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Off-Label Usages of


Ivermectin in Dogs by Bill Ormston, DVM


I


vermectin is used to treat both demodectic and sarcoptic mange in dogs. Ivermectin used in high dosages is considered to be an off-label use as the drug is not


approved by the FDA when used at these dosages. Off- label usage is common and ivermectin is frequently used by veterinarians to treat mange in dogs, but dog owners should be aware that the dosages are much different than those dosages used for monthly heartworm prevention.


While ivermectin is considered to be a reasonably safe drug, even at dosages used for treatment of mange in dogs, side ef- fects can occur. In addition, some dogs may harbor a genetic predisposition to ivermectin sensitivity which places them at further risk, especially when ivermectin is used at higher dosages.


Side effects most commonly seen with ivermectin are: • depression • lethargy • vomiting • diarrhea


• lack of appetite • incoordination • seizures • excessive salivation


Ivermectin should not be used in high dosages with valium or tranquilizers related to valium, amitraz dips, collars or topical treatments, or Comfortis® due to the potential of adverse drug interactions.


DOGS WITH A GENETIC SENSITIVITY TO IVERMECTIN Breeds that may possess a genetic sensitivity to ivermectin are Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs and Old English Sheepdogs, al- though genetic sensitivities have been seen in individuals outside of these breeds as well. A blood test that detects the genetic muta- tion responsible for the ivermectin sensitivity is available and may be advisable for high-risk dogs before administration of high dos- ages of ivermectin. Heartworm preventive dosages of ivermectin are normally low enough to be safe for these high-risk dogs.


Symptoms such as uncoordination and dilated pupils are of particular concern and can lead to death if treatment is not sought immediately.


28 | www.holistichorse.com


SOURCE Wins First HH Sustainability Award


Holistic Horse Magazine is proud to announce that SOURCE, Inc. is the winner of its 2011 Sustainability Award. The award is given to a company whose products or ser- vices are environmentally conscience to the sustainability of the planet.


SOURCE is a company that embodies the very definition of sustainable. Their seaweed-based micronutrient supplements are marketed worldwide and include products specifically formulated for horses, dogs and people. The micronutrients are derived from “herbs of the oceans,” as Susan Domizi, company founder, passionately calls the seaweeds containing the micronutrients in SOURCE products.


“We want this resource to be as healthy for our great grandchildren as it is today,” Domizi says. “We wouldn’t permit harvesting methods that would harm our treasured resource.” The legendary benefits of SOURCE contribute to the long-term maintenance of well-being for both humans and animals. As a founding member of an association whose Mission Statement is “to protect and promote the sustain- able harvest of macroalgae,” SOURCE has been instrumen- tal in successfully working to develop the first legislation that protects a critical species.


Years of difficulties associated with hand harvesting led Domizi to develop her own unique mechanical harvest- ers. These not only enable a more efficient way to harvest the seaweeds, they also guarantee the protection of the resource. Cutting height is now regulated to ensure healthy re-growth and is monitored on an ongoing basis.


Harvests are carefully scheduled in northern cold waters for specifically selected points in the growth cycle of each spe- cies to obtain optimal nutritional benefit. Innovative special- ized processing techniques and extraordinary quality control ensure the maximum potential effectiveness of the naturally occurring micronutrients. Every component of the final proprietary blend undergoes extensive laboratory analyses which far exceed any state or FDA requirements.


From the ocean waters to the final ingredients, everyone at SOURCE is devoted to providing exceptional nutritional products to support the healthy “long-term maintenance” of humans and their cherished animals. At the same time, their energies are focused on protecting this magnificent resource and ensuring that its use is sustainable.


Holistic Horse™ • February/March 2012 • Vol.19, Issue 77


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