Ivermectin toxicity in horses

Abstract

Extract

Madam:-The extra label use of a cattle formulation of ivermectin ^* by injection for horses has become common practice by many veterinarians. I wish to report an apparent toxic creaction to this drug. I was called to a four year old thoroughbred gelding that had collapsed almost immediately following the intravenous administration of 10 ml of 1.0% w/v solution of ivermectin ^* by the horse's trainer. I found the horse in lateral recumbency, comatose with periodic nystagmus. Cardinal signs were normal and regular.

Notes

^*Ivomec' Merck Sharp and NZ Ltd, Wiri, Auckland, New Zealand