The Dangers of Ivermectin

If a pet has a problem with parasites, such as mites or mange, a veterinarian might prescribe ivermectin, a topical solution, to fix the problem. This treatment, taken orally, is also used to prevent heartworm in some animals. Though it's an effective anti-parasite medication, ivermectin does have some downsides to consider.

  1. Side Effects

    • An animal on ivermectrin can become weak and disoriented. He might stumble around and seem confused. In an extreme case the medication can cause blindness and tremors. These side effects usually occur due to overdose of the product. Animals under six weeks old should not take this medication.

    Circulatory Shock

    • Giving the medication to an animal that already has heartworm could cause complications as well. Even though ivermectin is a key part of treating heartworm, giving the pet a standard dose without first diagnosing her existing heartworm condition can cause a shock to the animal's circulatory system. A veterinarian must evaluate the animal's condition first, then prescribe and administer the correct amount of ivermectin.

    Interactions

    • Your veterinarian may warn you not to give your pet ivermectin if the animal is on other types of medication. For instance, ivermectin can cause complications in the pet if taken with certain flea medications like Comfortis. It could make the pet more prone to experiencing ivermectrin side effects. If the pet is on a tick medication like Amitraz or a tranquilizer like Valium, these can also cause issues, including extreme sedation and damage to the animal's brain.

    Dangers to Collie Breeds

    • If your dog is a collie breed, the vet may not prescribe ivermectin. An estimated 35% of collie dogs do not have the protection of an important substance called P-glycoprotein. This protein protects the ivermectin from harming the central nervous system of the dog. Sheepdogs can also have issues related to ivermectin due to similar genetic mutations.