Masses of ticks on sheepdog, best treatment?

DeeGee

Member
Location
North East Wales
Our sheepdogs often get tics, neat washing up liquid will kill the tic within a few hours then just pull them off. Are the dogs likely to be picking up tics from their straw bedding?
 

Old Shep

Member
Livestock Farmer
According to the datasheet, Bravecto kills ticks quickly (8 hours) but it still needs them to attach and feed.

I used it once and my bitch had a fit a few hours later. Maybe no connection (she does/did have epilepsy) but never used it again.
There is a facebook group "Bravecto kills" or similar dedicated to trying to get it taken off the market. Lots of reports of dogs dying or getting really ill after it. Vets say it's fine though.
 

Old Shep

Member
Livestock Farmer
This is report from US admitting that Nexgard and Bravecto products can cause seizures and neurological problems. I know many use it without side effects but it is something to watch out for, it may not be immediate and be a result of build up with use over time.


 
Would it be the same problem as Border collies and Ivermectin - a genetic trait?

"So there’s something unusual about the Blood Brain Barrier in collies then?

Yes, exactly. There is a particular genetic mutation, called MDR1? (also known as ABCB1, just to confuse people…) that means the barrier doesn’t work properly, and allows certain types of chemical through. One of these types is (you’ve guessed it!) the macrocyclic lactones – including ivermectin."
 

Old Shep

Member
Livestock Farmer
Would it be the same problem as Border collies and Ivermectin - a genetic trait?

"So there’s something unusual about the Blood Brain Barrier in collies then?

Yes, exactly. There is a particular genetic mutation, called MDR1? (also known as ABCB1, just to confuse people…) that means the barrier doesn’t work properly, and allows certain types of chemical through. One of these types is (you’ve guessed it!) the macrocyclic lactones – including ivermectin."

I believe the Bravecto type drugs affect all breeds of dogs, not just border collies.

I also read that the MDR1 mutation is seen more in Rough Collies not Border Collies. A confusion arising from Americans meaning the lassie type when they use the abbreviation "collie".
 

gatepost

Member
Location
Cotswolds
Up until about five years ago ticks never seen here , now I have to put them tick collars on dogs, hireable things , I wonder why they increasing ?
We have seen a lot on young lambs and the dogs, in the last 3yrs, never really an issue before, but loads of deer now and they seem to be covered.
 
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MOG

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
Llanthony
We have seen a lot on young lambs and the dogs, the 3yrs, never really an issue before, but loads of deer now and they seem to be covered.
Interesting. We had deer move into the valley/our farm for the first time last year. Now there are ticks. Coincidence??
 

hill farmer

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
breconshire
Interesting. We had deer move into the valley/our farm for the first time last year. Now there are ticks. Coincidence??
Are you adjoining the Black mountains?, there are ticks on the western side, have been for a few years. A lot of farms dysecting lambs going to hill for it.
Perhaps it's spread over to your side
 

MOG

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
Llanthony
Are you adjoining the Black mountains?, there are ticks on the western side, have been for a few years. A lot of farms dysecting lambs going to hill for it.
Perhaps it's spread over to your side
We are in the Llanthony Valley so eastern side of the Blacks
 

Muck Spreader

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
Limousin
Our Collie had a Brevecto tablet 48 hours ago and has since stopped eating (drinking OK) and has no energy, it can hardly keep up with us walking round the fields. It did have Brevacto tablet for the first-time last year with no noticeable effects. Any one else seen similar?
 

Wilksy

Member
Location
East Riding
We give our border terrier nexgard (pushed by the vet) and to be fair it’s never caused him any obvious ill effects but having just read that article I’m going to raise the issue with our vet
 

Dry Rot

Member
Livestock Farmer
I came across "shower of hail" in Irish setters when research colour types. Then saw some black labs with "shower of hail" colouring in a gamekeeper's kennel. It was then that I realised it wasn't a colour variation at all but the scars left by feeding ticks!

I'd dip the sheep too. A good chance to kill a lot of the little beggars that the sheep collect. Ticks spread Lymes Disease which is not nice at all. And, coincidentally, traditional heather burning destroys the mat they live in.
 

ladycrofter

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
Highland
Our Collie had a Brevecto tablet 48 hours ago and has since stopped eating (drinking OK) and has no energy, it can hardly keep up with us walking round the fields. It did have Brevacto tablet for the first-time last year with no noticeable effects. Any one else seen similar?
Same here, won't ever use it again!! No coincidence, she was very lively, then the next day off her food for 3- 4 days and not in great form. She's not a great eater anyway so it was very worrying.
You have to wonder what's in it that it kills everything for months.
 

AngusLad

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
Scottish Borders
Have used bravecto here on the collies and pets for a few years to good effect. Had never heard of anyone having problems with it until now, will have to do some reading.
I always thought that lymes disease was only transmitted once the tick was full and regurgitates some back into the animal before dropping off? That could be nonsense though
 

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