Is there a connection between Heartworm medication (Heartgard Plus) and Seizures?

Comment

Comment by Steve Danforth on May 26, 2010 at 3:36pm

I have been seeing on the news that there are a lot of people talking about pets getting ill after taking OTC medications. If I can find a link, I will post it.

Comment by Kirsy & Jasper on May 20, 2010 at 10:00pm

I give REVOLUTION drops on the neck once a month. Jasper NEVER had a seizure within weaks of giving him the Revolution. In fact he had a seizure when I was already a month OVERDUE with his heartworm medication.
Here is the link. It is fairly expensive, but I buy it on e-bay now for half the price my Vet charges!
https://www.revolution4dogs.com/default.aspx

Comment by shelly on May 20, 2010 at 7:52pm

I too, have heard not to give Heartgard to 'white pawed dogs'. I actually took Tori off them b/c she did vomit and was lethargic for a few days... I hate to give her any of these pills.. but I guess it's way better than the alternative! We go to the vet soon and will ask for Interceptor... is there anything else out there? So glad Mariner's recovery was quick. That's so scary!

Comment by Karen & Jackdoodle on May 20, 2010 at 5:42pm

Seizures are listed a side effect of ivermectin:

Side Effects Associated with Ivermectin in Dogs
Side effects most commonly seen with ivermectin are:
depression
lethargy
vomiting
diarrhea
lack of appetite
incoordination
seizures
excessive salivation
Ivermectin should not be used in high dosages with valium or tranquilizers related to valium, amitraz dips, collars or topical treatments, or Comfortis® due to the potential of adverse drug interactions.

http://petproducts.suite101.com/article.cfm/ivermectin_for_dogs



Read more at Suite101: Ivermectin for Dogs: Usages, Safety and Side Effects of Ivermectin in Dogs http://petproducts.suite101.com/article.cfm/ivermectin_for_dogs#ixz...

Comment by Jane, Sherlock & Noah on May 20, 2010 at 5:33pm

http://www.colliehealth.org/ivermectin.html

Perhaps Mariner's brain injury he sustained as a tiny pup is similar to the issues collies have with ivermectin?

Comment by Jane, Sherlock & Noah on May 20, 2010 at 5:31pm

YES! At least there is a connection between ivermectin (used in Heartguard Plus) and seizures in herding-type dogs. I answered a call at work the other day from the SPCA - they had just given Heartguard Plus to 4 collie-mix pups and they were all seizing. I would imagine because collies, shelties, etc. are sensitive to ivermectin that other breeds could be as well. My vets highly recommend not using Heartguard Plus in collies or similar dogs. Instead, they have these patients use Interceptor.
Mariner's case is obviously probably different... but if this has happened twice in a row, I think you should speak with your vet about the likelihood that the Heartguard Plus is inducing seizures.