Re: Riding in a tick infested area

[ChacoL@aol.com]

In a message dated 99-02-10 17:02:59 EST, CMKSAGEHILL@aol.com writes:

> Ivermectin isn't particularly a preventative--just a way of killing them 
> once
>  >they are on.  There are blood levels for a few days, but I understand the
>  >"killing time" after administration is quite short.  If you ride in tick-
>  >infested areas, I would just suggest that you use it every 6 weeks or so--
> you
>  >CAN use it more often if needed.

Like Heidi, my veterinarian says orally administered ivermectin is 
helpful against external parasites for only a couple of days.  To get blood
levels high enough for extended protection, you need to use the injectible
(good for about 30 days of pretty much 100% tick and mite prevention).   Since
giving injections is somewhat riskier than dosing with a paste, many of you
may not want to do this, but if diseases vectored by ticks in your area is a
real concern, I believe it is well worth the very minor risk (no more than the
risk of any other injection).

I noticed that a whole bunch of ivermectin formulations have been mentioned
and although they may sound interchangeable, they're not.  There is ivermectin
paste for horses (Equimectrin, Eqvalan, etc), Ivomec liquid (to be
administered as a drench), injectable Ivomec, and Ivomec Pour-On.  There is
also an Ivomec Plus that contains an additional anthelcide for liver fluke in
cattle.  None of the Ivomec formulations is labeled for use on horses;
however, I believe they can be given on the advice (prescription) of a
veterinarian.  Also, I don't know if it would be safe to use the Ivomec Plus
on horses.  And I would doubt that the liquid drench and the pour-on are
interchangeable.

Can someone clarify the different formulations and which can be used on horses
and how?

Thanks!!

Linda
San Francisco