Craven's Haven

there may be any easier cheeper way to treat but waiting on the dosaging. BUT.. by all means do not give to dogs orally horse pastes I did know of someone misdiagnosed the dosages for horses and canines are completely different with meds as to humans as well. And in result the dog was nuerologic for days as many drugs will do if not given properly. We as humans may require more then a horse depending on medication used.

I use revolution and it can be costly as you know ,if you buy it.Hearguard the same its costly.

Im looking into topically applying ivermectin on my dogs but want an experts opinion and all my vets as well first.I know it is used for types of mange/ear mites and dips and has been given topically on a dog. If this is the case you can buy ivermectin topical for penny's in comparison to heartguard/revolution.

cravenacres at 05:35AM on Oct 07, 2009

there may be any easier cheeper way to treat but waiting on the dosaging

Efficacy against fleas

Fleas are one of the main target pests for which selamectin is indicated. The life cycle of the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis felis) has been researched extensively and under common environmental conditions is completed in 3-5weeks (4). Once attached to a host, newly emerged adult fleas begin feeding within a few minutes. Fleas mate after feeding and egg production begins within 24-48 h of the first blood meal. Eggs are laid on the host, but fall out of the hairy coat (pellage), with approximately 70 % being dislodged within 8 h, and usually accumulate in areas where pets sleep or rest (4). Hatching occurs in 1-6 days and larvae develop in habitats where moderate temperatures and high relative humidity occur. The newly hatched larvae are free- living, feeding on adult flea fecal blood and on organic debris and tend to move down (because of positive geotaxis and negative phototaxis) between carpet fibres, organic materials or in the soil. The larva produces a silk cocoon inside which a pupa develops and the later molts to the adult stage. The fully developed adult stage can survive in the cocoon up to five months, and during this time it is extremely difficult to kill the flea with insecticides because they do not penetrate into the base of the carpet or the debris, rather than being due to any protective effect of the cocoon (5). Only a very small portion ( about 5%) of the flea population lives and feeds on animals , the remaining portion (95%) comprising eggs , larvae and pupae are spread around the indoor habitat (6), while not all insecticides are efficacious on the preimaginal stages.

Dogs and Cats: The Merck Veterinary clinic

Selamectin, an avermectin monosaccharide, is available in a topical formulation, thereby avoiding some of the problems associated with PO administration. Selamectin is also a true endectocide, as its activity encompasses most of the common intestinal parasites (eg, Toxocara , Toxascaris , Uncinaria , Ancylostoma ), heartworms, and external parasites (fleas). Selamectin may also be given to pregnant and lactating bitches for treatment and prevention of Toxocara canis infection .

Selamectin kills parasites infecting dogs and cats by stimulating the release of GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) and consequently inhibiting neurotransmission and blocking the stimulation of neurons to cause paralysis.

Selamectin (Revolution®) as a Canine and Feline Heartworm Preventive Medicine

One of the prime indications for using selamectin, or Revolution®, is as a heartworm preventive medicine for both dogs and cats. When used to prevent heartworms, selamectin needs to be applied monthly.

Selamectin is not effective where adult heartworms are present and is not effective in killing microfilaria (larval heartworms) circulating in the blood stream of dogs and cats infected with heartworms.