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
Country
July
10 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
Hi ..we gave extra tablets to our pet ..the tablet is ivermectin..now it has lethargy ..dilated pupil..can't stand ..reply for this question sir I want to know whether the effects will return back to normal ?
Sept. 15, 2017
1 Recommendations
Some breeds of dogs are sensitive to ivermectin (and other medications) due to the MDR1 gene which is common in Collie breeds and others; this is why ivermectin isn’t approved for use in dogs and is used extra label by Veterinarians at their discretion in certain cases. I would strongly suggest visiting a Veterinarian immediately to determine July’s overall condition. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.cliniciansbrief.com/sites/default/files/attachments/Ivermectin%20Toxicosis.pdf
http://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/problem-drugs
www.aht.org.uk/cms-display/genetics_mdr.html
Sept. 15, 2017
How long does ivermectin stay viable in frozen Horse manure
Feb. 4, 2018
Karyn G.
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Mixed
Hero
5 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Weakness
Blindness,
Unable To Stand And Walk Like Normal
Keep Fall Down
Vomit Yellow Color Fluid
Hi, my dog have a tablet of parasite drug last week and my dad gave another kind of parasite drug in powder form yesterday. This cause overdose of parasite drug and i found my dog suffer blindness in this morning. I unable to get a vet to treat my dog since all the doctors are away. A vet assistant said it caused by overdose of parasite drug and it is temporary blindness. He gave a bottle of fish oil supplement for my dog. May i know any other steps or treatments for my dog?
July 26, 2017
2 Recommendations
Blindness isn’t a common symptom in dogs for ivermectin toxicity (more common in cats). Ivermectin toxicity can be severe and may require long-term supportive care. Eye ointment for lubrication may be required and ensure that Hero remains hydrated; I cannot prescribe anything as I haven’t examined Hero, but as soon as a Veterinarian returns go for a visit. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 26, 2017
what to say ...i gt a small dog of 4 weeks only ...no breed ,it was a desi dog , his mother died after giving birth to 10 puppies due to some insect bite...i had no experience of caring a dog but thought dat i will feed one out of dm and take away to hm...wd a normal wooden home made of ply ... i ws happy to feed him thinking that i m doing a great job to make him feed and giving him a good life but today after reading this article i m feeling very bad as i gt to knw dat i m d criminal as d dog was having a little allergy and i have given him a single tab of 10mg to d puppy yest due to a non understanding conversation with the docter, he was ok till yesterday night but when i have seen him in d morning it was something unexpected... he was totally laid and cannot move with legs ... moment i hv seen called d doctor and cleared dat i hv dn a mistake.... still had some hope ...gt hm treated but he didnt survived....really feeling very bad....family told never to think again in lyf for any pet....everybody was attached to him bt it left .....no words more cannt express my frustration on myself.....i m sorry for wt i did..its paining ....wl never do such a mistake in future sorry again
Dec. 29, 2017
Vikas H.
My dog is currently blind because of this parasite drug... Our barn cats or OK tho.
Sept. 10, 2018
Danika L.
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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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