Adverse reaction to ivermectin in a rough-coated Collie

Authors: Jerram PJS
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 33, Issue 12, pp 216, Dec 1985
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Companion animal, Dog
Subject Terms: Adverse drug reaction, Animal remedies/veterinary medicines, Anthelmintics, Parasite control, Parasites - internal, Inflammation, Integument/skin/wool/hair/fur/feather, Disease/defect, Parasites - external, Treatment/therapy
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: Not a story of great success, but I hope it may be of use to other practitioners. Earlier this year I treated a “Lassie” Collie with a skin condition diagnosed as sarcoptic mange. As I have done before and subsequently, (in other breeds), I injected 0.5ml Ivomec for cattle subcutaneously. Twenty-four hours later the dog was ataxic, partially blind, and only vaguely aware of surrounding stimuli. Anti-inflammatory treatment was instituted, to no effect. Over the succeeding four days the condition progressed to complete coma, and the dog was euthanased six days following the initial treatment. Inquiries to MSD-AGVET at the time revealed that this had occurred before in New Zealand and Australia, always in “Lassie” Collies. I have continued to treat all other breeds with Ivomec when indicated, with the exception of Shelties (purely because they look the same!). It has been conjectured that the blood/brain barriers in Collies may have properties different from other species. The problem has not been reported in any other breed of dog. The MSD-AGVETview isthat as the drug is not licenced for use in dogs, no written warning is necessary. This being the case, I hope this may sound as a warning to all practitioners…

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