Did you know? Ivermectin and other equine medications can have deadly consequences for some dogs

An active ingredient in many equine deworming products (ivermectin) can have potentially deadly side effects if ingested by common dog breeds with MDR 1 Mutations.

Do you have horses and a Corgi, Border Collie, Australian Shepherd or other herding-type dog? In a recent edition of Equus Magazine, an article discusses the potential effects of dogs accidentally ingesting a equine deworming ingredient, ivermectin.

Ivermectin is an active ingredient in several popular equine deworming products, but is this the first you’ve heard of this potentially deadly combination? Be sure to check the medication’s label to review the active ingredients. In this article, Dr. Deb Eldredge describes the effects of ivermectin toxicity on a Border Collie who luckily only experienced temporary side effects. Another case describes an Australian Shepherd who was not so lucky. Ingesting only dribbles from a horse’s dose or even the feces of a recently dewormed horse can cause this ivermectin toxicity.

Although this medication can be very useful in equine parasite control it may require some additional steps to ensure the safety of all animals on the farm. Not all breeds of dogs are effected the same, only dogs with a MDR 1 Mutation experience these side effects. Furthermore, this isn’t the only medication that can negatively affect these breeds of dogs. Common equine medications such as acepromazine and butorphanol can also have deadly interactions with MDR 1 Mutation dogs. I urge you to visit this article as it provides useful information for horse and dog owners. Dr. Eldredge discusses the importance of following all medication guidelines, and to be sure to use them only for their intended purpose.

To contact an expert in your area, visit people.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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