Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 4/26/2009

Question
My 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?

Answer
Stephanie -

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