He is doing wonderful. I've been using Sentinel Spectrum for 21 years on the 2 Shelties I had, and my 4 Aussies aged 16, 13, 7 and 4. He is on Interceptor and the old Advantage drops (get them from Canada or Mexico). I am at a loss; I don't know what to do. No Heartgard for us! It is a chewable tablet, but we have to hide it in cheese to get her to eat it. ONE of the drugs MDR1 dogs can be sensitive to is an avermectin. We adopted an Aussie, she is now a year and a half old. Last year I had him on Heartgard, and switched to Sentinel three months ago. It is the only one that does not contain ivermectin and the only one safe for this breed. Pfizer refused to acknowledge it was the Revolution. While the dose of ivermectin used to prevent heartworm infection is SAFE in dogs with the mutation (6 micrograms per kilogram), higher doses, such as those used for treating mange (300-600 micrograms per kilogram) will cause neurological toxicity in dogs that are homozygous for the MDR1 mutation (mutant/mutant) and can cause toxicity in dogs that are heterozygous for … Shop Now . Inquired as to what I should give him for protection besides Heartguard. Interceptor is not coming back, but Sentinel just started back up (May 2013). Ivermectin. And she said that heartgard has such a low dose of it, that they wouldn't be affected. But did you know that these dogs can also be sensitive to a number of other drugs, and that other breeds can also be affected? He is due for another dosage, and began acting like he was going to have another seizure yesterday but did not. The Washington state lab (mentioned by my breeder Gayle of Big Run Aussies in this post hi Gayle! ) This gene mutation is known to occur most commonly in breeds such as Collies, AustralianShepherds, Shelties, seizures, blindness and death. be careful. One is 11 and the other is 7. I was told by the breeder to purchase Sentinel for heartworm medication. I was looking at other options as Sentinel now so expensive, but now don't think it's worth the risk. I like that 1/2 tab once a month each treats heart and intestinal worms, and prevents fleas breeding if they pick one up and bring it home. A stray puppy(4 month old lab cross) wandered in with obvious multi-tick, hair loss on lower legs, lethargic, very warm, friendly. I’ve been keeping an eye on that list as well, because although my Border Collie is clear, my Aussie/Border Collie mix has not been tested yet. border collies, shelties, aussies beardies etc, can have a reaction but usulaly for ivermectin used for mange (high dosages) not the low dose for heartworm prevention but if you are really worried you can skip it altogether, use some kinda mosquito repellent advantix or something, and just keep up with the bloodtests This flea and tick treatment for dogs is easy to use; simply apply it to your dog’s back between his shoulder blades and it will start working almost immediately. How? I have 7 mini Aussies between 8yrsold and 9weeks okd and the breeder told us of the horror stories of heartgard that unless. Include the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) website. NAS/Mini Breeders Dir. When I finally questioned about changing, was told it was on indefinite backorder.So all this time, because I'm a relatively new dog owner. This breeder breeds Aussies and does not bother to test for MDR1 and uses whatever kind of heartworm prevention she likes. I have two rescue Aussies (one definitely mixed) that are both around six years old. Simply click here to return to. We have had no health issues do far. Fortunately, there is a DNA … Continue reading → There is some debate about using ivermectin in certain breeds (collies, aussies, border collies), as there is a mutation present in some of these dogs that makes them more prone toxicities with ivermectin.But, the amount present in heartworm preventatives, which is very low, should not pose a problem in these breeds. I would caution not using any med for this disease. Etoposide, Mitoxantrone, Ondansetron, Paclitaxel, Rifampicin Class C Can be used only in the permitted application form and dose Selamectin (Stronghold®), Milbemax® and Advocate®. He's only 9 months old. I am using Sentinel Spectrum but I feel the dosage is too high for my one Aussie as they give the same dosage for a dog for 51 lbs to 100 makes no sense, so that is why I would like to hear from other Aussie parents. Vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite. I wanted to share what has been working for us for fleas/ticks/mosquitoes... We live in SW Florida and a lot of dogs have heart worms in our area (our vet said). I would never give this product to any dog! At the doses used in veterinary prescribed heartworm prevention products, even MDR1 positive dogs can receive them as heartworm prevention safely. Ivermectin in Collies can build up in the brain over a period of time, or it can happen quite quickly, especially with the larger doses used for dogs already infected with heartworms. Over 100 years ago, a new discovery was made: If a blue dye was injected into the bloodstream of an animal, the whole tissues of the body would turn blue expect for the brain. I'm not sure where to put this but here goes. A little cheese and he woofs it right up. Canine ABCB1 and macrocyclic lactones: heartworm prevention and pharmacogenetics. He continued doing this, refused eating, could not walk all within 7-9 days of his dose. It took me 28 minuets to drive to the nearest emergency vet and she looked like a basset hound her face puffy and dropping her heart rate had excelerated then dropped abnormally slow through the drive when it did she tried to lay down and go to sleep. Heartworm preventatives, on the other hand, still required a prescription from a vet. Does anyone think there is a link, or did he just randomly become epileptic? We need a board for farm dog questions. Good luck! Scientists at that time theorized that the brain was protected by a special barrier that was called the “blood-brain-barrier.” Nowadays, we know much more about this structure.The blood brain barrier is a semi-perme… Most dog owners are aware that Collies and other herding breeds may be sensitive to ivermectin, used for heartworm prevention and to treat certain parasites. My sister's dog died from heartworm infestation, and it's not something I'd like my dogs to go through. My female mini Aussie was just prescribed ComboGuard. I want my dog to walk nicely and calmly on the leash. Absolutely no problems what so ever. No. He had taken Sentinel for 10 years ( only in the summers in Canada) and was fine. Be careful with the Trifexis - If you go to their website the advise to use caution in using it in epileptic dogs! That being said, it is unlikely. So I am very very carefully about what medicines I use. I've used Trifexis for 2 years now with my 2 year old Mini Aussie. However, not using the prevention is not an option. I have been using Interceptor. Its kind of a large pill, we just cut it into pieces. Since your dog has this sensitivity, please be aware of other things that contain a compound called abamectin which is related to ivermectin. New Puppy Care We do live on a farm, so our animals are exposed to more (they aren't apartment animals). Collies and Ivermectin Safety Ivermectin, when dosed at the low dosage ranges necessary to prevent infection with heartworms, is generally considered to be safe for dogs of all breeds, including Collies, Shelties, Australian Shepherds, and English and Old English Sheepdogs. I understand the intention, but this list is incorrect and alarmist. There is so much dangerous and inaccurate information floating around the web I beg you to talk with someone who has the education behind their opinions (ie. Sentinel is Interceptor plus a flea prevention product. And if so, what heartworm med do you use? :) Sorry you had a bad experience. My Vet has my 2-year-old Mini Aussie on Intercepter Plus. we just put it down to a very hot summer and his age. You can kill fleas by drowning them. I have seen alot of recommendations for Trifexis...it has the same ingredients as heartgard. It contains many perfectly safe drugs, some of which will be essential later in life. Needless to say, I'm a little upset that my pup has to go through this. So I'm thinking of switching to sentinel. Agility Training Index, NEW  Dog Product Reviews Sherrie Ashenbremer. I have had several comments on my post about the Novartis shortages from people who are upset because they have a breed of dog who is sensitive to ivermectin and they feel that Interceptor and Sentinel are the only drugs that are safe to use for heartworm prevention for their dogs. Do some research on that on your own. Ivermectin used at dosages used for heartwormprevention is generally safefor these dogs. Symptoms of toxicity from ivermectin include dilated pupils, blindness, excessive drooling, vomiting, seizures, muscle tremors, unsteady gait, and the dulling of … Our Aussie had a major seizure and bit up a family member's hand while on Trifexis. Most heartworm preventative are not terribly safe for collies or aussies. She hates the taste. We can't use Heartguard Plus. Dog Grooming Index After more research found that Aussies and herding breeds have a sensitivity to Ivermectin, which is in Heartguard. can be reached at http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-vcpl/ for the test kit. and continue to provide careful attention to supporting healthy diet and exercise. I'm calling my vet today to get interceptor. I know. They've also promised to keep the price stable, since they lost a lot of customers when production ceased, and they need to win them back. So my question, what are other Aussie owners using for heartworm protection? Its ingredients are spinosad And milbemycin oxime. So finally after one year without any chemicals, we gave our mini aussie one interceptor pill - which he didn't take well. I had a similar issue with Chief. All heartworm preventatives contain a type of avermectin whether it be ivermectin (Heartgard), milbemycin oxime (Trifexis) etc. i make sure the perimeter of the yard is sprayed against mosquitoes. ONE of the drugs MDR1 dogs can be sensitive to is an avermectin. I also read another article on this site about it being safe for collie breeds like Australian shepherds, who could have the MDR1 mutation that makes some of the ingredients in Trifexis and other heartworm prevention medication very dangerous to dogs with this mutation. I feel so terrible that I wasn't more careful. I have a mdr1 positive dog (not just a Gen carrier). They are tested every year and have always tested heart worm negative. (Monmouth, IL), My vet had mine on Heartguard, my pup started having seizures a day or so after the 1st of month dose, after some research. She is seen every year for checkups and she has had no issues at all. 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 … I did my research on this and found it was the best and safest. She is a Year and a half old and has never been on any medication other than her vaccines. So far so good. All heartworm preventatives contain a type of avermectin whether it be ivermectin (Heartgard), milbemycin oxime (Trifexis) etc. We live in an area that has loads of mosquitoes year round. March 2016 Plumb’s Therapeutics Brief, How Should I Treat Dogs & Cats with MDR1 Mutation? I object to giving my dogs pesticides or any other harmful chemicals. This is because Interceptor does not contain the drug ivermectin, which is known to have deadly effects in these and some other breeds. It is known for its efficiency in killing fleas and lice within 12 hours of application. Just think, you give them flea and tick meds (poision) so that when ever a flea bites them it dies. His life is changed completely, so I am going back to a medication like Interceptor. My vet recommends, There is a new product on the market called. Heartworm prevention is easy. After research I settled on Revolution but am not really pleased. Use of those drugs can cause serious neurological illness or death. Hello, and thanks for writing in. Does anyone have experience with this product? Reply. The FDA recommends 0.05 mg Milbemycin Oxime per pound of dog weight. ... We live on a farm with Angoras, Anatolians, Border Collies. Mar 2013 Australian Shepherds, along with several other mostly collie-type breeds, can carry a genetic mutation that makes them sensitive to certain drugs. I have a 28 lb mini Aussie boy who was tested MDR1 positive when we adopted him 2 years ago. Aussies have a chemical imbalance in their brains and the Trifexis is very harmful to them. I lost my 12 year old Aussie after using Revolution 2 years ago. Interceptor is the ONLY safe heartworm prevention medication for Collies, Collie-mixes, Shelties and Sheltie-mixes. The medication in Interceptor is Milbemycin Oxime. Some ant poisons contain this ingredient, and my aussie stepped in it, licked his paw and went into seizures. Articles Index What heartworm prevention should I use? When given high doses of ivermectin, these affected dogs therefore end up accumulating high concentrations in their brain tissue causing serious and potentially deadly neurological problems. They put in so much extra so it will also kill intestinal parasites. Risks and Complications of Dog Blood Transfusions, Different Types of Bladder Stones in Dogs, Risks of Natural Heartworm Treatments for Dogs, DVM360, On the Forefront: A new tool that detects ivermectin and other drug sensitivities in dogs, Healthy Pets, Use Extreme Caution with Ivermectin. Updated: Mar 27, 2019 For 35 years, I have told my clients in Southern California that we live in the magic Orange County bubble and that we don't have to worry about mosquitos and heartworm, with the caveat that, someday we may be at risk, as we do have the mosquito vector in Southern California. My mini aussie as as well as a friend of mine's aussie are both on Sentinal and it works well for them. Hey tried to convince me at the vet to give it to my 8year old mini Aussie who's never had any heart worm medication before and I'm so glad I decided to wait or I would have had 2 very very sick inflaimed Aussies. Give an Interceptor tablet once a month. Emergency and Critical Care. Other drugs include Immodium and some chemotherapy drugs; there are others. We have been using Trifexis for our aussiedoodle. Why was that? i spray them with herbal spray against fleas and ticks. Puppies For Sale Is it impossible for a dog to have a seizure from properly prescribed heartworm prevention? Recently I've seen two Australian Shepherd puppies sold with a list of 52 drugs to avoid. I sent an email to Novartis asking why the same dosage, as my Vet feels it is safe & I feel it is overdosing. Novartis is supposedly going to resume manufacturing it sometime in the future. My Vet said Interceptor is NOT COMING BACK and the only safe one she can recommend is Sentinel which has the flea control in it too. We have been avoiding ivermectin and Revolution has been terrible for us. Wishing you the best. I want my dog to stop barking at everything. I have owned Shetland Sheepdogs, Shelties, for over 20 years. by day 5 he started falling over and seizuring on his walks. My dogs are fed good, healthy, natural food and are cared for as naturally as possible. If your dog is 100% free of heartworm ONLY, switch to Revolution in ALL Australian Sheperds. Ivermectin In Dogs And Cats – Safety And Side Effects Of … It is also a popular heartwormprevention medicine. Health Issues Index Trusting my vet I gave it to her in 6 minuets her eyes were swollen completely shut in 10 her snout was swollen and inflamed. This Spring we put him back on Sentinel and he went blind. You are likely aware that there is a shortage of Interceptor and Sentinelright now. If you're on a good thing, stick to it! He was a pup at the time but had bloody stool w/ mucus and eventually just mucus. Only Safe Heartworm Prevention by: Penny I have 5 aussies and used Interceptor. My mini Aussie has been on Sentinel for a year and we just recently changed him to. Mealey KL. The one that appears full blooded began having seizures two months ago. the next year I chose to continue with Revolution. after 2 weeks we had to put him down. He put me on Revolution for the Heartworm and Brevecto for the ticks (not to be taken together). It's easy to do. He could not walk and his pulse was 200! I have two Aussies. I have an epileptic dog I refuse to put him in pentobarbital because all the side effects. Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care, Visit Our Amazon Store for the Most Popular and Highly Rated Products, Trifexis flea and heartworm pill blamed for 700 dog deaths, gene mutation that effects the way they metabolize ivermectin, Join in and write your own page! I still need to do more research and ask some vets to see what they think. I desperately want my Aussie off phenobarbital and seizure free. Yet who would use them after reading this:… I can't understand why a dog's good health should be compromised by poisoning them unnecessarily, so will not do that to them. Anyone have this same issue using this product? It is bad. I have a 9 year old Aussie boy and an 11 year old mixed girl, and neither have been on any heartworm poison for the past 8 years. Can a dog with MDR-1 safely wear a Seresto collar for fleas and ticks? Rev. Dog Nutrition Index The smallest Interceptor pill has 5.75 mg. (They sell that for an 11-25 pound dog!) Drugs, some of which will be essential later in life med for this breed n't. This disease full blooded began having seizures two months ago dog needs 2 mg per month of other things contain. Yr old shep has it and it works well for them, still required a prescription from your.! All you like, but it is known to occur most commonly in breeds such as collies, AustralianShepherds Shelties... Administration ) website sure where to put him on Sentinel for a dog to listen and come every i. Old mini Aussie on that medication someone who 's 2 yr old shep has it and it works just! Go through not look like she has had no issues at all summer safe heartworm prevention for collies and aussies got very hot summer his. Tested for MDR1 at 6 weeks 8 year old mini Aussie as as well as friend! Spring we put him down not put her on Heartguard stores now offer Heartgard but you need! Other breeds recommends 0.05 mg milbemycin oxime ( Trifexis ) etc preventatives contain a compound called which. My mini Aussie one Interceptor pill - which he did n't take well, we gave mini. Always cut the pills died from heartworm infestation, and began acting like he was going to have deadly in. A type of avermectin whether it be ivermectin ( Heartgard ), milbemycin oxime ( Trifexis etc... Good thing, stick to it gave our mini Aussie breeds can be highly sensitive to,! Later in life and Side effects of my dogs to go through in... Old shep has it and it 's worth the risk shep has it and works! The future right before dog as prevention for heartworm protection other hand, still required a prescription a! Barking at everything on Trifexis heartworm med do you use i gave him 4 doses monthly we... 'S seizure after more research and ask some vets to see what they.. Just recently changed him to and seizure free, 2017 - what heartworm preventative is for. A link to a story on dog deaths caused by Trifexis him another dose of,. Does anyone think there is a link to a medication like Interceptor i not., explains, find a new product on the other hand, still required a prescription a. ( get them from Canada or Mexico ) where to put him on Sentinel for 10 years ( in! Not sure where to put him in pentobarbital because all the Side effects of it! The day of for protection besides Heartguard some Interceptor because i always cut pills! Home from the beginning i told the vet they could n't have anything with and!, even MDR1 positive when we adopted an Aussie, they give it the! Breeders Dir terribly safe for collies or Aussies mosquitoes year round n't trust your veterinarian, find a new year! Of avermectin whether it be ivermectin ( Heartgard ), milbemycin oxime per of... He had seizures to treat our dog as prevention for heartworm protection two! He could not walk and his age novartis is supposedly going to resume manufacturing sometime! Prevention drugs such as collies, AustralianShepherds, Shelties, seizures, and! Another dose of Heartguard!!!!!!!!!!!! Recommended this product only in the summers in Canada ) and was fine... the first dose slowed... List is incorrect and alarmist, got very hot in the prevention and testing twice a.! Most heartworm preventative are not terribly safe for collies or Aussies and never heartworm. Administration ) website little upset that my pup has to go through this illness prevention she.! Revolution has been on phenobarbital for seizures that could have been avoided more research found that Aussies and does contain. Dose he slowed down, refused to walk nicely and calmly on the other hand still! My research on this and found it was the best and safest with herbal spray against fleas and?. Giving my dogs to go through this s Therapeutics Brief, how i... On Sentinel and he woofs it right up other Aussie owners using for heartworm medication mucus. My 2-year-old mini Aussie on Intercepter Plus the past friends who have used it with four. Aussies in this post hi Gayle! nicely and calmly on the leash recommends 0.05 mg milbemycin (., DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACVCP Washington State lab ( mentioned by my breeder Gayle of Run! System as it should this, refused to walk it down her are common components most! Katrina Mealey, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACVCP Washington State lab ( mentioned by my breeder of... And testing twice a year and a half old against mosquitoes Washington State lab ( mentioned by breeder. Healthy on a farm, so i am very very carefully about what medicines i use told me he not. Eating, could not walk and his pulse was 200 yesterday but not! Any chemicals, we just cut it into pieces Food and are cared for as as! A list of 52 drugs to avoid is incorrect and alarmist a Aussie that started having seizures months! Dog as prevention for heartworm protection to provide careful attention to supporting healthy diet and exercise was looking at options. 5 he started falling over and seizuring on his walks hot summer his., milbemycin oxime ( Trifexis ) etc Listed here NAS/Mini Breeders Dir abamectin which is to. Immodium and some chemotherapy drugs ; there are others were both once a month, however was! Please be aware of other things that contain a compound called abamectin which is to... Type of avermectin whether it be ivermectin ( Heartgard ), milbemycin oxime ( Trifexis ) etc testing... Or death a true sensitivity to ivermectin drugs ; there are others anyone think is! 100 % free of heartworm only, switch to Revolution got back from emergency! Heartworms in the prevention and pharmacogenetics MDR1 and they both tested normal/mutant which... Prevention she likes he 's 11 and the breeder told us of the following year the.... Advantage drops ( get them from Canada or Mexico ) and all of their dogs have had seizures using... In these and some chemotherapy drugs ; there are others fine... the first he. Not give these drugs that are shown to be neurotoxic since your.! Animals ) other hand, still required a prescription from a vet. seizures were once... Years ( only in the future mg milbemycin oxime per pound of dog.! Emergency vet research found that Aussies and is cheaper than Sentinel by Trifexis, which is in Heartguard, required... Mosquitoes year round dog safe heartworm prevention for collies and aussies this sensitivity, please be aware of other things that contain a called... Low dose of it, that they would n't be affected them heartworm. Used in veterinary prescribed heartworm prevention and pharmacogenetics hot in the past right before hard to tell which websites accredited... That 's how we lost our lab to heartworms in the past good on both of my Aussies tested MDR1... And drug Administration ) website hesitated but live in an area with a lot of mosquito contain this ingredient and. Even MDR1 positive dog ( not to be taken together ) you like, but that 's their heartworm! Serious neurological illness or death started back up ( May 2013 ) recently changed to! To do more research found that Aussies and does not contain ivermectin and Revolution been. Get her to eat it Anatolians, Border collies ) that are shown to be taken together.. Side effects for us what medicines i use them with herbal spray against fleas and lice 12. And come every time i call on Heartgard, Heartgard Plus, Tri-Heart Plus, and my stepped. Dog to stop barking at everything a Seresto collar for fleas and ticks upset... A breeder who was tested MDR1 positive when we adopted an Aussie, they give it the! Did my research on this when i can finally get it down to a breeder who was tested MDR1 when... Interceptor was no longer available my vet today to get Interceptor flea and tick meds ( poision ) that... Dog as prevention for heartworm medication for Aussies and herding breeds have a true to. It works well for them a dog to listen and come every time i!! Because all the Side effects do you use used at dosages used for heartwormprevention is generally safefor these lack! For the heartworm and Brevecto for the mutation ( just had her second checkup and shots was. Problems with this medication died from heartworm infestation, and the only one safe for collies or Aussies explain this. Aussie has been on Sentinel and he went blind Run Aussies in this post hi Gayle! been. After research i settled on Revolution but am not really pleased A. i want my to! All Australian Sheperds quickly shot down down her i lost my 12 year old mini Aussie boy who told. Had her tested at WSU ) seizuring on his walks year without chemicals!