Inky, Cheryl is holding her mouth to keep her from spitting it out.
Ivory she is saying YUCKO!
Before someone asks, because of our large crew, we buy the ivermec through our vet by the liter and measure it out to the dogs each month. This is cheaper than the Heartgard and more dangerous if you do not keep up with weights. The dogs get a tummy soothing treat after.
I realize you probably didn't intend that as advice, but for others who think it is, using ivomec in this regard does not gaurantee safety or effectiveness.
Ivomec in a 1% solution is an off-label use, and should not be assumed to be safe or effective for any particular dog, since the rate of absorption (or ability to digest) varies per dog, and the amount of the initial ivermectin before mixing is variable per product. There is little safety margin using this method because any dog can recieve too little or too much of the solution, there's no way to determine a safe dose for every dog.
Heartgard is the only ivermectin that carries a full gaurantee of the product should a reaction occur, or should heartworms develop as a failure of the product (when used appropriately and correctly, and when proper testing is utlized as necessary). Of course, use should be limited or restricted in collies and herding dogs, and any other dog who may be prone to a reaction based on health status.
Off-label use of ivermectin is not a solution to cutting corners on the cost of heartworm prevention, owners often incorrectly give the wrong amount, and toxicosis can occur.
Because the drug crosses the brain-barrier in these dogs and can cause a severe central nervous system toxicity.
Yes, applies to Interceptor too for these breeds. When either of the products are used at the lowest dose in heartworm prevention, the risk is lower (as opposed to using them for other uses like demodex mange which requires higher doses), but if you have one of these breeds, consult with your vet about lowest dosing.
The sad thing about it is that owners will incorrectly assume they can get these meds cheaper by buying off-brand meds or solutions and they don't bother to investigate the risks and contraindications.
I see this on other online bulletin boards too, and it makes me very angry. There are alot of people who tell others it's perfectly ok to buy a livestock product, reduce or incorrectly calculate the dose and give it to their pets. The active ingredient in any of these products when bought off the shelf, varies, and one can never truly know a safe dose for any dog, doesn't matter what the breed. People on bulletin boards that propogate this misinformation really tick me off!
