What is Parasitic Drug (Ivermectin) Poisoning?
Poisoning by use of ivermectin is well documented. Most cases of adverse reaction result due to overdose of the product, and toxicity due to sensitivity because of a genetic mutation; MDR1 (multi-drug resistance gene), specific to certain breeds. This medication is given orally (tablets, liquids, pastes), by injection, and as a topical solution against mites. Signs of poisoning are many and include blindness, tremors, and uncoordinated movements as a result of nerve and brain toxicity . There is no treatment for the poisoning; supportive measures are the only care available (though in cases of oral administration induction of vomiting and administration of activated charcoal often occur ). Early and aggressive supportive care allows for a good prognosis for recovery.
Ivermectin is used in the treatment of parasitic diseases, one of the most well known being heartworm disease. Ivermectin belongs to the avermectin family of drugs and has been approved for multiple uses. Toxicity has been documented, with adverse effects due to the cross between the blood brain barrier.
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Symptoms of Parasitic Drug (Ivermectin) Poisoning in Dogs
Symptoms of ivermectin poisoning can appear approximately within 5 hours to 24 hours after the administration of the drug.
- Dilation of pupils
- Abnormal reflex of pupils
- Vomiting
- Abnormal behavior
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Stupor
- Low body temperature
- Hypersalivation
- Loss of body control
- Inability to stand
- Respiratory collapse
- Seizure
- Death
Types
Poisoning will occur as a result of overdosage, as well as sensitivity to the drug due to the MDR1 genetic mutation. Breeds documented as having a predisposition to this problem are as follows.
- Collie
- Old English and Shetland Sheepdogs
- Australian, English, and German Shepherds
- McNab
- Silken Windhound
- Long Haired Whippet
- Herding breed cross
Causes of Parasitic Drug (Ivermectin) Poisoning in Dogs
- Administration error (for example, an owner gives part of a tablet meant for a larger dog to their smaller dog)
- Doubling up of a missed dose
- Drug interaction with another medication
- MDR1 mutation in susceptible breeds
- Licking off of topical solution by your pet, or licking the solution off of an animal housemate
- Use of livestock ivermectin on domestic animals
Diagnosis of Parasitic Drug (Ivermectin) Poisoning in Dogs
The sooner the symptoms of poisoning appear, the more serious the toxic effects will be. If you have given your pet a treatment of ivermectin, if he has accidentally ingested the drug, or if you have administered a topical dose and see signs that show he is suffering from toxicity, immediate veterinary care is essential. Take your canine companion to the veterinarian or emergency clinic right away, bringing the drug packaging if available.
Diagnosis will be based on clinical signs, the first symptom often seen is dilated pupils. There is no test available for ivermectin poison confirmation other than the serum ivermectin concentration found in the blood. Test results are not always immediate; therefore, action will be taken most likely before the results are known.
Treatment of Parasitic Drug (Ivermectin) Poisoning in Dogs
The veterinary team will begin supportive care immediately which may include treatment for shock, intravenous fluids, eye lubrication, and corticosteroids. In some cases, active charcoal will be used in an attempt to bind the poison together for quicker expulsion from the body. Gastric lavage will be done if deemed helpful and appropriate.
A diagnosis of ivermectin poisoning will mean a hospital stay for your canine family member. As the effects of the toxin can be quite severe, a lengthy stay is typically the case. It is not unusual in the first hours and days of treatment for a canine to have a decline in health as the toxins take more effect, and then a gradual improvement as the therapy enables your pet to improve. During the hospital stay, the veterinary team will work to ensure that your dog is as comfortable as possible. Clean bedding will always be in place, and the team will move your dog’s position regularly to aid in his well-being.
Your pet will probably be sedated for much of the time as he recovers because there may be a need for medication to control seizures or tremors, for example, and it is not uncommon for treatment to include mechanical ventilation in serious cases. Studies have shown that many canines will have effects like recumbency (periods of complete rest), coma, seizure, and inability to eat or drink, among other effects before recovery takes place. The recovery can be very slow, meaning weeks to months, before your pet returns to normal.
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Recovery of Parasitic Drug (Ivermectin) Poisoning in Dogs
When your dog is released from the hospital, he may need extra care from you at home as he recovers. Many dogs will have a convalescence stage of several weeks to months as they improve in health. Your veterinarian will be available and willing to assist you in many ways as you take care of your beloved family member.
It is crucial to note and remember that when using the drug ivermectin, advice and monitoring by your veterinarian is paramount.
'Allergic shock' is possible because if the ivermectin kills heartworm larvae that are present in the dog, the sudden death of the larvae can cause a reaction. As well, if there are heartworms present in a pet, and ivermectin is administered, the dead parasites can remain in the arteries and heart, causing an obstruction. This is why a heartworm test must be done before administration and if they are found they must be removed with another medication first.
Parasitic Drug (Ivermectin) Poisoning Average Cost
From 57 quotes ranging from $500 - $8,000
Average Cost
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Parasitic Drug (Ivermectin) Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Maltese
Tucker
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Blindness
My dog ingested livestock ivermectin, and has gone blind. He has been in the hospital for 4 days, and while there they've give him both fluids and activated charcoal. He is being released today. His pupils started reacting to light yesterday, but since then there have been no improvements. What is the likely hood that he will regain his eye sight?
Feb. 21, 2018
0 Recommendations
Ivermectin induced blindness may reverse but there are no solid guarantees that sight will be restored; recovery may take a few weeks so you would need to be patient. I cannot find any specific statistics or data which would be able to give you a better idea. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Feb. 21, 2018
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German Shepherd
mark
6 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Walk Unevenly
i have overdose neomec 10mg tab to my dog but he is fine only difference i am seeing was unsteadiness when walking buy he is looking good it is almost 20 hours back i give him tablet when he can be normal. just saw a slight different in walk rather than that is find
Feb. 3, 2018
1 Recommendations
Overdose of Neomec (ivermectin) may cause neurological symptoms when in high enough doses; there is no specific treatment but due to enterohepatic recirculation, you can administer activated charcoal initially at 1-2g/kg (0.5-1g/lb) then at 0.5-1g/kg (0.25-0.5g/lb) every eight hours until 36 hours after ingestion. You should also visit your Veterinarian to assess symptoms to determine if any additional care is required. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.cliniciansbrief.com/sites/default/files/attachments/Ivermectin%20Toxicosis.pdf
Feb. 3, 2018
Our doctor prescribed 3 neomac 10 at once and repeat it after 10 days. Now we find our doggy has some problem with his hind leg. What to do?
March 3, 2018
D R.
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Chihuahua
Tiny
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Hi my 8yr old chihuahua cross was given ivomec last week and now she is vomiting and just isn’t her happy self anymore she even twitching 😢 The veterinarian that visits our village won’t be back until March.& the next town is 3hrs away what can I do for her? 😢🙏🏼
Jan. 29, 2018
0 Recommendations
If the cause of the symptoms is due to ivermectin poisoning, there is no direct treatment apart from supportive care; however, a week is a long time for symptoms to develop. Whilst I understand that a Veterinarian may be three hours away, I cannot recommend anything for you to do at home and the symptoms may be due to a different cause. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Jan. 29, 2018
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Labradinger
Maggie
4 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Vomiting
I had been at the stables with my dog, when we arrived home she started shaking and deteriorating rapidly so rushed her to vets. They tried to sedate her with diazepam which didn't work as she was seizing so they put her under anaesthetic. At this point I hadn't realised she had been sick in the back of the car, it was mostly horse poo but being a lab she would sniff around the horses feed bowls and eat any spillage. They ran tests but as I hadn't seen she had been sick we had no idea what we were dealing with. They kept her in over night but every time they reduced the amount of anaesthetic she would start seizing again. So she started showing signs of illness at 4pm and by 5am the following day the vet said she wasn't improving so there was nothing else to do but put her to sleep.
I now realise she had probably eaten horse wormer and having read this article it seems there may have been hope and she could've recovered if she'd been given more time. If we'd realised earlier it was ivermectin could she have been treated differently or given more time? Especially as she'd probably vomited up most of the wormer.
We kept asking if there was any chance she might still recover and the vet was adamant she wouldn't.
Dec. 22, 2017
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question - I'm so sorry for your loss, that is very sad. If she did eat ivermectin, the margin of safety for that drug is small. A dosage for a horse would easily kill a dog, and there really isn't any treatment for it other than long term life support on ventilators and being hospitalized until it clears their system, which can take weeks to months, depending on the overdose. It is possible that it was any number of other toxins or overdosage of medications, and without knowing what it was, all you could have done is treat her signs. I am truly sorry for you, and for Maggie.
Dec. 22, 2017
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. If it is any consolation, we are offering a special on Frontline products for any pets you purchase in the future. Our inceticides should always be used on any animals you may have. Horses, dogs, cats, etc. Our motto is "big or small, innoculate them all!". Please don't misunderstand my motive here. It is not to profit on the monthly chemical treatments of all of your pets/animals. I got into the inceticide-sales business because heartworm can be very scary stuff. Not to "sell the fear"...but, you don't want to lose any of your loved ones to heartworm...do you?
Aug. 2, 2018
Gold S.
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Parasitic Drug (Ivermectin) Poisoning Average Cost
From 57 quotes ranging from $500 - $8,000
Average Cost
$4,000
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