ivermectin information wanted...

[Yve]

I have a few ?'s that need answering so put your thinking caps on!!:) To eradicate mites, I was told to use 2.5mg per 10 gallons of water for a soak, and it seems to have worked but I've read that a 2% solution is the correct amount. that seems kinda strong. Any input on this? Also, is there a difference between the ivermectin that you get at the vet and the farm stores?

Just to give you an idea of how easy it is to get mites even when you think you've covered all the bases. I brought mine home from a store that had NO reptiles displayed, but kept them in a private area in the basement(I didn't know at the time). There were no reptilian enclosures in the store, only supplies. I didn't take precautions because I thought it was a snake mite free environment(my mistake). I had not been around any other pet stores, or places that housed reptiles in 2 months. I can't PROVE they came from there, but I can't imagine were else they came from.
hmph!:(

[KolleenJ]

Being a vet tech, we recomend a few diferent things....one of which being to Mix 2 mls of Ivomec with 1 liter of distilled water and use as a cage spray. I still think(even though ive seen people bitch about this) that having an Ivomec injection by a herp vet is the best way to rid your snakes body of mites. It kills all stages....even those pesky ones that get into their pits and eyes. I can do more reserch on the matter is you are interested. We have a million books here (and I work graveyards so I usually have time to read) and I can talk to a couple of my vet friends about the matter also.

[Yve]

Thanks Kolleen! I've had some trouble getting info. on this. I was thinking about getting a book by Dr. Roger Klinenburg called
"Understanding Repitle Parasites". Can you recommend anything else on this topic?
Like I mentioned in my last post. I used a very small amt. of Ivermectin and I am yet to see a live mite since then. I soaked her for half an hour March 29 and then again April 4. Does it soak into the skin of the snake and continue to work for several days? I'd like to find out whether there are different types of Ivermectin with higher or lower potencies that can be purchased. Mine was purchased from a co-op, selling Ivermectin for deworming horses.
I thought maybe that is why I was recommended to use such a small amount. Anyways, I think I nipped the problem at the bud, but would still like to learn as much as possible on this topic.
I appreciate your help!:)

[DanU]

Hello Yvonne

I had mites only once with my Green Trees when I first received them.

I used 1ml per litre of water. I removed the water bowl from their cage and sprayed the cage as well as the snakes.

The vet recommended doing this for 3 weeks at 3 day intervals. Making sure you remove water bowl every time. You can put the bowl back once snake and cage are dry. I also cleaned and disinfected there enclosure each time as well.

This is to eradicate any newly hatched mites etc.

The injections work from what I have heard, but what do you do about the ones you may have in the enclosure, also it does not have an effect on unhatched eggs, which are generally deposited somewhere dark and nice and warm in the enclosure.

I sprayed my snakes and enclosure 3 times over 9 days and then stopped. I have never encountered a mite since then. That was a year and half ago.
]
Also my vet said that the diluted ivermectin mixture must be remixed each time. After 24 hours the invermectin will begin to degrade within the water and therefore reduce the effectiveness.

I am not an expert and only had to go through this once ( knock on wood) but from my experience it worked very well and I have had no problems since.

The vet I went to has a practice that does see alot of reptile cases and she is very knowledgable.

I hope this helps you out,

Dan

[KolleenJ]

is titled The Reptile's Clinician Handbook.
It has a tom of info on doseages and what to use for what along with a ton of other ropics including wounds and ect. Also has a lot of stuff you probably wont use like anistesia...and vet stuff. But fun to learn anyhow.
Also, Ive only seen 1 strength of Ivomec.....somthing like 10,000 micrograms per ML or 10 mg's per ML. Same stuff used in cattle, horses and swine.

[Yve]

I know is is sorta old news but I saw a mite today, just one and decided to get some ivermectin from the vet. I was told to mix 6.25ml with one quart(0.946L) to soak the snake.:confused: Is the dosage supposed to be that high for soaking?
:confused:

[Darren Hamill]

I wouldn't recommend using that high of a dosage Yve. I would go with Kolleens advice of "Mix 2 mls of Ivomectin with 1 litre of distilled water and use as a cage spray." if you were determined to use Ivomectin. I don't think that bathing the snake in the solution would benefit you at all. I also feel that there is a chance of consumption of the solution there as well and there is no need to do it. Spray IMO is the best way when using this treatment.

Nix works better IMO as well. It's less costly and wont go stail like an Ivomectin solution. (2 weeks) You can keep it for future use when an animal is in quarantine new animals.

Thanks,
Darren Hamill
http://www.hamillreptiles.com

[Linds]

Darren: Roughly how long does NIX last once mixed into a solution?

[Darren Hamill]

Originally posted by Linds
Darren: Roughly how long does NIX last once mixed into a solution?

Linds,

As far as I know it can last several months. Some friends and myself have had the same bottle for several months and it still does the job. As to an exact date I'm not sure. Better than two weeks though!

Thanks,
Darren Hamill
http://www.hamillreptiles.com

[Yve]

thanks Darren, I guess you can void my e-mail!:D
Yve

[Darren Hamill]

Too late! I already sent one! :)

[Linds]

Thanks!