Quest / Ivermectin

["Kathy Myers" <kathy@nvolve.com>]

When Quest first came out I asked my vet about it and
read all the ads with great interest.  My vet said not
to try it yet... there was not a need... nothing the
Ivermectin wasn't taking care of.  He said he's either
seen or heard of 2 deaths... one a baby and the other
an old horse.  The risk just isn't worth it.

If you carefully read the ads, the only thing you might
gain is a "3 month" worming window.  But the more expensive
price cut into the saving anyways.  Plus, you lost something.
Bots maybe.

The deal with Quest / Ivermectin in dogs is probably the
"collie" sensativity.  It was found toxic in some dogs of
"collie" origins.  Border Collies, "Lassie" collies, Shetland
Sheepdogs, Bearded Collies,... I'm not surprised to see a
sensativity in an Australian Shepherd.  All other breeds
must be fine since Ivermectin was released years ago as a
"once a month" heartworm treatment in dogs.  So if you have
a collie-type breed then I'd be careful around Quest AND
Ivermectin road-apples.  Cross breds might not show the
sensitivity... with the gene outcross.  Maybe a vet can jump
in on that one.  Do you give Ivermectin to control heartworms
in collie-crosses?

Ivermectin is not perfect either... some indication that there
are resitant worms.  These undocumented worms (should they
really exist) would most likely be resistant Quest as well.
Since my vet says he's seen it we rotate Strongid Paste and
Double-dose Strongid paste into our 8 weeks schedule every year.

:) - kat myers
in San Mateo, Ca with Magnum the TB ex-racer
"I don't have worms so you don't have to come near me with
that tube of stuff!"