Ivermectin is a veterinary drug that can be deadly to your Shetland Sheepdog (aka Sheltie) and other breeds. It’s also known to sometimes cause seizures. This medication is given to treat parasites and is found in some heart-worm prevention. It’s an effective drug but for breeds that may carry the genetic MDR1 gene, it could be fatal.
Heart-worm prevention is vital. Without this important medication a dog can end up with serious complications of the lungs, heart and organs. Death can also occur. Heart worm medications that contain Ivermectin are Heartgard, Heartgard Plus, TriHeart Plus and Iverhart Max. Interceptor does not.
Message from a Sheltie mom – As I have mentioned before, I am a first time Sheltie owner. I am so glad that I read up on Shetland Sheepdogs or I probably wouldn’t have known about Ivermectin and it’s potential for death is certain dog breeds.
The first time I took Misty Blue to the vet, the assistant wanted to give her Heartgard. She seemed surprised when I questioned her about Ivermectin and Shetland Sheepdogs. I told her I was going to wait and find out if Misty Blue had the MDR1 gene. You could tell the assistant was aggravated with me and said, “If she were my dog I’d give it to her”. We never went back to that vet again!
Did your Shetland Sheepdog suffer complications to Ivermectin due to not being informed by your veterinarian of the risk?
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Shetland Sheepdog ~ A to Z Blogging Challenge 2020 Posts
A Is For Active
B Is For Barking
C Is For Characteristics
D Is For Dental Care
E Is For Ear Tipping
F Is For Famous Shetland Sheepdogs
G Is For Grooming
H Is For Health Conditions
I Is For Ivermectin
J Is For Jumping
K Is For Kisses
L Is For Lilies and other poisonous flowers
M Is For MDR1
N Is For Nose Work
O Is For Origin
P Is For Phenol
Q Is For Quarantine
R Is For Rainbow Bridge
S Is For Shedding
T Is For Traits
U Is For Unconditional Love
V Is For V is for Veterinarian
W Is For Working Ability
X Is For Xylitol
Y Is For Yelling and other Noises
Z Is For Zoomies
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~Plucking Of My Heartstrings~ 
Didn’t think that certain breeds were prone to specific chronic ailments. So this is a prophylactic or a cure?
I am glad you found another vet!
Me too! Thanks for stopping by.