[PyrNet-L] Ivermectin

["Richard Bergen" <bergens@cts.com>]

Patric,
Lest I get my husband in trouble, it was I who sent this thread.  This was
told to me by a specialist who has bred thousands of dogs and it is based on
observations, not medical research.  Anyway, any side effects are temporary.

This will teach me to lurk and not speak.

Joanne
Date: Fri, 29 Oct 1999 18:08:17 -0700 (PDT)
From: pyrsrgr8@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: [PyrNet-L] Ivermectin

Richard,

--- Richard Bergen <bergens@cts.com> wrote:
> FYI, you may want to be aware that ivermectin can cause sterility in
> dogs.

Where did you get this information?  Ivermectin can cause no such
thing!  I don't know what vet told you this or where you read it, but
cannot be true.

Here is why:

Ivermectin is a GABA receptor agonist, and because mammals have GABA
receptors only in the central nervous system, ivermectin is safe for
all mammals unless it crosses the blood-brain barrier (as it apparently
does in many collies and related herding-breed dogs).

Side effects would be *neurological* and not reproductive, and in cases
of an overdose, dissipates with the termination of treatment.

Even collies tend to tolerate the 6 microgram/Kg body weight dose
recommended for heartworm prevention, but should never be given higher
doses.

Ivermectin is a very widely used broad spectrum antiparasitic and if it
caused any level of sterility half of the dogs in this country would be
sterile (including all of ours).

Sincerely, Patric.


=====
______________________________________
Patric Lundberg, PhD
plundber@coh.org
Department of Virology
City of Hope National Medical Center
(626)359-8111 x2612
__________________________________________________