VET COULD HAVE KILLED MY DOG.

The Hill's diet works very well if your dog's problem is a food allergy.  It usually takes a while for you to see a benefit because all the allergens have to clear out of the dog's system.  Usually the diets are formulated to have proteins in them that are different from those found in other dog foods because the proteins are what cause the allergic reaction.  There are other brands that do produce foods for the same purpose.  You might try going to web-sites for Purina or Alpo or something and investigate if you're looking for an alternative but a food trial would be worth a try.  If that is the problem your dog will be a lot happier and more comfortable on the diet.

PS - please note that some Border collies have a seperate problem with sensitivity to (drumroll please) Interceptor and Ace. I've got two dogs who are sensitive to Interceptor (they are related), and many, many BCs have the problem with ace.

Ive printed out the list of dangerous meds, as I own a Collie.
 
To the OP, I suggest you do the same. *Some* Herding breeds can be more sensitive to these medications and I would not give them to any dog with possible herding ancestors. I only thought it was the Ivermeticin and the Imodium but now I know better and I check ALL medications for any potentially harmfull ingredients.
 
I had a scare a while back when it was recommended by our feed store that we use Ivomec to help with Lizzie's coat (we were currently using it on ur Golden) and the guy didnt even ask what type of dog we had and I actualluy considered it. That same day there was a topic here on that particular medication.
 
If you are unsure about ANY type of medication research it before giving it, some vets may not be fully aware of the damage they can cause to our breeds.

Ivermeticin is something I will stay away from simply because of my personal experience.  Before I adopted Trixie (Shih Tzu Mix), another vet diagnosed her with demodex and Ivomec was used in her treatment.  Then when she had another break out, it was given again in a higher dose than needed BY the staff.  She could have died, could have had permanent nerve damage, could have been permanently blind.   I not only contacted MY vet, I contacted the company that makes Ivermeticin.  Both said Trixie is a lucky girl to come out of this ok.

The topic that Julitza mentioned was actually my first post.  First of all, Ivermeticin is not something that should be used without a knowledgeable vet.  MY vet says he never uses this type of meds because it is very dangerous.  Believe me, if eople could see the reaction Trixie had... they would think twice about this drug.  

Callie actually helped me a great deal, gave me information, the right questions to ask AND a different solution in treating demodex.  As stated by Julitza, if you are unsure about ANY type of medication research it before giving it! Some vets may not be fully aware of the damage they can cause. 

Our Dane Ollie could not take Heartguard without getting sick for a few days,,,he would not even eat for almost two weeks. I suspect that was something different the what bookcove mentioned. I have just recently heard about  MDRI.  I read that they suspect other breeds to be included on that list as it get studied more. There is a link [linkhttp://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-VCPL/test.asp]http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-VCPL/test.asp[/link] where you can have your dog tested for MDR1,,,,it is in the link bookcove listed.

So if  he has used the heartguard many times before, and I have never seen any signs of sensitivity to Ivermectin, is it safe for me to continue using it? Or are all the dogs in the affected breeds going to be affected some time or another?

It's not all dogs of a certain breed, but specific dogs from those breeds (32% of Aussies, and close to 75% of Collies []).  I wouldn't give it to a Collie or Aussie especially without an MDR1 normal/normal result (not affected by the gene that causes drug sensitivity).  The problem with these drugs and a sensitive dog is that the chemical builds up in the brain because it passes the blood-brain barrier, so you wouldn't necessarily see a problem on the first dose.  I'd request a test kit and test your dog ASAP.  If you get a mutant/normal or mutant/mutant result, it would be in the dog's best interest to NOT take the Heartgard.  [linkhttp://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts%2DVCPL/]http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts%2DVCPL/[/link]

Ok, so wait.
Even Bearded Collies can be affected by this ivermectin?
And ivermectin is in heart guard plus?

Besides the migraines, what other side effects are there?

There are many neurological problems reported, from mild ataxia or vertigo, right up to seizures and death. I've personally had experience with a dog that had a severe reaction to acepromazine - an Aussie/English setter mix.

angelamarie, my vet has stopped offering the Hartguard "plus" because of problems they were hearing of among their clients. It's also her opinion that it was the wormer med that was causing the problem.

ORIGINAL: chewbecca

Ok, so wait.
Even Bearded Collies can be affected by this ivermectin?
And ivermectin is in heart guard plus?

Besides the migraines, what other side effects are there?

Brookcove listed the side effects.  I think migraines would be the least of their worries. 

Bearded Collies are on the "seemingly unaffected list" published by UC Davis. http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/research/canine/projects/mdr1b/

ORIGINAL: brookcove

There are many neurological problems reported, from mild ataxia or vertigo, right up to seizures and death. I've personally had experience with a dog that had a severe reaction to acepromazine - an Aussie/English setter mix.

angelamarie, my vet has stopped offering the Hartguard "plus" because of problems they were hearing of among their clients. It's also her opinion that it was the wormer med that was causing the problem.

I don't know what mild ataxia and vertigo are. What are signs?

mild ataxia = stumbling, unsteady gait
vertigo = dizziness (so could also be stumbling)

original: Brookcove  Now we know why Border collies seem to have missed out on the "four white feet, do not treat" adage. They broke off the collie family tree in the early 1870's, when the first working trials started. Ditto for the other breeds I mentioned - the stock for those breeds was exported before the mutation began to spread through the collie gene pool, apparently.

Rebecca, could you elaborate on this, please?  My Aussie, Ruby, has four white feet and I've never heard this saying before so now I'm curious and somewhat concerned.  She's taken three monthly doses of Heartgard Plus (lowest dose as she just hit 30lbs).  My vet owns Aussies and he recommended this for her.  I've put in a call to him so he can explain his reasoning for recommending it.   Thank you for your help.Christi

Danes aren't supposed to get Heartguard either.

Danes aren't supposed to get Heartguard either.
 
[color=#330000]HUH????????  I have NOT heard that mudpuppy!  I don't give Bubby it,,she gets Interceptor and I got that from Great Dane Lady who says it seems to work best for Danes..AND Ollie used to get sick from Heartguard,,,,,but both him and the Dane (Sadie) who lives down the street ALSO had problems with Revolution...  but I had not heard that Heartguard should not be given to Danes.   I'm curious about that.

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