Cydectin Lice Treatment for Goats

Cydectin Only Approved For Use On Goats By Veterinarian Recommendation

• Usage instructions for goats won't be found on the Cydectin product label because the medication is actually not approved for use on goats, according to the Southern Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (SCSRPC). In fact, the only appropriate manner in which Cydectin can be used on goats is under "extra-label" recommendation by a licensed veterinarian. As such, all individuals considering use of this medication need to consult with a trusted veterinarian prior to administering the substance to goats. Extra-label use of Cydectin without consultation with a veterinarian is, in fact, one of the reasons so much misinformation exists about the drug. Without expert guidance, properly employing this medication for parasite control in goats is likely to be poorly done and may have serious consequences for goat health. According to Clear Creek Farms, a Tennessee goat farm, Cydectin is, "the wormer of last resort". Such potent medication should not be used lightly.

Potential Links to Reproductive Harm

• One of the most common complaints regarding the use of Cydectin on goats is the potential effect it has on pregnant does (dams) and infants (kids). Some farmers swear that abortive pregnancies, infant fatalities, and health problems in dams can be linked to Cydectin; however, no conclusive scientific studies confirm these suspicions. Fias Co. Farm, a goat care, health, and husbandry resource, recommends avoiding use on pregnant does altogether. Although they state that Cydectin is effective for parasite control in goats, they indicate that as a matter of practice they do not use Cydectin on their own goats.

Various Forms Of Cydectin

• Cydectin is administered in one of three ways: orally, via injection, or as a pour-on. The oral method has been traditionally the method of choice when this medication has been given to goats; according to the SCSRPC, though, in recent months official recommendations for use have switched to the injectable form, which was recently approved by the FDA. Worms constantly adapt, growing resistant to the most ubiquitous forms of treatments and thus rendering them useless. Injections of Cydectin remain in the goats' system for an amount of time equal to that of the oral form, but their therapeutic effectiveness is much higher. In short, this reduces the ability of worms to subsist in the presence of non-lethal amounts of medication, and develop a resistance to the drug. Fias Co. Farm specifically advises against using the pour-on formula which is primarily used for external parasites like lice, ticks, and fleas. Correlations between declines in goat health and this form of Cydectin are the strongest of those suspected, but as yet are unconfirmed.

Use Extreme Caution and Consult With Your Veterinarian About Cydectin

• Even without conclusive scientific evidence regarding the effect of Cydectin on dams and kids, the simple fact that this medication is not approved for goat use should give pause to conscientious goat farmers. In certain cases, Cydectin can still be a suitable form of parasite control in your goats; indeed, if your veterinarian recommends it for a particular reason then you should defer to his expertise. For daily use, or use without consultation with a trusted veterinarian, all goat farmers should find medications that are approved for use on goats and have undergone significant safety testing. Parasites can be a great hazard to your goats' health; the wrong medication, or misuse of the right medication, can often be an even greater risk. Work closely with your vet to determine the best method of treatment for your particular situation.