectic pododermatitis is only on your dog's paws. In 2008, Mar Vista Animal Medical Center listed invermectin as the treatment of choice for dogs suffering from demodicosis.
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