[Intravenous administration of Ivomec in horses].

The research article examines the dangers of using Ivomec, an ivermectin-based drug, through intravenous administration in horses, as there have been instances of these animals dying suddenly post-application. The standard application of Ivomec is typically intended for livestock like cattle, sheep, and pigs making its use in horses ‘off label’, and it has been found ineffective in treating certain internal parasites whether applied orally or intravenously.

Background of the Research

• The research sets out against the backdrop of reported mortality in horses after intravenous administration of Ivomec, a drug used to treat parasites in livestock.
• An urgent requirement to investigate the cause of these deaths led to the research.
• The article addresses the issue of ‘off label use’ of Ivomec in horses, stating the intravenous application in horses was not the original intended use of the drug.

Anaphylactic Reactions in Horses

• In the assessment of the causes of death, the study discovered that lethal anaphylactic reactions can occur in horses when they receive the drug intravenously.
• An anaphylactic reaction is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within seconds to minutes of exposure to an allergy-causing substance.
• These reactions were found to be incidentally taking place precisely after usage of drugs dissolved in propyleneglycol or glycerolformol, which are common solvents used in drug delivery.

Ineffectiveness of Ivomec on Cyathostomes

• Apart from the lethal effect, the research also revealed that Ivomec does not have an effect on the control of specific types of internal parasites in horses, known as cyathostomes, whether given orally or intravenously.
• Cyathostomes, also referred to as small strongyles, are a group of parasitic worms that reside in the large intestine and can cause multiple health issues in horses.

Conclusion of the Study

• The paper concludes that since Ivomec can provoke lethal allergic reactions and is ineffective for controlling cyathostomes, there is no justifiable reason to employ its intravenous use in horses.
• Despite Ivomec being a registered treatment for parasites in cattle, sheep, and pigs, its ‘off-label use’ in horses is deemed unsafe and unjustifiable.