QuestionMy 10 year old Border Collie has a bad knee and bad hip. He was given deramaxx and tramadol. The deramaxx works well but he itches and scratches like crazy when I give the tramadol. He made 2 raw spots on his back just last night. I am also considering giving ivermectin for heartworms. Could he be allergic to tramadol and should this prvent me from using ivermectin?
AnswerStephanie -
Hopefully your pet is already on heartworm prevention. If is he not on HW prevention, he should be tested immediately and given a heartworm preventative.
Because Border Collies have a sensitivity to ivermectin, you should only give it under the direction of a veterinarian. Border Collies, collies, and shelties should not receive ivermectin unless directed by a doctor. Seizures and vestibular diseases are attributed to ivermectin use in Border Collies. For some reason, people ten to think that ivermectin is a benign drug and it is not. One should only give ivermectin to a pet under the direction of a veterinarian. The amount prescribes is too small that it cannot be measured in a standard syringes..For that reason, you should not be thinking of giving your dog ivermectin as a heartworm preventative,
If your dog is allergic to tramadol, try another drug. Ask your vet about a comparable drug to tramadol that will help to alleviate your dog's pain. there are several other drugs that can help make your dog comfortable.
Best Regards,
Charlotte Sherrell,DVM