Ivermectin Toxicosis

[Hurleybear]

We discovered that our dog has a reaction to Ivermectin. His symptoms began about 18 hours after the 1% Ivermec shot. Our vet gave him 50 cc's of fluids and did a blood test. She said his results were not way out of whack, but if you have ever witnessed your dog reacting to this drug it is awful.

He has the following symptoms: Dilated pupils, Depression, Excessive drooling, Tremors
Disorientation, head butting and Weakness

His digestive and urinary systems seem to be working. And we can get him up and around but it is very hard for him to stand/walk. At least when he sleeps his tremors stop.

Three questions:
1. Will daily fluid and/or nutrition supplements via IV help him progress more rapidly towards recovery?
2. When can we expect to see some signs of improvement?
3. How long will his recovery take?

I have been looking all over the web and have not found very definitive answers to any of these questions.

[karynh]

Our new puppy Bella is 8 months old.  We just got her from a animal rescue.  She is thought to be Shepard/Lab Retriever.  Brought her to the vet for a check up after we got her.  She had been scratching a lot.  Checked for fleas and she didn't have them.  Had a patch of dry skin which was scrapped and tested.  It came back positive for Demodectic Mange.  We were prescribed Ivermectin.  The dose is .5ml once a day for 60 days.  This made me nervous after reading up on this and your post.  We really are not completely sure of her breed.  So far showing no reactions, but the sratching has not stopped either.  Should I be concerned?

[Ghilly]

Yes, that's why I asked what breed he is.  The blood brain barrier in collies and in breeds developed using the collie is a lot thinner, allowing things to pass through that normally would not in other breeds, so collies and breeds that the collie was used to develop should not be given ivermectin unless the situation is life threatening.  

How is he doing?  Are there any changes for the positive yet?  I'm so sorry that you're going through this, it's horrible when they're sick and we can't do anything ourselves to help them.  :(

Ghilly

[suzi-q]

Please post your question on the "Ask a Vet" forum...The doctor there will post back an answer to you in a day or two.  Best of luck to your pooch...Hope he is better very soon.

[Hurleybear]

We thought he was a Golden/Samoyed mix. I now know collie breeds have adverse reactions to ivermectin--other mixed breeds may be sensitive as well. So he may have some collie in him, too.

[Ghilly]

What breed of dog is he?

Ghilly