Background
Infestation with lungworm can cause coughing, respiratory distress, weight loss, nasal discharge, and conjunctivitis in hedgehogs. The disease occurs only in hedgehogs and often has a fatal outcome. It is caused by , the larvae of which are ingested with food, mainly snails. They infect the lungs and are excreted by the animals through the intestines. For this reason, hedgehogs in human care should never be fed with snails. The worming agent levamisole, among others, is used for treatment.
Products
Levamisole is commercially available as an injection solution for hedgehogs. For cattle, it is approved as a sustained-release bolus for the prevention and treatment of worm infections. In the past, levamisole was also used in humans; today, human medications are no longer commercially available in many countries.
Structure and properties
Levamisole (C11H12N2S, Mr = 204.3 g/mol) is a phenyltetrahydroimidazothiazole corresponding to L-tetramisole, the active enantiomer of tetramisole. Levamisole is a white powder that is sparingly soluble in water. In pharmaceuticals, it is present as readily soluble levamisole hydrochloride.
Effects
Levamisole (ATCvet QP52AE01) has antihelminthic properties and stimulates the immune system. The antiparasitic effects are due to the cholinergic effects of the compound, which in higher concentrations inhibits acetylcholinesterase. Antidote is atropine.
Indications
In hedgehogs, levamisiol is used to treat lungworm infestation as well. In other species, such as cattle, it is also a common worming agent.
Abuse
Levamisole is abused as a dangerous extender for cocaine.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. Levamisole is administered subcutaneously. When injecting, note that incorrect injection near the head or into the burrow may be fatal to the animal.
Contraindications
Levamisole is contraindicated in hypersensitivity. The drug should not be used in debilitated hedgehogs, or in infants or pregnant female hedgehogs. Refer to the drug label for complete precautions.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include digestive upset. In overdose, cholinergic effects such as increased salivation occur. If used as an extender for cocaine, expect potentially severe adverse effects such as vascular disease, necrosis, blood count abnormalities, neutropenia, and agranuolcytosis.
