Can Ivermectin made for cattle be used to treat mites in gerbils?
Ivermectin is what vets use to treat mites in small pets. Can the Ivermectin made for deworming cattle be used in very small doses for gerbils? If not, is there a product with Ivermectin marketed for small animals?
I would recommend getting an Ivermectin solution from your vet, or having the vet administer it themselves. You *can* use cattle/sheep/etc. Ivermectin on gerbils, but you have to dilute it the right way and measure out exact doses based on the individual gerbil’s weight.
However, even if you decide to use the cattle Ivermectin, you need to see the vet first, so they can identify the type of mite. Ivermectin is *not* effective against all types of mites!
If it turns out you have a type of mite that does not respond to Ivermectin, you can put a *very* tiny drop of Frontline on the back of each gerbil’s neck. Frontline is not approved for use in gerbils, and may not be 100% safe– but it does work.
I had a severe infestation of Tropical Bird Mites, which are resistant to Ivermectin. So I used a 1cc insulin needle with the tip of the needle cut off, and put 1-2 drops of Frontline on the back of each gerbil’s neck (depending on their size). I made sure the Frontline was rubbed into the skin and fully dry before letting the treated gerbil back in with its tankmates (so the other gerbils couldn’t lick it off).
If it turns out you have a type of mite that does respond to Ivermectin, message me. I have the dilution and dosing instructions for using 1% Ivermectin on gerbils (from a vet relative).
I use a very very very small amount on the back of the neck of my rats for mites… depending on the weight of the gerbils you’d maybe only use the tiniest of tiny amounts. However I would ask your vet first, just in case the weights wont support the drug.
References :
I’ve used ivermectin for cows to treat my guinea pig, we just used a very small dose. You would probably have to ask a vet for the amount.
References :
first i would recommend asking your pets vet, as they usually know what is best for your pet. if you can’t get in touch with a vet, try a pet store employee that you trust. also ask people that you know that have done this, or who know other people who have tried it. i have never had this happen to me, but i do think you will end up getting the right results if you try.
Good luck,
Myra
References :
I would recommend getting an Ivermectin solution from your vet, or having the vet administer it themselves. You *can* use cattle/sheep/etc. Ivermectin on gerbils, but you have to dilute it the right way and measure out exact doses based on the individual gerbil’s weight.
However, even if you decide to use the cattle Ivermectin, you need to see the vet first, so they can identify the type of mite. Ivermectin is *not* effective against all types of mites!
If it turns out you have a type of mite that does not respond to Ivermectin, you can put a *very* tiny drop of Frontline on the back of each gerbil’s neck. Frontline is not approved for use in gerbils, and may not be 100% safe– but it does work.
I had a severe infestation of Tropical Bird Mites, which are resistant to Ivermectin. So I used a 1cc insulin needle with the tip of the needle cut off, and put 1-2 drops of Frontline on the back of each gerbil’s neck (depending on their size). I made sure the Frontline was rubbed into the skin and fully dry before letting the treated gerbil back in with its tankmates (so the other gerbils couldn’t lick it off).
If it turns out you have a type of mite that does respond to Ivermectin, message me. I have the dilution and dosing instructions for using 1% Ivermectin on gerbils (from a vet relative).
References :
15 years keeping gerbils, including 7 years of breeding
One massive mite infestation