Re: [PyrNet-L] Ivermectin

[Pyrs RGreat <pyrsrgr8@yahoo.com>]

Doug,

> We have dealt with a number of reproductive specialists, both ICG and
> other and each and every one has told us not to use ANY dewormer on a
> pregnant or lactating bitch as there was a small possibility of side
> effects with the puppies including losing the litter.  I have no idea
> if this information is correct or not, but as long as there is any
> doubt whatsoever, I will continue to cease using any dewormer 30 days
> prior to breeding.

I can see how this could be true.  If the Ivermectin gets into the CNS
of a developing/newborn puppy, it could do some serious neurological
damage.  I haven't researched this, but draw the conclusion from the
importance of proper signalling in the developing brain.  Not that it
is the same, but an analogous situation would be something like FAS
(fetal alcohol syndrome) where the alcohol interferes with the
developing CNS.

I will go out on a limb here and come up with an explanation (I do this
by relying on memory, so anyone out there would be wise to double check
with an M.D. or D.V.M. before passing this on).

The brain develops as the fetus grows and continues for some time after
birth.  Certainly during early pregnancy, the blood-brain barrier is
not fully established in the pup.  Similar to such barrier impairment
*may* be why collies and some other herding breeds are more sensitive
to the side effects of Ivermectin.  If the mother is given Ivermectin
during this time it would likely be passed on to the pups (assuming it
can cross the placental barrier too).  Since the pup's brain is still
forming, the effects would become permanent and not reversible such as
is the case with ovedosing an adult.  The result would be either
still-birth or a serious mental handicap in the pup - the latter would
likely make the mother reject and/or kill it.

I will have to check our own Ivermectin stock when I get home because
if the above is true, there should be a serious warning to
pregnant/lactating *human* mothers as well.  I don't remember seeing
such a warning, but I need to check it.

It doesn't take much to disrupt the intricate matrix of the developing
brain - in fact, it is amazing that it doesn't happen more often.

As for the 30 day wait before breeding I have no idea - how long before
the drug clears the system?

Now, if this interests you, please bring this email to your
Veterinarian or Doctor and have them either confirm or disprove this
little theory - I really don't want to be quoted if my idea is wrong...

Later, Patric.


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