Border Collies and Ivermectin
I doubt there are many ranches you drive up to that you're not welcomed by cow dogs. And like horses and cattle our four legged friends can be prone to accidents and illnesses. I 'm Jeff Keane stay tuned and I will be back with some information that could save your dogs life. Susan Allen just had a scare with her border collie and all of us that own cattle and horses need to listen to this. Jeff, I could tell Cricket had gotten into something toxic, and as my vet and I ruled out the options he told me about a common horse product that can instantly blind or kill border collies. Ivermectin wormer. Dr. Johnson explained that a WSU Vet had discovered a genetic syndrome in collie breeds that makes them extremely susceptible to Ivermectin and sister drugs found in some ear medications, heart worm and the anti-diarrhea medicine Imodium. Thirty five percent of all collies are affected with this disorder while forty-five percent are carriers. There is now a genetic test to determine if your collie is affect, a carrier or not affected. I can't tell stress enough the importance of properly disposing flavored paste wormers, even a little as a tablespoon licked off a dropped applicator could blind a border collie. It is interesting that other breeds like some German Shepard's, sight hounds, Old English Sheep dogs and Austrian cattle dogs are at risk as well. Susan this should make us all consider how we handle and dispose of cattle medication as well. Also check with your vet on what medications can be dangerously absorbed by humans through skin contact. I'm Jeff Keane.
