Dog Medication Dosage Calculator
More about Ivermectin and Panacur Calculator for dogs
The recommended dose of ivermectin for dogs with cancer varies depending on the specific case and treatment regimen. Here are the key dosing guidelines:
Standard Dose
The standard dose of ivermectin for dogs is 200 micrograms per kilogram (or 0.2 mg per kg) of body weight[1][2]. For example, a 22-pound (10 kg) dog would receive 2 mg of ivermectin.
Higher Doses for Cancer Treatment
For cancer treatment, higher doses may be considered:
- Some studies have used doses up to 0.6 mg per kg (600 micrograms per kg) daily for extended periods, which were generally well-tolerated by most dogs[2].
- A human cancer study protocol, which might be adapted for dogs with aggressive cancers, uses a 21-day cycle approach:
- Ivermectin is given on days 1-3, 8-10, and 15-17 of each 21-day cycle[2].
Alternative Regimen
An alternative regimen using fenbendazole (Panacur), which works similarly to ivermectin, suggests:
- 50 mg/kg of body weight (or 23 mg per lb) once daily for 3 days on, followed by 4 days off[1].
Important Considerations
- Breed Sensitivity: Some dog breeds with the MDR1 gene mutation cannot tolerate high doses of ivermectin. It’s crucial to test for this mutation before administering higher doses[2].
- Veterinary Consultation: Always consult with a veterinarian before starting any new treatment regimen, especially when using medications off-label for cancer treatment.
- Monitoring: Close monitoring for side effects and treatment efficacy is essential when using higher doses or extended treatment periods.
- Individualized Treatment: The optimal dose and regimen may vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the individual dog’s health status and response to treatment.
Remember that while these dosing guidelines are based on current research and clinical experience, the use of ivermectin for cancer treatment in dogs is still an area of ongoing study. Your veterinarian can provide the most appropriate dosing recommendation for your specific dog’s needs.
Citations: [1] https://veterinarysecrets.com/ivermectin-cancer-dogs-doses-regimens/ [2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_-rNmB5hc0 [3] https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-019-2026-2
How effective is Ivermectin in treating cancer in dogs?
The effectiveness of ivermectin for treating cancer in dogs is still under investigation, with limited evidence supporting its use as an anti-cancer agent. Here’s what we know based on current research:
Potential Anti-Cancer Effects
- In vitro studies have shown that ivermectin can inhibit the growth of canine mammary tumor cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner[1][2].
- Ivermectin appears to work by:
- Regulating cell cycle progression
- Inhibiting WNT signaling
- Reducing β-catenin nuclear translocation[1][2]
- In canine mammary tumor xenografts, ivermectin demonstrated significant tumor growth suppression[1].
Limitations and Concerns
- Most studies have focused on canine mammary tumors, with limited data on other cancer types in dogs[1][2].
- The concentrations required for anti-cancer effects in vitro may cause significant toxicity when administered to dogs[3].
- There is no proven effectiveness against lymphoma or other common canine cancers[3].
- Long-term use or high doses of ivermectin can pose risks, especially for certain dog breeds with the MDR1 gene mutation[4].
Current Stance in Veterinary Oncology
Veterinary oncologists generally do not recommend using ivermectin as an anti-cancer treatment for dogs due to:
- Lack of substantial clinical evidence supporting its efficacy[3]
- Potential risks associated with long-term use or high doses[3]
- Absence of data supporting its use as a maintenance therapy after chemotherapy[3]
Conclusion
While some preliminary research shows potential anti-cancer effects of ivermectin in specific canine cancer cell lines, there is insufficient evidence to support its use as a cancer treatment in dogs at this time. More research, including clinical trials, would be needed to establish its efficacy and safety for canine cancer treatment. Dog owners should consult with a veterinary oncologist for evidence-based treatment options rather than relying on ivermectin as an anti-cancer agent.
Citations: [1] https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-019-2026-2 [2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31375107/ [3] https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/drugs/ivermectin-for-dog-lymphoma-nope-dr-brooke-britton/ [4] https://veterinarysecrets.com/ivermectin-cancer-dogs-doses-regimens/ [5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5835698/
Clinical tests with Ivermectine
Ivermectin has been tested on a limited number of canine cancer types, with the most significant research focusing on:
Canine Mammary Tumors
- Studies have shown that ivermectin inhibits the growth of canine mammary tumor cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner[1][3].
- The antitumor effects were associated with:
- Cell cycle arrest at G1 phase
- Down-regulation of CDK4 and cyclin D1 expression
- Reduced β-catenin nuclear translocation, leading to inactivation of WNT signaling
- In canine mammary tumor xenografts, ivermectin demonstrated significant tumor growth suppression[1][3].
Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TVT)
A study explored the use of ivermectin in combination with vincristine for treating canine transmissible venereal tumors[5]. This combination therapy showed promise as an effective chemotherapeutic treatment regimen for CTVT.
Other Cancer Types
While not specifically tested in dogs, ivermectin is being investigated for its potential effects on various human cancers, including:
- Colon cancer
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Brain cancer
These studies may provide insights that could be applicable to similar canine cancers in the future.
It’s important to note that while these results are promising, the research on ivermectin as a cancer treatment in dogs is still limited. More studies are needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety across different types of canine cancers. Always consult with a veterinary oncologist for the most up-to-date and appropriate treatment options for your dog.
Citations: [1] https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-019-2026-2 [2] https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2019/comparative-oncology-dogs-cancer-clinical-trials [3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31375107/ [4] https://veterinarysecrets.com/ivermectin-cancer-dogs-doses-regimens/ [5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S037843202030230X

Thomas Sandberg CSAN, CCNC, AADP
Thomas Sandberg is a board certified animal naturopath and carnivore nutritionist. He founder of Long Living Pets Research Projects, a 30-year observational study into raw-fed dogs and cats. Thomas also consults in animal naturopathy, including the prevention of chronic diseases and longevity using all-natural modalities. With more than 20 years of experience with hundreds of cancer cases, he has a deep understanding of why so many dogs and cats get cancer today and how we can lower the risk significantly.
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