GENETIC MUTATION AND DRUG TOXICITY

The remarkable recovery of a dog nursed back to health from the brink of death recently highlights the value of a simple genetic test that can help owners determine if their pets are vulnerable to what in most cases is a safe, commonly-used drug. Bristol, a 4-year-old Australian Shepherd, was brought to the Hospital for Small Animals , barely responsive and experiencing persistent seizures. The owner suspected Bristol was suffering from severe ivermectin toxicity, a condition in which ivermectin, the active ingredient in some heart-worm prevention medicines, crosses the blood-brain barrier and causes neurological damage. Bristol required immediate and aggressive care, including the assistance of a mechanical ventilator. She also underwent a brain MRI to rule out other causes of her condition. Although Bristol began to breathe on her own within 10 days, she remained unconscious for three weeks. Eventually, she began walking with the assistance of a cart and leg splints, and later began walking under her own power with support from hospital staff. After a month of treatment, Bristol regained her normal personality traits and the ability to walk, eat and drink on her own. One or two cases of ivermectin toxicity occur each year and they are most frequently the result of accidents, such as when dogs are exposed to higher-dose ivermectin products intended for horses. Although products containing ivermectin are typically safe and effective, many white-footed herding breed dogs like Bristol have a genetic mutation that makes them sensitive to it and several other drugs, including some common chemotherapy drugs.The gene mutation test would enable owners know for sure if they could safely use some of these other drugs, many herding dogs undergo a simple genetic test to determine if they have a mutation in the multidrug resistance (MDR1) gene. Dogs could be indirectly exposed as in the above case that the dog had access to feces of a sheep that was recently dewormed using ivermectin. This also highlights the need for owners to be vigilant when their dogs are in certain settings, such as on farms or in barns, where other animals might have been treated with high concentrations of ivermectin. Source Tufts University.

HORSES AND WORMS.

Worms are usually found at a low percentage in horses that are on pasture because they usually pick up worm eggs. Horses that are not dewormed usually have high percentage of worm load which robs them of nutrients,energy and blood loss.Horses with heavy worm infestation suffer damage to intestines which result in malnutrition,chronic digestive problems,poor performance and colic. Horses with worm infestation are usually dull, weak,have potbellied appearance,rough coat and frequent episodes of colic.Horses should be dewormed once in 3 months,the deworing products are safe and easy to use. The deworming products are powdery,pellets,paste and liquid preparations; the worm preparation could be specific or a broad spectrum mixture that will take care of wide varieties of worms.Fecal examinations must be carried out at regular intervals to determine worm load, worm varieties and resistant/prevalent strains in the farm,so that appropriate drugs are used.

IVERMECTIN DISRUPTS MALARIA TRANSMISSION.

New studies has shown that ivermectin ,can disrupt the transmission cycle in malaria. Ivermectin, a common endo and ecto parasitic agent,has been shown to reduce incidence of malaria. The study conducted by a team ;http://www.healio.com/infectious-disease/zoonotic-infections/news/online/%7B1d049fb1-4e96-42d4-8d92-906425f0ea06%7D/ivermectin-interrupts-malaria-transmission-in-mosquitoes?utm_source=mae

BOVINE PAPILLOMATOSIS.

Papillomatosis also referred to as warts.Its caused by a virus and are various species that are specific.calves are most susceptible. Bovine warts are caused by contagious virus,the papilloma virus.This usually spread by contact from infected cattle to non infected cattle or indirectly from feeders,halters and restraining equipment.

The warts are like cauliflower lesions or flat thickened lesions on the neck,head,trunk,teats and penis.These lesions normally appear 1-6 months after infection and not all infected cattle show lesions. 

The lesions normally spread from ears to other sites,cattle with ear tags or tatoos are prone to infection with secondary bacteria thus causing wide spread purulent discharges . Cattle with these lesion are properly examined if presented for slaughter in the abattoir and the skin should be condemned.

HOW TO TREAT MANGE IN RABBIT.

 MANGE IN RABBIT. Mange in rabbit is caused by mite infestation.This tiny creatures burrow into skin,ear and feet region resulting in crusty scabs

 There are patches of hair loss on coat resulting in bald areas.. The mite infestation results in unthrifty condition in the rabbit because of constant scratching and pulling of affected areas,there is loss of weight and in severe condition fluids oozing out of scratched areas ,this predisposes the rabbit to secondary bacteria infection.

Treatment. The  use of ivermectin: i find the oral route very effective.When condition is severe with oozing fluid,the area is cleaned
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Administer ivermectin and antibiotics. I usually spray affected regions with coconut oil,this suffocates the mites thus preventing further burrowing and hasten healing process.
 The ivermectin is dosed 3 times ; day 0,14 and 28 days the ivermectin kills mites and also deworms the rabbit.
 
  Hygiene is important when raising rabbits.The hutch/cages should be cleaned ,the drains and housing environment must be cleaned regularly .