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Post by Forum Administrator on Jun 5, 2008 17:47:50 GMT -5
Hmmmm....well I have thought about it and seeing my kits moap and pout because they cant go outside really made me come to a decision. I think I will put them on ivermectin, but ONLY for the summer. Its been so hot during the days that I cant take the kids out, but I think that nighttime would a good time for them to go out (when its cooler). I will be speaking with my vet about Ivermectin. Im not thrilled about it, but I really want my kids to go outside, and I think this is a battle I am just not gunna win.
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Post by aleronferrets on Jun 6, 2008 11:59:16 GMT -5
Hmmmm....well I have thought about it and seeing my kits moap and pout because they cant go outside really made me come to a decision. I think I will put them on ivermectin, but ONLY for the summer. Its been so hot during the days that I cant take the kids out, but I think that nighttime would a good time for them to go out (when its cooler). I will be speaking with my vet about Ivermectin. Im not thrilled about it, but I really want my kids to go outside, and I think this is a battle I am just not gunna win. I certainly don't keep my ferrets in during the summer. Actually last summer they were outdoors most of the time, as it was the first year they had an outside play pen (they were thrilled!). Your vet will likely not tell you how to dose ferrets for ivermectin. It is off label use for the product, even using it for dogs because the ivermectin is intended for cattle. As far as drugs go, ivermectin is probably one of the safest HW preventatives (unless you own certain breeds of dogs - then it is a big nono). Ivermectin is considered safe to use in ferrets and here is some dosage info: "The administration of a monthly dose of liquid ivermectin diluted in propylene glycol is dependable and safe. I know of no problems with propylene glycol toxicity in ferrets. Simply add 0.3 mls of ivermectin 1 % injectable to 1 ounce of propylene glycol, making a 100-microgram/ml solution. Dose this at 0.1 ml per pound of body weight (10 micrograms) once monthly. It should be dispensed in an amber bottle and given a 2-year expiration date. This method has been used and recommended by me for over 10 years and this dose is significantly higher than the minimum effective dose of 0.05 mg/kg suggested by Blair and Campbell in a 1980 study (1). I know of no ferrets infected while taking the dose." members.tripod.com/weah4/id23.htmlAlso dosage info here: www.ferretrealm.com/medical/dosage.htm |
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Post by Forum Administrator on Jun 6, 2008 13:29:45 GMT -5
This is very useful information, thank you for posting it  |
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Post by nwheather on Jun 11, 2008 15:59:42 GMT -5
I have heard that with any hw med, the animal needs to be tested for hw first, in case they happen to have it, the hw med could kill the worm(s) & cause a blockage in the heart, killing the animal. I read that it is collies that cannot have ivermectin, due to reactions to it.
Fortunately, EVERY vet I have talked to (both ferret & regular) here, have stated that hw is not prevelant in WA, we do not have the climate to sustain it. It's even writtin in documentation from WSU, so that's one thing I don't have to worry about. (whew) =)
Guili, I agree that you should talk to your vet, & maybe a second opinion on it to be sure. =)
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Post by Forum Administrator on Jun 11, 2008 16:22:30 GMT -5
Okay so when I speak with the vet what should I be asking them? "Do you carry Ivermectin for use as a heartworm preventative in cats and ferrets?" I dont want to call up my vet and not know what to ask...
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Post by aleronferrets on Jun 12, 2008 8:34:04 GMT -5
I have heard that with any hw med, the animal needs to be tested for hw first, in case they happen to have it, the hw med could kill the worm(s) & cause a blockage in the heart, killing the animal. Ivermectin is actually what is used to treat HWs. HW treatment always carries that risk if the animal is not kept quiet. I read that it is collies that cannot have ivermectin, due to reactions to it. Actually collies and some related breeds (shelties, aussies) have a genetic defect which alters how certain chemicals are porcessed in the body. It is unique to a few specific breeds of dog and sensitivity to ivermectin in collies has been known for a long time, just no one knew why. Recenet research has developed a genetic marker for the gene responsible: "Sensitivity of Collies to certain pharmaceuticals, in particular for treatment of heartworm and mites (ivermectin), is now known to be caused by a genetic defect in the mechanism that prevents drugs from building up in the brain. This mutation is recessive and is called mdr1-1Ä. The normal gene that protects the brain is called MDR1. Research shows that 1 in 3 or 4 Collies in the U.S. is "pure" for the mutation. These Collies suffer acute and often fatal neurotoxicosis when certain drugs are administered at high doses in treatment and prevention of heartworm, and this may also apply to other ailments (see below). An additional 50% of Collies carry the mdr1-1Ä gene and may also be susceptible to toxic effects when certain drugs are administered at high doses. Only 1 in 5 Collies on average is "pure" for normal for the MDR1 gene and therefore can tolerate these drugs at therapeutic doses ." www.awca.net/drug.htm |
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Post by aleronferrets on Jun 12, 2008 8:36:06 GMT -5
Okay so when I speak with the vet what should I be asking them? "Do you carry Ivermectin for use as a heartworm preventative in cats and ferrets?" I dont want to call up my vet and not know what to ask... Like I said, you aren't likely to get the liquid Ivermectin injectable through your vet. It is sold OTC, labeled for livestock use. Your vet is most likely to suggest bringing the ferrets in, HW testing them and putting them on Heartgard (Ivermectin sold through vets labeled for pets) or Revolution. |
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Post by quill on Jun 12, 2008 9:35:43 GMT -5
My vet recommended Revolution for Chaos after he is finished with his distemper shots. Heartworms are very prevalent in West Virginia with lots of mosquito's and humidity. I've been reading here and trying to decide. I think I'll go with the Revolution because this risk of hw is far greater than the risk of medicating him.
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Post by meli on Jun 16, 2008 21:43:53 GMT -5
My dogs are on heartguard. We have TONS of mosquitos here and I don't want to make the mistake of not having my little guys treated to prevent it. Since the vet I will be taking them to is already knowledgable with ferrets I'm going to see what she would reccommend.
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Post by quill on Jun 27, 2008 13:55:08 GMT -5
Chaos died from a reaction to an INJECTION of 1% promectin. Promctin is a form of ivermectin. Revolution contains ivermectin and is applied topically.
It is my understanding that studies have shown certain dogs and people have reaction leading to death from injections of promectin. pm me for link
However, it is my understanding, even though a chemical, topical application of revolution has proven safe except in certain dog breeds. No documented research on Ferrets.
Keep in mind that anything applied to the skin will be absorbed into the body/blood stream. This is how revolution works.
Personally, After losing my precious Chaos, have decided not to use chemicals on any of my animals. For flea/ticks/mosquitoes i'll try the neem oil. For ear mites i'll try olive oil as preventive adding the garlic if mites are present.
Of course, any condition considered an emergency or life threatning will present reconsideration.
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Post by aleronferrets on Jun 28, 2008 17:20:39 GMT -5
My vet recommended Revolution for Chaos after he is finished with his distemper shots. Heartworms are very prevalent in West Virginia with lots of mosquito's and humidity. I've been reading here and trying to decide. I think I'll go with the Revolution because this risk of hw is far greater than the risk of medicating him. Even in the most HW heavy areas, ferrets are all at a pretty low risk for HWs. A study done on a large number of FL ferrets found only I believe 5% of them to have HWs or microfilaria. Revolution's active ingredient is selamectin, which I believe is not ivermectin but a related drug. |
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Post by nwheather on Jun 29, 2008 17:03:30 GMT -5
But I am interested in that article's descritption of using a dilution of injectable ivermectin. Especially too, since the Florida Ferret Forum had a vet speak about heartworms in ferrets. Cheers, Kim I know people who use the ivermectin formula for for ferrets, by mouth for HW & in the ears for earmites. If we had to worry about HW here, it's what I would use. |
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Post by hales on Jun 29, 2008 19:29:59 GMT -5
I know people who use the ivermectin formula for for ferrets, by mouth for HW . I'm currently using the oral ivermectin for my ferrets. they've been on it for a year now, and I have no complaints (except that they like to spit it back out at me  ) I go to Michigan State University small animal clinic where there is a very ferret-knowledgeable vet (Dr. Chadwick). We have to go back in August to make their yearly vax appointment, and I'm going to talk with her more in depth about the heartworm/ivermectin/promectin/ferret issue, and see what she thinks. She is the one that recommended the ivermectin, so if she doesn't have any other options to give me, I'd like to at least inform her of promectin's possible toxicity. |
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Post by spiritualtramp on Jul 17, 2008 12:41:42 GMT -5
I admit to using Revolution on my kids, but I split each kitten dose in half and only give it every two months during mosquito/flea season on the fuzzies that I take out of doors.
It has worked great with me and no adverse side affects that I have come across, but of course, if there were a more natural preventative I'd be all over that... but until then I'm sticking with this route.
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Post by josiesmom on Jul 17, 2008 23:00:16 GMT -5
AS all here know, I am a huge proponent of "natural" ferrets; but there is a time and a place for scientific processes to help keep our companions healthy too and Revolution is one of those. Yes, Revolution is a derivative of Ivermectin, but one that has been studied extensively for use on a variety of animals with extremely good efficacy and safety. Chemicals aren't ALL bad and the natural world is FULL of toxins and chemicals that very often sicken or even kill our companions. here are a couple links that may put people's minds at ease. When you see the damage done to our friends from parasitic invasions and you know there is a product available proven to stop those invasions, how can you NOT want to offer your pet protection? www.jarvm.com/articles/Vol5Iss3/Beck%2087-96.pdfwww.isrvma.org/article/58_2_1.htmSomething encouraging is that in at least one of those studies they applied 10 times the recommended dossge and had NO adverse effects! MY last batch of Revolution for Kittens I put a half dose on each ferret. Noen have fleas or ear mites and I've never found a tick after an outdoor excursion and I feel safe they are protected from heartworm. Heartworm is a very real concern for Florida residents, even for ferrets kept inside. Because the normal tests used by vets to determine the presence of heartworm in dogs and cats isn't always effective for determining heartworm in ferrets is likely one reason why the analytical numbers are so low. It only takes ONE worm to kill your ferret. THe Snap test which is currently the most accurate test reacts to enzymes in shed skin cells from the female heartworm. Typical tests used for dogs that screen the blood for microfilia from heartworms is NOT accurate for ferrets. Either way, these tests will only confirm a heartworm infection. I'd prefer to prevent an infection. With the side benefits of killing so many other parasites safely I don't mind using Revolution. Cheers, Kim Cheers, Kim |
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