Old post, but since I found this, someone else might, and thought I'd add my 2 cents.
I believe people should pick up the phone and call their vet more often.
Ivermectin is used for mites and other parasites. I did a lot of research about it (reading research articles by those doing medical research, not googling it).
My vet would not use it on my rabbits when they had mites because the dose has to be ultra precise with small animals. It has to be diluted to the extreme - I assume she meant for injection purposes.
However, the recent research shows it's the most effective in this form (injectable) as far as people bringing pets back without reoccurrence. I'd advise only a vet to do this sort of thing & figure out what's best for what animal and why.
I think the best prevention, in my experience, are clean surroundings and cages. Bleach (diluted) them out or use a disinfectant, rinse like crazy, and thoroughly dry them out for 24 hours w/ no animals in them. The problem is that the animals shed the eggs, another animal picks them up, and the cycle begins again. If the area is cleaner and housing isn't over crowded - less likely to happen. Also HAY is a hug culprit in carrying eggs/mites/bugs. The irony, at least in the rabbit world, is that my vet said she usually gets buns in with parasites from house rabbits (buns that never go outside). Carpet can hold the bugs, and multiple animals in a house can shed and reinfect others. I now store my hay away from my animals to avoid cross contamination. Yeah they'll (the mites/bugs) always be there, but too many things in close quarters living or food-wise and problems arise.
Overview
Parasitic diseases are common in animals. Parasites can affect the skin, ears, stomach and intestines, and the internal organs including the heart, lungs and liver. Several drugs have been developed to kill or prevent parasites such as fleas, ticks, mites and worms. Ivermectin and related drugs are among the most effective of these.
Ivermectin is a parasite control drug. Ivermectin causes neurologic damage to the parasite, resulting in paralysis and death.
Ivermectin has been used to prevent parasite infections, as with heartworm prevention, and to treat infections, as with ear mites.
Ivermectin is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.
Brand Names and Other Names
This drug is registered for use in animals only.
Human formulations: None
Veterinary formulations: Ivomec
(Merial), Zimectrin
(Farnam), Eqvalan
(Merial), Heartgard
(Merial), Iverhart
(Virbac) and various generic preparations
Uses of Ivermectin
Ivermectin is used to control skin parasites, gastrointestinal parasites and parasites within the bloodstream.
Ivermectin prevents development of heartworm disease in dogs and cats.
Ivermectin can be used in an extra-label manner to kill microfilaria (microscopic offspring) in heartworm infected dogs.
Ivermectin is not effective against tapeworms and liver flukes.
Precautions and Side Effects
While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, ivermectin can cause side effects in some animals.
Ivermectin should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.
Ivermectin should be used with caution in collie breeds or collie mixed breeds due to potential toxic effects. This is particularly true when using higher doses.
Ivermectin should not be used in dogs that are positive for heartworm disease except under strict supervision of a veterinarian.
Prior to starting a heartworm prevention containing ivermectin, the dog should be tested for heartworms.
Ivermectin generally should be avoided in dogs less than 6 weeks of age.
Ivermectin is relatively safe, but overdoses can occur if massive amounts are given or if the drug is given to heartworm positive dogs.
Signs of overdose, including stumbling, tremors, blindness, disorientation or weakness, generally occur within 12 hours of overdose. In heartworm positive dogs, supportive treatment for shock may be required.
Ivermectin should be used with caution at high doses when used with Comfortis, a drug used to treat or prevent flea infestations.
How Ivermectin Is Supplied
Ivermectin is available in 10 mg/ml and 2.7 mg/ml injectable form; 0.153 percent and 1.87 percent paste form; 10 mg/ml liquid oral form and 68 mcg, 136 mcg and 272 mcg tablets.
Heartgard Plus
and Iverhart
are available in various concentrations of ivermectin combined with pyrantel pamoate.
Dosing Information
Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian. The dose for ivermectin varies from species to species and also depends on the intent of treatment. General dosing guidelines follow.
For dogs: Dose is 0.0015 to 0.003 mg per pound (0.003 to 0.006 mg/kg) once a month for heartworm prevention; 0.15 mg per pound (0.3 mg/kg) once, then repeat in 14 days for skin parasites; and 0.1 mg per pound (0.2 mg/kg) once for gastrointestinal parasites.
For cats: Dose is 0.012 mg per pound (0.024 mg/kg) once monthly for heartworm prevention.
The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Even if your pet feels better, the entire treatment plan should be completed to prevent relapse or prevent the development of resistance.
