Fenbendazole in Pregnant Bitches

[Tom Healy]

Just read a bit about worming pregnant bitches from day 45 through 5 days post-partum with fenbendazole (safeguard/panacur)....Indications are vigorous, clean puppies with no apparent side-effects to the bitch...........Anyone try this?

[DrahtsundBraats]

Can't comment on Fenbendazole but I once injected my bitch with .6cc of 1% Ivermectin 10 days before whelping and again several days after whelping (because of mange) and had no ill effects. The puppies also showed no signs of worms and no effect from the Ivermectin. I did consult with the someone who had participated in trials using Ivermectin on various animal species. I add this only in case anyone's hunting dog comes down with mange during pregnancy but please follow the advice of your vet...don't send your lawyer my way

[Kyle]

Just read a bit about worming pregnant bitches from day 45 through 5 days post-partum with fenbendazole (safeguard/panacur)....Indications are vigorous, clean puppies with no apparent side-effects to the bitch...........Anyone try this?

All the time. Safeguard is safe and effective.
Kyle

[lanco]

Just double checked the formulary, yes fenbedazole is safe for pregnant and lactating bitches. Ivermectin is also safe but dosing of ivermectin from large animals product is tricky so always consult with your veterinarian.

[Tom Healy]

I probably should have been more specific on my original post. I realize that Ivermectin and Fenbendazole (when appropriately dosed) are safe for pregnant bitches. The question related to dosing with Fenbendazole for 20 plus consecutive days. (Which is much more aggressive than anything I have ever read). Here is an example of one of a handful of different references I read about it: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12002591

My interest is to pre-emptively hit any potential for giardia in the bitch or pups since Fenbendazole has proven efficacy on giardia. I have several different dogs through my facility throughout the year and had a giardia-positive pup show up for some long-term boarding just last week. I also have a bitch expecting in a couple weeks. Both the pup and expecting bitch have been started on Safeguard.

I've consulted my vet....I was just wondering if anyone was regularly trying such an aggressive anti-parasite program...........

I usually run Fenbendazole through all my dogs in April and November......Ivomec once a month from April through October.

[lanco]

Sorry I did not catch that part, although I do not think 20 days of fenbendazole would hurt the dog I think you would be wasting your time and money. To 5 day runs at breeding and just before whelping would be just as effective.

[Tom Healy]

Ianco.....You and my Vet are on the same page.....talked to the repro specialist this morning and they thought it would be safe to go that long, but that aggressive would only be needed in areas of the country where whips are abundant and becoming resistant. Prophylactically for 5 days minimum to whap the giardia......now (day 44) and at whelping......They also thought it would be a wise course for any litter.

As far as cost goes, if you use Safeguard for Goats or Cows............Its super cheap and cost is relatively insignificant.....We'll know we've got a problem (or a new marketing scheme) if the pups bleet or moo..............

[JulieJ]

I also use the safeguard in the goat container at 1cc per 10 lbs of weight for 3 days in row.

[griffongal]

Hi,
Just a FYI the dosing for Safeguard (fenbenz) is 1cc per 5 lbs that is for 10 % goat /cattle wormer. Give for 6 days to cover giarrdia.

[Tom Healy]

griffongal has the dosing right...............1cc per 5lbs of dog for any 10% fenbendazole formulation....goat, chimp, snake or cow. The nice thing is anyone should feel comfortable dosing fenbendazole to any dog.

Ivomec, on the other hand is .1 cc per 10 (or technically 11) lbs of dog.....if you know how to dose and know which breeds to be careful with. (notice that is .1 cc.......not 1....and it can be dangerous if you don't do it right). Both Fenbendazole and Ivomec are safe if you've done your research and know how to dose....If you are not confident, especially with Ivomec.....Pay the vet or your pet supply the premium.

[JulieJ]

Thanks for the update on dosing