Bird · Agapornis roseicollis · typical adult weight 0.04–0.06 kg
Ivermectin is dosed at 0.2 mg/kg PO, SC, IM once, can repeat in 10-14 days in lovebirds, per 43. Bailey TA, Apo MM. Pharmaceutics commonly used in avian medicine. In: Samour J, eds. Avian Medicine, 3rd ed., Mosby Elsevier, Edinburgh, Scotland; 2016:637-678. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.435 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW). Ivermectin is used in lovebirds for Most nematodes, acanthocephalans, leeches, most ectoparasites (including Knemidokoptes, Dermanyssus). Routes documented in lovebirds: PO, SC, IM. A typical adult lovebird weighs 0.04–0.06 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Ivermectin in lovebirds, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Ivomec, Heartgard
Contraindicated in Tortoise / Turtle
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO, SC, IM | 0.2 mg/kg | once, can repeat in 10-14 days | Most nematodes, acanthocephalans, leeches, most ectoparasites (including Knemidokoptes, Dermanyssus) | Weak | 43. Bailey TA, Apo MM. Pharmaceutics commonly used in avian medicine. In: Samour J, eds. Avian Medicine, 3rd ed., Mosby Elsevier, Edinburgh, Scotland; 2016:637-678. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.435 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your lovebird's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Potentiates glutamate-gated chloride channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, causing paralysis and death of parasites.
TOXIC to MDR1-mutant dogs (Collies, Shelties, Aussies) at elevated doses. DO NOT use in chelonians (turtles/tortoises). Narrow safety margin in some species. Test MDR1 status before use in herding breeds.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for lovebirds may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Ivermectin dose range in lovebirds, with cited source references: PO, SC, IM 0.2 mg/kg once, can repeat in 10-14 days. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Ivermectin in lovebirds: PO, SC, IM.
Ivermectin is indicated in lovebirds for: Most nematodes, acanthocephalans, leeches, most ectoparasites (including Knemidokoptes, Dermanyssus).
These are general warnings for Ivermectin across species; consult the lovebird dosing table above for species-specific guidance. TOXIC to MDR1-mutant dogs (Collies, Shelties, Aussies) at elevated doses. DO NOT use in chelonians (turtles/tortoises). Narrow safety margin in some species. Test MDR1 status before use in herding breeds.
Why a species-specific page? Ivermectin pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in lovebirds — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.