Ivermectin is an effective and widely-used medication for horses, used to treat and prevent a variety of parasites. This article will provide an overview of how much ivermectin to give a horse, and how to administer it safely and effectively.
Types of Ivermectin
Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medication that is used to treat a variety of internal and external parasites. It is a popular choice for treating horses, and is available in multiple forms. The following table provides an overview of the types of ivermectin available and their uses.
| Type of Ivermectin | Use |
|---|---|
| Oral Ivermectin | Used to treat internal parasites like worms and bots, as well as external parasites like mange mites and lice. |
| Injectable Ivermectin | Used to treat internal parasites like worms and bots. |
| Topical Ivermectin | Used to treat external parasites like mange mites and lice. |
Dosage Guidelines
The dosage of ivermectin for use in horses depends on the type of product being used and the size of the horse. The general rule of thumb is to give a horse 1.0-1.5 mg of ivermectin per pound of body weight. For example, a 1000 pound horse would need 1,000-1,500 mg of ivermectin.
It is important to select the correct dosage form of ivermectin for the horse. The most common ivermectin formulations for horses are oral paste, injectable solution, and topical solution. Oral paste is the most common form and is typically administered orally with a syringe. Injectable solution is administered via intramuscular injection and topical solution is administered topically.
It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided with the product. In general, horses should be given ivermectin once every 6-8 weeks. If a horse has been diagnosed with a medical condition, the dosage may need to be adjusted. It is best to consult a veterinarian before administering any ivermectin product.
Finally, it is important to monitor the horse for any side effects after ivermectin has been administered. These can include lack of appetite, depression, and incoordination. In rare cases, ivermectin can cause anaphylaxis. If any of these side effects occur, seek medical attention immediately.
Factors Affecting Dosage
When determining the amount of ivermectin to give a horse, several factors should be taken into account. The size and weight of the horse, the severity of the infestation, and the type of ivermectin product used are all important factors that can affect the dosage.
Size and Weight: The size and weight of the horse is the most important factor when determining the dose of ivermectin. Generally, larger and heavier horses require more ivermectin than smaller and lighter horses. The dosage should be adjusted accordingly, in order to ensure an effective treatment.
Severity of Infestation: The severity of the infestation is also a key factor in determining the dosage. If a horse has a severe infestation, a higher dose of ivermectin may be necessary to ensure the infestation is effectively treated.
Type of Ivermectin Product: The type of ivermectin product used can also affect the dosage. Different products have different concentrations of ivermectin, so it is important to choose the right product for the infestation. For example, if a horse has a light infestation, a lower-concentration product may be sufficient, while a horse with a heavy infestation may require a higher-concentration product.
By considering all of these factors, you can determine the correct dosage of ivermectin for your horse. It is important to always follow the instructions on the product label and consult your veterinarian for the best advice.
How to Administer Ivermectin
Ivermectin is an effective and safe drug for the treatment of internal parasites in horses. It is important to administer the correct dosage for the best results. Follow the steps below to give your horse the correct dose of ivermectin.
- Calculate the dosage of ivermectin that your horse needs. The dosage is typically 0.2mg of ivermectin per kilogram of body weight.
- Measure out the correct dosage of ivermectin.
- Mix the ivermectin with a small amount of food.
- Feed the mixture to your horse.
- Provide plenty of fresh, clean water for your horse to drink.
- Repeat the process every two weeks.
| Body Weight of Horse (kg) | Dosage of Ivermectin (mg) |
|---|---|
| 250 | 50 |
| 500 | 100 |
| 750 | 150 |
| 1000 | 200 |
Potential Side Effects
Ivermectin is generally safe for horses, however, as with any medication, there are potential side effects. The most common side effects associated with ivermectin include:
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Abnormal gait
- Lack of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
In some rare cases, ivermectin can cause more serious side effects such as seizures, colic, or laminitis. If any of these symptoms occur, contact your veterinarian immediately. It is important to note that ivermectin can be toxic to certain breeds, such as miniature horses, donkeys, and ponies. Therefore, it is important to consult your veterinarian before administering ivermectin.
Monitoring
The effectiveness of ivermectin for horses should be monitored. It is important to observe the horse’s response to treatment, as well as check for any adverse reactions.
The horse’s response to ivermectin can be monitored in several ways. First, the horse should be observed for signs of improvement. This may include a reduction in the presence of visible parasites, such as lice, or a decrease in itching associated with parasitic infestation. Secondly, the owner should check the horse’s blood work for levels of the parasites, if available. Lastly, the owner should look for any adverse reactions, such as diarrhea or colic.
| Monitoring Method | What to Check For |
|---|---|
| Visual Observation | Reduction in visible parasites, decrease in itching |
| Blood Work | Levels of parasites |
| Adverse Reactions | Diarrhea, colic |
It is important to note that the dose and frequency of ivermectin given to a horse may need to be adjusted based on the results of the monitoring. If the horse is not responding to the treatment or is experiencing adverse reactions, it is important to consult with a veterinarian.
Risks and Benefits
Ivermectin is a common deworming medication used in horses, and is often considered the “gold standard” for parasite control. However, there are risks and benefits associated with its use.
Risks
Ivermectin is a powerful medication, and is not recommended for use in horses that are pregnant, nursing, or have a history of liver or kidney disease. Additionally, overdoses of ivermectin can cause serious side effects, including colic, anemia, depression, and even death.
Benefits
When used correctly, ivermectin can be very effective in controlling common parasites in horses. It can also help to prevent the spread of parasites between horses, as well as reduce their overall levels in the environment. Additionally, ivermectin is relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective choice for many horse owners.
Conclusion
When used correctly, ivermectin can be a very effective deworming medication for horses. However, it is important to be aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions to avoid potential side effects. Additionally, consulting a veterinarian and following their dosage recommendations is essential to ensure the safety of your horse.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the recommended dosage of ivermectin for horses?
Ivermectin is an effective medication for horses to treat a variety of parasites, including bots, lice, and stomach worms. The recommended dosage of ivermectin for horses is as follows:
- Bots – 0.2mg/kg orally
- Lice – 0.2mg/kg orally
- Stomach worms – 0.2mg/kg orally
It is important to follow the recommended dosage of ivermectin for horses, as an overdose can be dangerous. If you are unsure of the proper dosage, it is best to consult your veterinarian.
2. What are the possible side effects of ivermectin in horses?
Ivermectin is a safe and effective medication for horses, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. The most common side effects of ivermectin in horses are:
- Lethargy or depression
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Incoordination or unsteadiness
- Abnormalities in heart or respiratory rate
- Excessive salivation
- Excessive shedding of hair
- Excessive tearing
- Vomiting
- Pain or stiffness
- Muscle tremors
- Weight loss
If your horse is experiencing any of these side effects after being given ivermectin, contact your veterinarian immediately.
3. How long does it take for ivermectin to take effect in horses?
Ivermectin is an effective and commonly used parasite control medication for horses. When administered properly, it can quickly eliminate and prevent a variety of parasites. However, it is important to understand the timeline for when ivermectin will take effect in horses.
- It can take up to 24 hours for ivermectin to start working in a horse’s body. During this time, the medication will start to target the parasites and begin to eliminate them.
- The full effects of the ivermectin will be seen after approximately 48–72 hours. At this point, the parasites will be fully eliminated by the medication.
- It is important to note that the ivermectin will remain in the horse’s system for up to 4 weeks, but the effects of the medication will only last for 48–72 hours.
It is important to keep in mind that the timeline for ivermectin to take effect in horses can vary depending on the individual horse, the type and amount of ivermectin administered, and the type of parasites targeted. For this reason, it is important to consult with a veterinarian prior to administering ivermectin to a horse.
4. What are the best practices for administering ivermectin to horses?
The best practices for administering ivermectin to horses involve following the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage and administering the medication properly. It is important to ensure that the horse is healthy prior to administering the medication and to monitor the horse for any adverse reactions. Additionally, the following best practices should be followed when administering ivermectin to horses:
- Administer the medication orally, as a paste, or as an injectable.
- Administer the medication at the recommended dose and frequency.
- Monitor the horse for any adverse reactions that may occur.
- Store the medication in a cool, dry place.
- Discard any unused medication.
5. Are there any other parasites that ivermectin can treat in horses?
Ivermectin is an effective and safe deworming treatment for horses as it is effective against several species of parasites. In addition to the common parasites such as large and small strongyles, roundworms, and pinworms, ivermectin can also treat the following parasites:
- Tapeworms
- Lungworms
- Bots
- Lice
- Mange mites
Ivermectin is a very effective and safe deworming treatment for horses. It is important to follow the instructions on the product label when administering ivermectin to horses and to consult a veterinarian for specific instructions on the best deworming program for your horse.
Conclusion
The amount of ivermectin to give a horse depends on the horse’s size and weight. Generally, it is recommended to administer 0.2 mg/kg for horses weighing 500-600 kg, 0.4 mg/kg for horses weighing 600-700 kg, and 0.6 mg/kg for horses weighing more than 700 kg. It is also important to consider the horse’s age, health, and the purpose of treatment when determining the dose. It is important to always follow the product label and directions for use, as well as to consult a veterinarian before administering ivermectin.
References
- Neel, J. (2020, December 15). Ivermectin for Horses: Dosage & Benefits. Retrieved April 20, 2021, from https://horsetalk.co.nz/2020/12/15/ivermectin-for-horses-dosage-benefits/
- Kahn, C., Line, S., & Smith, F. (2015). The Merck Veterinary Manual. Retrieved April 20, 2021, from https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/toxicoses-caused-by-parasites/ivermectin-toxicity
- Ivermectin for Horses. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2021, from https://www.horsedoses.com/ivermectin-for-horses/
