A common medication used to treat different parasitic infections in cats is called ivermek. Knowing how to use Ivermek safely and effectively is crucial for the health of your feline friend, regardless of the parasites they are dealing with, such as worms, mites, or others.
This post will walk you through the recommended dosage for cats, possible side effects to be aware of, and substitute therapies in case Ivermek isn’t a good fit for your animal. You can make well-informed decisions regarding the health and welfare of your cat with the use of this information.
You’ll be more equipped to give your pet the attention they require to flourish if you understand Ivermek and its uses. To make sure your cat continues to be healthy and content, let’s get into the specifics.
Ivermek is a drug that is frequently used to treat parasitic infections in cats. It works well to get rid of a variety of parasites, including worms and mites. This article offers detailed usage instructions that include the right dosage according to your cat’s weight, possible side effects to be aware of, and substitutes in case they are needed. Knowing how to give Ivermek safely will help you keep your feline friend parasite-free and healthy.
- Composition and mechanism of action of the drug
- Release form of the antiparasitic agent
- Indications for the use of Ivermek in cats
- How to use the product in different forms
- Contraindications and side effects
- Video on the topic
- Farmer"s veterinary kit. Ivermek spray. Vitam. ASD-2. STOP COCCID.
- Chicken mite, fleas in chickens. How to treat? Ivermek.
- Ivermek for calves and sheep from parasites// Results of use
Composition and mechanism of action of the drug
The primary ingredient of the medication is ivermectin in combination with vitamin E, regardless of the mode of release. Supplements such as lidocaine, dexpanthenol, and cremophor RH 410 are added to external agents.
The fungus Streptomyces avermitilis is fermented to produce ivermectin. It is used as an antiparasitic agent in veterinary medicine to treat helminths, fleas, ticks, and other ectoparasites. The medication causes a change in chlorine ion electrical conductivity, which prevents nerve impulses from passing through. Consequently, the parasites become paralyzed and die.
The spray and gel’s lidocaine helps reduce pain and irritation, while the addition of dexpanthenol speeds up the healing of wounds. To give the external product a denser consistency, cremophor RH 410 is added. This enables you to extend the product’s duration of action. Chlorhexidine bigluconate, which has anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties, is added to the spray.
The active ingredient swiftly penetrates organs and tissues throughout the animal’s body after being injected intramuscularly. For two weeks, the antiparasitic effect is present. This time frame is sufficient to eliminate helminths, insect larvae, and mature individuals.
Hazard class 3 (moderately dangerous) describes the drug ivermek. Ivermectin, the active ingredient, is regarded as exceedingly hazardous (class 1). Since the product is deadly to fish, the aquarium in the room where this medication is used needs to be taken out. Carefully read the directions for using Ivermek for cats before using it to prevent unfavorable outcomes.
Release form of the antiparasitic agent
Ivermek is sold as a gel, spray, and injection solution for use in farm animals’ diets. The injection solution is a clear, yellowish liquid with a possible blue hue. It is put into plastic bottles with a 0.4–1 l capacity or darkened glass bottles with a volume of 1–500 ml. Polymer bottles are sealed with threaded caps, and glass containers have rubber stoppers that are sealed. The injection solution also includes water, benzyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, and dimethylacetamide in addition to ivermectin and tocopherol.
Ivermek spray is a clear or yellowish liquid that is put in brown glass bottles with a 30-100 ml capacity or in plastic bottles with a 25-350 ml volume. An additional spray nozzle is included with the container. The spray form of the medication is easy to apply when the auricles are impacted by parasites.
The product, which is a gel, is transparent or yellowish-blue in color. Polymer droppers, polyethylene tubes, and disposable plastic syringes are possible packaging options for the gel.
As long as cats follow the guidelines in the instructions, the odorless gel’s composition is safe for them. Apart from the active ingredient and vitamin E, the gel comprises:
- glycerol;
- dexpanthenol;
- poloxamer 407;
- castor oil.
The animal does not experience any discomfort after the gel is applied. Tick larvae, adults, and other ectoparasites—including demodectic and sarcoptic ticks—are negatively impacted by the product.
Indications for the use of Ivermek in cats
To get rid of parasites, cats can take the medication "Ivermek." The following is a list of illnesses that this product can treat:
- nematodes (infection with roundworms);
- estrosis (parasitism inside the body of gadfly larvae);
- sarcoptosis;
- demodicosis (subcutaneous mites);
- mallophagosis (the presence of feather eaters).
Ectoparasites that are on the skin can be eliminated with a gel, and those that are in the ear can be sprayed out. Buying an injection solution makes sense if you want to eradicate helminths and other endoparasites.
How to use the product in different forms
You must read the directions on how to use the medication before using it. When administering external therapy, gloves, a mask, and a medical cap are recommended. Make sure the room gets fresh air before using the product by opening the windows. Using Ivermectin Spray:
- clean the affected skin surfaces from scabs;
- put a spray nozzle on the bottle;
- spray the product several times from a distance of up to 20 cm until the entire affected surface is wet (during treatment, you should also capture some of the uninfected skin and fur).
Use your fingers to apply the product if it needs to be on the nose or the area around the eyes. For convenience, you can use a comb on a cat with long fur. To prevent the cat from licking the active ingredient, place a special collar on it after the procedure and keep it on until the spray dries.
When applying a gel product, use a thin layer on the pet’s cleaned skin and hair. Apply the gel to the ear to treat ear mites. Next, fold the pet’s ear in half and give it a gentle massage in the direction of the head. Put your cat in an Elizabethan collar while the product is still wet (see photo). After a seven-day interval, apply the gel to the afflicted areas twice. There is a six-application maximum. One gel dosage is recommended for sarcoptosis, demodicosis, and notoedrosis; for ear mites, use 0.5–2 ml per kg of cat weight.
See also: Dosage, frequency of administration, and length of treatment guidelines for Stop-stress drops and tablets for cats
Injections of ivermec are administered in the withers or thighs. An insulin syringe that is sterile is filled with the solution. One kilogram of animal weight equals 0.1 milliliters (ml). It is necessary to administer multiple injections at intervals of seven days for therapeutic purposes, and one injection in the spring for preventative purposes.
You are not allowed to smoke, eat, or drink anything while your cat is receiving the gel or injection treatment. After the procedure, thoroughly wash your hands with soap. Rinse the product off thoroughly with water if it gets in your eyes or skin.
Contraindications and side effects
Infected patients, weaker animals, or pregnant animals should not receive ivermectin treatment or prevention for parasitic diseases. Since ivermectin enters breast milk, treating lactating female patients with this medication is forbidden. During the recovery phase following surgery, cats should not take this medication. Due to the drug’s intoxicating effects, kittens younger than three months should not use it. The medication can only be used for animals with liver issues after consulting a veterinarian.
While side effects from ivermectin are rare, an overdose can result in lacrimation, vomiting, tremors in the muscles, excessive salivation, irritation of the skin, and appetite loss. A cat may urinate or defecate uncontrollably after receiving a large dose of injection solution. In this case, no action is necessary, but the medication should be stopped for a while. You should closely monitor the animal’s condition and contact a veterinarian or visit a veterinary clinic if the animal’s digestion or respiratory system is compromised.
Verify that the medication has not expired and that the proper storage conditions were followed before using it. It is recommended to store all varieties of Ivermek between 4 and 20 °C for a period of two years following the date of production.
Topic | Details |
Usage Instructions | Administer Ivermek orally or via injection, depending on the veterinarian"s advice. Ensure proper dosage based on the cat"s weight. |
Dosage | Typically, the dosage is 0.2 mg per kg of body weight, given once. Follow your vet"s recommendations. |
Side Effects | Possible side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Monitor your cat for any unusual reactions. |
Analogues | Common alternatives include Milbemax and Profender. Consult your vet for the best option. |
Treating different parasitic infections in cats with Ivermek can be a good option. To guarantee safety and effectiveness, it is imperative that you give your cat the prescribed dosage according to its weight. Before beginning treatment, always make sure Ivermek is appropriate for the particular condition your pet is suffering from by speaking with a veterinarian.
Even though ivermek is usually well tolerated, some cats may have adverse effects like gastrointestinal distress or lethargic behavior. After administration, if you observe any strange behavior or symptoms, get in touch with your veterinarian right away for guidance.
If Ivermek isn’t the best option for your feline, there are a few other options. Considering your cat’s needs and current state of health, your veterinarian can help you choose the best course of action. Your cat’s health and quality of life can be preserved with the right care and prompt attention.