From:
"Jeff"
Date: 2009-08-31 04:42:22 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: fleas (Revolution for CATS or KITTENS)
To: <ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com>
We used to give our ferrets a full cat-sized dose (cats 5-15 lbs) of Revolution monthy during the mosquito season (6 months of the year), as a preventative for heart worm. This year, after some research, my vet was hesitant to prescribe it, as his research led him to conclude that 12 - 18 mg. of selamectin per kg of weight monthy is sufficient to prevent heartworm, as well as take care of fleas, ticks, ear mites, and anything else. A full vial of cat-sized Revolution is .75 ml of liquid and contains 45 mg of selemectin (per the Revolution website). Thus, if you believe the research that my vet refers to, then a full tube of the cat-sized Revolution contains approximately three times the necessary monthly dosage of selemectin to prevent heartworm in a 1-kg ferret.
I have one study saved on my computer, and can send it to anyone interested. I have also seen another study, but did not save it. I'm not at home for a few days, so I can't really look for the one I don't have, but I can send out the other one as a PDF attachment to anyone interested. But my personal conclusion from the study that I have and the other one I read, plus my vet's information, is that 18 mg. of selemectin monthly for a 1-kg ferret should be quite enough to prevent heartworm. Thus, this year I have gone from giving a full dose of cat-sized Revolution monthy to giving a half-vial monthly per ferret. All of our ferrets are pretty close to the 1-kg weight level. The half-vial dispenses approx. 22 mg of the selemectin, more than enough, in my belief, to protect them.
I did not see any adverse reactions in the two years that we used a full vial (45 mg. of selemectin monthly). However, my vet believes that long-term overmedication with selemectin could lead to some problems, as can over-dosing with most meds. I have to believe him on this one, and my personal comfort level for keeping our 6 ferrets safe from heartworm has decreased accordingly. My vet feels that even the half-vial is too much, but I'd rather go a little over the 18 mg. monthly than a little under, so he capitulated.
Here is the link to the information on Revolution, directly from their website:
http://www.revolution4cats.com/default.aspx?sec=Prescribing%20Information
Jeff
In Memory of Neo and Mr. Parker
Caring for Trinny, Morphy, Baby Girl, Luna, Dozer, and Possum the Million Dollar Ferret
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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