The supply of medicines is a serious and delicate matter that must be controlled by a specialist and in the case of animals it is no different. Many times one falls into the error of self-medication, however this practice should be eradicated and the use of treatments should not be underestimated.
The problem of parasites in pets such as dogs and cats must be controlled without any negligence. Neglecting this problem has serious consequences for both the animal and the owners. One of the most effective allies in the fight against parasites is milbemax And it is very important to know the scope of this medicine.
Basic Information
The ideal is to comply with medical regulations and inform yourself in the most accurate way. Milbemax is a medicine from Novartis Sanidad Animal SL laboratories, which contains an antiparasitic active substance known as milbemycin oxime. This compound belongs to the group of macrocyclic lactones, isolated from the fermentation of Streptomyces hygroscopicus var Aureolacrimosus y it is used against internal parasites of dogs and cats. The parasites that attack are gastrointestinal nematode worms.
Milbemax works as an anthelmintic, that is, attacks helminth or worm infections. Its action is fast and precise, either because it eliminates them or because it causes them to leave the body, thus reducing the parasite load without leaving complications.
The pharmacological properties of milbemax are active against mites in the larval and mature stage of nematodes. It is also effective in the larval stage of the dirofilaria immitis, a type of parasite that is definitely lodged in dogs.
The reproductive stage takes place in the pulmonary arteries and right ventricle of the dog's heart. This parasite can live for many years and cause canine heartworm, a very serious disease for dogs.
The way Milbemax works is to cause chemical alterations in metabolism of the organism of the affected animal. The worms are sensitive to these alterations since a hostile environment is created for the parasites. These alterations are, for example, the inhibition of the mitochondrial fumarate reductase, decreases glucose transport or uncouples oxidative phosphorylation.
The activity of this drug on the neurotransmission of invertebrates, milbemycin oxime, the same as avermectins and other milbemycins, increases the permeability of the membrane of nematodes and insects to chloride ions, through chloride ion channels, controlled by glutamate (related to GABA and glycine receptors in vertebrates).
This causes a hyperpolarization of the neuromuscular membrane. with flaccid paralysis and subsequent death of the parasites. Praziquantel is an acyl derivative of pyrazino-isoquinoline.
Praziquantel is active against cestodes and trematodes, since modifies the permeability of the parasite membranes to calcium (Ca2 + influx) inducing an imbalance in the membrane structures and leading to a depolarization of the membrane and an almost instantaneous contraction of the musculature (tetany), rapid vacuolization of the syncytial integument and consequent tegumentary disintegration (bubbling), which it ends in the expulsion of the parasite from the gastrointestinal tract or its death.
Indications and dosage
Treatment with milbemax It is indicated in dogs with mixed infections with cestodes, and nematodes (Ancylostoma caninum, toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis, Crenosome vulpis). In the latter, the level of infection is reduced. This medicine can also be used in the prevention of Dirofilaria immitis.
The dose of antiparasitics depends on the regulations of each country. There are some recommendations for the dosage of milbemycin oxime issued by the manufacturers, documented in scientific publications.
The medicine It is usually used in dogs weighing less than five kilos and only under strict veterinary surveillance. You should always read the label because there are variations depending on the country.
- Dogs from 0,5 to 1 kg of bw: 1/2 tablet small dogs.
- Dogs with more than 1 to 5 kg of bw: 1 tablet for small dogs.
- Dogs with more than 5 to 10 kg of bw: 2 tablets for small dogs.
- Dogs with more than 5 to 20 kg of bw: 1 dog tablet.
- Dogs with more than 25 to 50 kg of bw: 2 dog tablets.
- Dogs with more than 50 to 75 kg of bw: 3 dog tablets.
The product should never be used for dogs on cats and vice versa, or for large animals on small animals. There are breeds of dogs that do not tolerate milbemycin oxime well or other macrocyclic lactones such as doramectin, ivermectin, moxidectin, selamectin, emodepside, or other non-antiparasitic medications.
In higher doses than recommended may present more or less serious tolerance problems. That is why it is very important that the dosage should be done as accurately as possible.
The cases in which special attention should be paid are in the Collies and breeds next, which have a mutation (in the MDR-1 gene) that affects the blood-brain barrier that prevents certain drugs usually from entering the mammalian brain.
In addition to Collies, other breeds have also shown similar problems, such as the Bobtail, Border Collie, Bearded Collie, McNab, Silken Greyhound, Whippet Greyhound, Australian Shepherd, White Swiss Shepherd, English Shepherd, Shetland Shepherd, Wäller, although the mutation Defective has not yet been confirmed in all these breeds.
Using Milbemax should follow the execution of appropriate diagnostic measures for mixed infections by nematodes and ceall, considering the history and characteristics of the animal, such as age, health, environment (caged dogs, hunting dogs), diet (access to raw meat), geographical location and movements.
The decision to administer the product in dogs at risk of mixed reinfections or in specific risk situations must be made by the responsible veterinarian. Clinical symptoms in Collie dogs are similar to those seen in the general population of overdosed dogs.
Treating dogs with a high number of microfilarial parasites can lead to the development of hypersensitivity such as pale mucous membranes, vomiting, tremors, shortness of breath, or excessive salivation. These reactions are associated with the release of proteins from dead or dying microfilariae, and are not a direct toxic effect of the drug.
There are no known studies in severely debilitated dogs or in individuals with damaged kidneys or liver, because milbemax is not recommended in these animals unless there is a specialist assessment.