Wormer dosage query

Hi Eddie has tested positive for a moderate load of fox lungworm and I've chosen to use Panacur as it's the gentlest of the options. However the vet has given me a dose for 3days, not 7 days- which I understand to be a puppy dose rather than adult. Eddie is 7 years old and does have IBD; he has been poorly recently but will it work? I do have panacur from an online order to keep for emergencies so I'm tempted to give it to him for all 7 days. What do you think is the logic of only 3 days? I've asked at the practice but got stonewalled by the receptionist. I don't want to have to try again with him sick for longer due to this. Thanks

Hello!  By 'fox lungworm', I understand that some people mean Capillaria aerophila although the dog lungworm Angiostrongylus vasorum uses foxes as a host.  The two worms are different so it is important to know which you have. Against the latter, there are at least two drugs in the UK specifically licensed and these would usually be prescribed in preference to unlicensed products.  If your vet has decided to use an unlicensed treatment first, I'm afraid that the dosing and efficacy is up to them. Panacur can be used against the other form of Fox Lungworm  

potentially, but also carries restrictions, being a NFA-VPS which means that it has to be prescribed by a vet, pharmacist, or Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) whose role it would be to state the dose. If you have reason to doubt a dose that is prescribed, it may be reasonable to call the vet to ask them to recheck the dose.

Please excuse me for being evasive but I do not know anything about Eddie or the reasons for the 3-day course being prescribed.

Thanks Liz. It's Crenosoma vulpis, (Fox Lungworm) according to the Feclab report. It was myself that chose Panacur, requesting it when sending the Feclab report to the vet. So maybe they would've chosen something else if I hadn't directed my preference. I assume it's Eddie's recent ill health that made the vet choose a puppy dosage but I'm guessing. How much his health is ill due to the lungworm is anyone's guess. I know I should've rang but them but was frightened of getting the same receptionist - not very adult I know. Having given Panacur before to Eddie I just don't understand him not getting the appropriate length of treatment. Thanks again for your time.

Here's a huge hug.  If it makes you feel any better, I still feel the same about calling the GPs receptionist occasionally.  They should be there to help you - best of luck

Thanks Liz. 😘