History of Ivermectin Equine dewormer

In 1974, ivermectin entered the market as an effective treatment against parasites such as ticks, lice, roundworms, and fleas in both humans and animals. The compound was derived from naturally-occurring organisms found in the golf course soil in Japan. The drug blocks the activity of neurotransmitters found in parasites, paralyzing them and eventually killing them.

In 1981, ivermectin was introduced to the veterinary market. It is effective in treating parasitic conditions in domesticated animals including cats, dogs, and horses. Horses are usually given the oral dosage form of ivermectin. In that same year, the use of ivermectin for horses was approved and is  nowused to control parasitic infestations such as hairworms, lungworms, pinworms, and large-mouth stomach worms.

In the 80’s, veterinary pharmaceutical firms tested the drug to make sure that it would not harm horses when given at the correct dose. In horses, a dose of ivermectin at 1.8mg/kg, which is nine times the standard dose, can be given without producing any harmful effects to the horse. However, if the dose is given 10 times the standard dose, the side effects produced are visual impairment, ataxia, and depression.

In the early 90s, horses treated with ivermectin experienced a syndrome. Even when ivermectin for horses is given at a right dose, the animal still developed depression, liver problems, ataxia, and weight loss due to silverleaf nightshade. This plant is found in pastures. When treated with ivermectin and horses graze on plants with silverleaf nightshade, drug toxicity can result. When horse owners removed this plant from the pastures, there was improvement in the health of the horse. Silverleaf nightshade may alter the blood brain barrier, allowing more concentration of ivermectin to enter the brain causing its toxicity.

Ivermectin for horses from the turn of the new century, 2000,  is now widely used to treat a wide variety of parasites. These include large strongyles, small strongyles (including benzimidazole-resistant strains), pinworms, ascarids, hairworms, adult large-mouth stomach worms, bot larvae, intestinal threadworms, and lungworms.In more recent times a dewormer has been developed to contain both Praziquantel and ivermectin to increase efficacy of the drug and to include tapeworms to the list of targeted parasites.

Ivermectin is safe for use in horses of all ages given that the proper dosing is followed. It can also be given to pregnant mares without causing harm. A broad spectrum anthelmintic is an effective method in treating intestinal parasites in horses. However, it is still important to consult the veterinarian to develop a better strategy to eliminate parasites from horses through a proper horse worming program. Move with the times and Buy ivermectin online now at Abler.