methoprene and fipronil

For their biological and ecological characteristics, ticks are vectors of the widest variety of pathogens causing tick-borne diseases (TBDs). Little information is available about the ways in which time spent by ticks to feed on hosts, transmission times and TBD prevention are related and it is exclusively limited to laboratory reports on adult stages. In particular, the time required by immature stages to transmit pathogens has not been determined for most TBDs. Considering their importance for animal and human health, effective control of immature ticks is advisable to reduce the damage ticks cause. Recently, the efficacy of a combination of imidacloprid 10%/permethrin 50% was compared with that of fipronil 10%/S-methoprene 9% against ticks when administered to naturally infected dogs. A semi-quantitative method was used to assess the methodological parameters to calculate drug efficacy on immature stages. On adult ticks, the efficacy of both products was high and overall very similar, whereas for the immature stages the combination of imidacloprid 10% and permethrin 50% had a higher efficacy than fipronil 10% and methoprene 9% throughout the observation period (statistically significant difference on day + 28 only). The semi-quantitative method proposed for the evaluation of immature stages can be considered a useful tool for calculating the efficacy of a drug in the field. Due the important role of immatures in the spread of TBDs, the immature tick load should be calculated to assess the efficacy of acaricidal products both under laboratory and field conditions.

Topics: Animals; Bites and Stings; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Combinations; Drug Evaluation; Female; Imidazoles; Insecticides; Male; Methoprene; Neonicotinoids; Nitro Compounds; Permethrin; Pyrazoles; Rhipicephalus sanguineus; Tick Infestations; Tick-Borne Diseases; Ticks; Time Factors

The present clinical field trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of a broad-spectrum parasiticide spot-on formulation containing eprinomectin (Broadline. Fifteen privately owned cats harboring at least one live adult T. callipaeda were included in the study. Cats were randomly allocated to an untreated control group of seven cats or to a Broadline. Seven days after treatment, six of eight treated cats were negative for eyeworm infection per visual examination, and on Day 14 no eyeworms were found in the treated cats while the seven untreated cats were still infected (geometric mean: 1.97). All cats had inflammatory ocular signs at inclusion; on Day 14, five of eight treated cats had recovered while all untreated control cats were still symptomatic. All collected parasites were confirmed to be T. callipaeda by morphology and molecular characterization.. A single treatment with Broadline

Topics: Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Cat Diseases; Cats; Drug Combinations; Eye; Female; Inflammation; Ivermectin; Male; Methoprene; Pets; Praziquantel; Pyrazoles; Random Allocation; Spirurida Infections; Thelazioidea; Treatment Outcome

Lotilaner is a new isoxazoline developed as an oral ectoparasiticide for cats and dogs. Its safety, rapid killing onset of action and sustained speed of fleas and ticks kill for a minimum of one month after administration, were demonstrated in a number of laboratory studies in cats. This study was performed to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of lotilaner flavored chewable tablets for cats (Credelio™, Elanco) in controlling fleas under field conditions in European countries.. Seventeen veterinary practices in France and Spain, located in high flea prevalence regions, participated in the study. Households with a maximum of three cats and two dogs were randomized 2:1 to a lotilaner (minimum dose rate 6 mg/kg) or a topical fipronil/(S)-methoprene combination (Frontline Combo® Spot-on Cats, Merial) group (administered according to label). In each household, efficacy against fleas and flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) signs were assessed in one primary cat (bearing a minimum of five fleas on Day 0) while safety was evaluated in all cats. There were 121 households included in the lotilaner and 61 in the fipronil/(S)-methoprene groups, respectively. Treatments were administered by the cats' owners on Day 0. Flea counts and FAD assessments were made on Days 0, 14, and 28. Efficacy calculations were based on geometric mean percent reductions of live flea counts versus baseline pre-treatment counts.. Lotilaner efficacy was 97.2 and 98.1% on Days 14 and 28, respectively. Corresponding efficacy for fipronil/(S)-methoprene was 48.3 and 46.4%. Lotilaner was superior to fipronil/(S)-methoprene at all post-Day 0 assessments and over the whole study period (P < 0.0001). At every post-administration evaluation, at least 81% of lotilaner-treated cats were flea-free as opposed to 25% in the fipronil/(S)-methoprene group. Lotilaner improved or eliminated clinical signs of FAD, including pruritus. Both products were well tolerated.. Under field conditions in Europe, lotilaner flavored chewable tablets for cats displayed an efficacy against fleas higher than 97%; clinical signs of FAD were improved or eliminated. Lotilaner tablets were safe and provided superior flea control to fipronil/(S)-methoprene.

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dermatitis; Drug Combinations; Female; Flea Infestations; France; Insecticides; Isoxazoles; Male; Methoprene; Pyrazoles; Siphonaptera; Spain; Treatment Outcome

This controlled laboratory study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of the 10 % imidacloprid/4.5 % flumethrin collar (Seresto®, Bayer Animal Health) against fleas (Ctenocephalides f. felis) on cats, when compared to fipronil (9.8 %w/w)/(s)-methoprene (11.8 % w/w) topical spot-on formulation (Frontline® Plus for Cats and Kittens, Merial).. Thirty cats were randomized into three groups of ten animals based on pre-treatment flea counts: Group 1: imidacloprid/flumethrin collar; Group 2: fipronil/(s)-methoprene topical spot-on and Group 3: non-treated controls. The imidacloprid/flumethrin collars were applied one time on Day 0, while the fipronil/(s)-methoprene spot-on was administered every 30 days from Day 0 through Day 210. Cats were infested with 100 fleas on study days 0, 7, 14, 29, 59, 89, 119, 149, 179, 209 and 239. All flea counts were conducted by combing to remove fleas on post-treatment days 2, 8, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210 and 240.. The efficacy of the imidacloprid/flumethrin collar ranged from 98.2 to 100 % for eight months. The efficacy of fipronil/(s)-methoprene spot-on ranged from 68.2 to 99.9 %. Efficacy was < 85 % for fipronil/(s)-methoprene on Days 90, 150 and 210. The flea counts in both treatment groups were significantly fewer than those in the non-treated control group at every post-treatment study day (P < 0.0001). In addition, there were significantly fewer fleas in the imidacloprid/flumethrin collar group when compared to the fipronil/(s)-methoprene group on Days 90, 150 and 210 (P < 0.0001).. This study demonstrated that the imidacloprid/flumethrin collar (Seresto®, Bayer Animal Health) maintained excellent ( > 98.2 %) efficacy against fleas on cats for the entire 8 month study. Monthly applications of fipronil/(s)-methoprene (Frontline® Plus for Cats and Kittens, Merial) generally had high, but variable (68.2 to 99.9 %) efficacy over the course of the eight month study. Based on the very high residual efficacy achieved by the imidacloprid/flumethrin collar in this study, veterinarians should expect that this collar will control and eliminate existing flea infestations on cats and in their in-home premises as long as every flea infested host is treated.

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Ctenocephalides; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Flea Infestations; Imidazoles; Insecticides; Male; Methoprene; Neonicotinoids; Nitro Compounds; Pyrazoles; Pyrethrins

The increasing reports of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection and the new information on Troglostrongylus brevior have spurred the interest of the scientific community towards the research of pharmaceutical compounds effective against both pathogens. A novel topical combination of fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin and praziquantel (Broadline®, Merial) has been released for the treatment of a variety of feline parasitic infections. The present study reports the efficacy of this spot-on in treating cats naturally infected by feline lungworms. Client owned cats (n=191) were enrolled from three geographical areas of Italy and faecal samples were examined by floatation and Baermann techniques. Twenty-three individuals were positive for L1 of A. abstrusus (n=18) or T. brevior (n=3) or for both species (n=2) and they were topically treated with Broadline®. Seventeen of them were also concomitantly infected by other parasites. Four weeks after treatment, faecal samples were collected and examined to assess the efficacy of a single administration of the product. Based on lungworm larvae counts, the efficacy of the treatment was 90.5% or 100% for A. abstrusus or T. brevior, respectively. Cats released significantly lower amounts of lungworm larvae after treatment compared to pre-treatment (p<0.0001). All but three cats were negative for other nematodes after treatment and all cats recovered from respiratory signs. Results of this study indicate that a single administration of the topical combination fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin and praziquantel is effective and safe for the treatment of A. abstrusus and/or T. brevior infections in cats living under field conditions.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Anthelmintics; Antiparasitic Agents; Cat Diseases; Cats; Drug Combinations; Female; Italy; Ivermectin; Male; Metastrongyloidea; Methoprene; Praziquantel; Pyrazoles; Strongylida Infections; Treatment Outcome

A study based on naturally infested cats was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a single treatment with a topical formulation containing fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin and praziquantel, for the prevention of Otodectes cynotis infestation in cats. Six treated cats and six untreated cats were housed with three chronically Otodectes cynotis-infested cats, respectively. The cats of each group were kept together in a 20-m(2) room for 1 month. Both clinical examination and ear mite counts were conducted on Day 28. All donor cats were confirmed to be chronically infested with Otodectes cynotis on Day -1 and Day 28. From untreated control cats, 129 live mites were recovered on Day 28 and all cats were found to be infested. In the treated group, three cats were found to be infested, with a total of five live mites recovered, the difference between the two groups being significant (p = 0.003). One treatment corresponded to 96% preventive efficacy at Day 28 based on ear mite counts. With regard to cerumen, the clinical score increased significantly for untreated cats between Day -1 and Day 28 (p = 0.00026) and not for treated cats (p = 0.30). The difference in cerumen abundance was significant between untreated and treated cats on Day 28 (p = 0.0035). Concerning the pruritic reflex in at least one ear, all cats were negative at inclusion. All six untreated cats became positive and showed a reflex on Day 28, whereas no treated cat showed ear pruritus (p = 0.00026).

Topics: Acaricides; Administration, Topical; Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Drug Combinations; Ear Canal; Ear Diseases; Female; Ivermectin; Male; Methoprene; Mite Infestations; Otoscopy; Praziquantel; Pruritus; Psoroptidae; Pyrazoles; Single-Blind Method; Therapeutic Irrigation

The efficacy of a novel topical combination of fipronil 8.3% w/v, (S)-methoprene 10 % w/v, eprinomectin 0.4% w/v, and praziquantel 8.3% w/v (Broadline, Merial) was evaluated in 18 cats naturally infested by Notoedres cati in a controlled, blinded clinical efficacy study. Cats were blocked on pretreatment bodyweight and randomly allocated to two groups of nine cats each. One group served as control (untreated) and one group was treated once topically with Broadline according to the label instructions. Skin scrapings (three scrapings per animal per occasion) were collected prior to treatment and every other week for 8 weeks thereafter and examined for live N. cati mites. In addition, lesions were evaluated at each sampling to monitor the clinical recovery. Based on live mite counts, efficacy against N. cati of a single topical administration with Broadline was >99%, and all treated cats recovered from clinical signs of notoedric mange. No treatment-related adverse events were observed.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Cat Diseases; Cats; Drug Combinations; Female; Ivermectin; Male; Methoprene; Mite Infestations; Praziquantel; Pyrazoles; Sarcoptidae; Skin

Two studies were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of two monthly topical anti-flea products for the prevention of Dipylidium caninum infestations in cats and dogs. A single treatment with Frontline(®) Combo spot-on for cats (fipronil-(S)-methoprene) and two successive monthly treatments of Certifect(®) for dogs (fipronil-amitraz-(S)-methoprene) were assessed for the prevention of D. caninum infestations following weekly challenges of treated cats or dogs with metacestode naturally-infected fleas. The rate of infestations using the model in cats versus dogs explains the choice of a 1-month trial in cats and a 2-month trial in dogs. The experimental flea-infection model resulted in a range of 22-53% of the fleas being infected by Dipylidium cysticercoids. The arithmetic mean flea counts recorded for the untreated cats ranged from 51.2 to 68. The geometric mean flea counts recorded for the Frontline Combo treated cats differed significantly (p < 0.05) from those of the untreated control cats on all assessment days. The arithmetic mean flea counts recorded for the untreated dogs ranged from 166.6 to 238.6. The geometric mean flea counts recorded for the Certifect treated dogs differed significantly (p < 0.001) from those of the untreated group on all assessment days. Frontline Combo treatment on cats provided ≥99.8% persistent anti-flea efficacy throughout the 30-day treatment period. In the dog study, the two Certifect treatments provided ≥97% persistent efficacy throughout the 60-day study. Based on the collection of expelled D. caninum proglottids by cats, 100% (6/6) of the control cats and 0% (0/6) of Frontline Combo treated cats were infested with D. caninum. Frontline Combo spot-on for cats was therefore 100% effective in preventing infection with D. caninum. In dogs, 7 out of the 8 control group dogs (87.5%) produced proglottids following infestation of infected fleas, whereas 0 out of 8 dogs (0%) in the treated group were infected. The infection rates of the two groups were significantly different. The percent effectiveness for the Certifect treatment group for the prevention of D. caninum infection was 100% during this 2-month trial. No treatment-related adverse events were observed in either cats or dogs during these studies.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Cestode Infections; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Combinations; Feces; Female; Flea Infestations; Insecticides; Male; Methoprene; Pyrazoles; Toluidines

The efficacy of the treatment with Certifect ® (containing fipronil 6.26% w/v, amitraz 7.48% w/v, (S)-methoprene 5.63% w/v) applied topically was assessed in 18 dogs diagnosed with clinical generalized demodicosis. Three treatment regimens were compared over a 3-month period. Starting at Day 0, dogs were treated monthly (group 1) or every two weeks (group 2) with the combination of fipronil, amitraz, and (S)-methoprene or with monthly topical applications of the combination of amitraz and metaflumizone (group 3, reference treatment). Clinical examinations including deep skin scrapings were performed every month in order to evaluate the resolution of clinical signs and the reduction in mite counts. On Day 84, the percentage reduction of mite counts in group 1 was 99.8%, whereas no Demodex canis could be detected in groups 2 and 3 (i.e. 100% parasitological efficacy). As a result of the Demodex mite count reduction, the skin condition of the dogs improved significantly in all groups. This study illustrates, that both monthly and bi-weekly treatments with Certifect were effective in treating dogs with generalized demodicosis over a 3-month period.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Combinations; Female; Insecticides; Male; Methoprene; Mite Infestations; Mites; Pyrazoles; Toluidines

A study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two different spot-on topical flea products to control flea infestations on naturally infested dogs and cats in Tampa, FL USA.. Thirty-two dogs and 3 cats with natural flea infestations living in 18 homes were treated topically with a 19.53% w/w spot-on formulation of indoxacarb. Another thirty dogs and 2 cats living in 19 different homes were treated topically with either fipronil (9.8% w/w)/(s)-methoprene (8.89% w/w) or fipronil (9.8% w/w)/(s)-methoprene (11.8% w/w), respectively. All products were applied according to label directions by study investigators on day 0 and again between days 28 and 30. Flea populations on pets were assessed using visual area counts and premise flea infestations were assessed using intermittent-light flea traps on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28-30, 40-45, and 54-60.. A single application of the indoxacarb or fipronil (s)-methoprene formulations reduced flea populations on pets by 97.8% and 85.5%, respectively within 7 days. One month (28-30 days) after treatment the indoxacarb and fipronil (s)-methoprene formulations reduced on-animal flea burdens by 95.0% and 49.5%, respectively. Following two monthly applications of either the indoxacarb or fipronil (s)-methoprene formulations, pet flea burdens were reduced by 99.1% and 54.8%, respectively, by days 54-60. At the end of the two month study, 77.1% and 15.6% of the dogs and cats in the indoxacarb and fipronil (s)-methoprene treatment groups, respectively were flea free. Flea numbers in the indoor-premises were markedly reduced in both treatment groups by days 54-60, with 97.7% and 84.6% reductions in intermittent-light flea trap counts in the indoxacarb and fipronil (s)-methoprene treatment groups, respectively.. This in-home investigation conducted during the summer of 2013 in subtropical Tampa, FL, is the first published U.S field investigation of the indoxacarb topical formulation. The indoxacarb formulation was able to effectively control flea populations in heavily flea infested pets and homes. The efficacy achieved by the fipronil (s)-methoprene formulation against flea infestations on these pets was lower than in previous investigations using the same study design.

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Flea Infestations; Florida; Insecticides; Methoprene; Oxazines; Pyrazoles

Flea infestations of pets continue to persist due to the lack of knowledge of flea biology and ecology. It is not unusual that pet owners believe regular hygiene, such as shampooing their dogs can replace regular insecticidal treatment. The objective of this study was to compare in a flea simulated environment, modelling exposure similar to that found in a home, that the use of regular physiological shampoo does not control fleas adequately when compared to a long acting topical formulation. Three groups of six dogs were formed: one untreated control group, one group treated monthly with the topical formulation of fipronil/(S)-methoprene, and a third group treated weekly with a hygiene shampoo. All dogs were infested with adult unfed Ctenocephalides felis fleas (200±5) on Days -28 and -21. Each animal's sleeping box was fitted with a plastic cup mounted to the inside roof of the box. The sleeping bench of each animal was covered with a carpet to accommodate flea development. The dogs were maintained in their kennels throughout the study. In order to maintain the environmental flea challenge, C. felis pupae (100±5) were placed in the plastic cup in each animal's sleeping box on Days -14, -7, 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42. The dogs were combed and fleas counted weekly on Days -1, 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 38, 45, and 51. The fleas were placed immediately back on the dogs. On Day 60, fleas were counted and removed. Flea infestations in the untreated control group at each count averaged between 46.2 and 74.2 fleas throughout the study. The average number of fleas infesting dogs was significantly different (p<0.05) between the untreated and the two treatment groups and between the two treatment groups at all counts throughout the two months study (Days 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 38, 45, 51 and 60). The efficacy was never below 99.1% in the fipronil/(S)-methoprene group, and efficacy in the shampoo group was never above 79.2%. Weekly shampooing in treatment group 3 was intentionally delayed after Day 42, to evaluate wether missing a weekly bath would affect the flea population. The Day 48 data indicate that forgetting or delaying a single weekly shampooing resulted in a clear increase in flea numbers and a significant decrease in efficacy from 68.2% to 34.8%. The fipronil(S)/methoprene treatment allowed a continuous control as demonstrated by the high efficacy against fleas, and also the number of flea-free dogs on seven of the nine weekly assessments, in spite of what was esse

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Baths; Ctenocephalides; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Flea Infestations; Floors and Floorcoverings; Housing, Animal; Hygiene; Insecticides; Male; Methoprene; Pyrazoles; Soaps

Five laboratory studies were conducted to confirm that a single topical dose of the novel combination of fipronil, amitraz and (S)-methoprene, CERTIFECT™ (Merial Limited, GA, USA), is efficacious for the rapid control of pre-existing infestations and the prevention of new infestations with Ixodes scapularis, Dermacentor variabilis, Amblyomma americanum and Amblyomma maculatum for at least 28 days on dogs. In each study, 8 male and 8 female purpose-bred, laboratory beagles were randomly assigned to one of two study groups (treated and untreated). Starting on the day before treatment, each dog was infested weekly with about 30 or 50 ticks, depending on the study. Treatment with the novel combination rapidly eliminated pre-existing infestations and controlled weekly re-infestations for at least 28 days. Pre-existing infestations with all four tick species were rapidly and effectively reduced, with post-treatment therapeutic efficacies ranging from 91.7 to 99.5% within 18-48 h post treatment. Amblyomma maculatum numbers were significantly (p<0.05) reduced on treated dogs from the first tick counts as early as 6h post-treatment. All subsequent infestations with each of the 4 tick species were quickly disrupted, with prophylactic efficacies greater than 90% within 18-48 h post-infestation for at least a full month. Because the combination of fipronil, amitraz and (S)-methoprene quickly starts disrupting and killing ixodid ticks within hours of treatment, with similar high levels of efficacy maintained for at least 28 days in these and other studies, the authors conclude that a single topical treatment with CERTIFECT may prevent the transmission of most infectious agents carried by ixodid ticks for at least one month.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Double-Blind Method; Drug Combinations; Female; Insecticides; Ixodidae; Male; Methoprene; Pyrazoles; Tick Control; Tick Infestations; Time Factors; Toluidines; Treatment Outcome; United States

Four studies were conducted to show the effectiveness of a novel combination of fipronil, amitraz and (S)-methoprene in a spot-on formulation (CERTIFECT™, Merial Limited, GA, USA) for the therapeutic and preventive control of Ixodid tick species affecting dogs in Europe: Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus. In each, untreated control dogs were compared to others treated with the novel combination. All dogs were infested with 50 adult, unfed ticks prior to treatment and at 7-day intervals after treatment. Ticks on all dogs were counted at 18, 24 and 48 h after treatment (therapeutic efficacy) or infestation (preventive efficacy). Therapeutic efficacy of fipronil, amitraz and (S)-methoprene was excellent as shown by significant (p<0.05) and greater than 97% and up to 100% reductions in the 48 h tick counts and significant (p<0.05) detachment/death of ticks evident at 18-24h after treatment for all three tick species. Preventive efficacy was demonstrated by significant (p<0.05) and greater than 93% and up to 100% reductions in tick counts at 48 h after repeat infestations out to 35 days after treatment for I. ricinus and out to 42 days after treatment for D. reticulatus and R. sanguineus. The time to substantial disruption of establishment of new tick infestations after treatment was less than 18-24h and was maintained for up to 28 days after treatment of I. ricinus and D. reticulatus infestations, and 4h to at most 18 h and maintained up to 35 days after treatment of R. sanguineus. Similar preventive efficacy profiles for each of the Ixodid species tested suggest that CERTIFECT kills all Ixodid species starting 4h after contact as demonstrated for R. sanguineus.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Dermacentor; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Double-Blind Method; Drug Combinations; Europe; Female; Insecticides; Ixodes; Male; Methoprene; Pyrazoles; Rhipicephalus sanguineus; Tick Control; Tick Infestations; Toluidines; Treatment Outcome

Healthy, purpose-bred laboratory beagle dogs that had not been exposed to ticks and were seronegative for Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were randomly assigned to four groups of eight dogs each. Control group 1 was not treated. Groups 2, 3 and 4 were treated with a single topical application of a new formulation of fipronil, amitraz and (S)-methoprene (CERTIFECT™, Merial Limited, GA, USA) at 28, 21 or 14 days prior to tick infestation, respectively. Each dog was infested with 25 female and 25 male field-collected adult Ixodes scapularis ticks that had infection rates of 66% for B. burgdorferi sensu stricto and 23% for A. phagocytophilum, as determined by polymerase chain reaction. Two and five days after tick infestation, control dogs had an average of 9.5 and 13.9 attached adult female ticks, respectively, whilst the 24 treated dogs remained tick-free aside from a single tick on the 2nd day after infestation. Serial serological tests demonstrated that the ticks successfully infected 8/8 control dogs with B. burgdorferi and co-infected 6/8 with A. phagocytophilum. B. burgdorferi infection also was confirmed in most control dogs by culture (6/8) and PCR (7/8) of skin biopsies. In contrast, CERTIFECT protected all 24 treated dogs against infection by both B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum, as demonstrated by their negative serological tests throughout the study and the absence of any positive skin biopsy culture or PCR in these dogs.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Anaplasma phagocytophilum; Animals; Antibodies, Bacterial; Arachnid Vectors; Borrelia burgdorferi; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Double-Blind Method; Drug Combinations; Ehrlichiosis; Female; Insecticides; Ixodes; Lyme Disease; Male; Methoprene; Pyrazoles; Rhode Island; Tick Control; Tick Infestations; Time Factors; Toluidines

A novel spot-on formulation combining fipronil, amitraz and (S)-methoprene (CERTIFECT™, Merial Limited, GA, USA) was evaluated in adult Beagle dogs in a study to determine its adulticidal efficacy against the dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis, Curtis, 1826). Sixteen dogs were randomly allocated to treatment groups: 8 dogs served as untreated controls, and 8 dogs were treated once. Treatment consisted of applying a new combination formulation to deliver at least 6.7mg fipronil/kg body weight (bw), 8.0mg amitraz/kg bw, and 6.0mg (S)-methoprene/kg bw. The combination was designed to enhance the efficacy against ticks of the original fipronil/(S)-methoprene combination. Each dog was infested with 100 adult unfed dog fleas within 24h prior to treatment and then at weekly intervals for 8 weeks after treatment. At 24h after treatment or after each subsequent infestation, each dog was combed thoroughly to remove live fleas to be counted. A single treatment with CERTIFECT provided excellent knock-down of fleas within 24h after treatment and controlled re-infestations for up to 7 weeks (efficacy ≥96.5%, p<0.05).

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Ctenocephalides; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Combinations; Female; Flea Infestations; Insecticides; Male; Methoprene; Pyrazoles; Tick Control; Time Factors; Toluidines; Treatment Outcome

Four groups of seven dogs were treated topically with a novel combination of fipronil, amitraz and (S)-methoprene in a spot-on formulation (CERTIFECT™, Merial Limited, GA, USA) on 28, 21, 14 and 7 days prior to tick infestation, respectively and acaricidal efficacy and transmission blocking compared with an untreated control group (seven dogs). All dogs were infested with adult Dermacentor reticulatus ticks harbouring Babesia canis canis. Babesia canis canis was transmitted by D. reticulatus to all seven untreated control dogs, confirmed following demonstration of clinical signs, by the detection of B. canis parasites in thin blood smears and B. canis canis PCR-RLB DNA assay on blood and the development of B. canis canis antibody titres by 14-21 days after tick infestation. The majority of treated dogs remained sero-negative for 42 days after infestation. Therefore, the treatment of dogs with CERTIFECT applied up to 28 days prior to infestation with D. reticulatus harbouring B. canis canis, successfully prevented the development of clinical signs of canine babesiosis.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Arachnid Vectors; Babesia; Babesiosis; Dermacentor; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Double-Blind Method; Drug Combinations; Europe; Female; Insecticides; Male; Methoprene; Pyrazoles; Tick Control; Tick Infestations; Time Factors; Toluidines

The sustained speed of kill against Dermacentor reticulatus of two topical combinations, one containing fipronil/amitraz/(S)-methoprene and the other, imidacloprid/permethrin, was evaluated in dogs. Two treated groups and one untreated control group of eight adult Beagle dogs each were randomly formed based on pre-infestation rates and bodyweight. Each treatment was administered topically once on Day 0, according to the recommended label dose and instructions for use. All dogs were infested with 50 adult unfed D. reticulatus starting on Day 1, then weekly, for a total of five weeks. While most studies determine tick efficacy at 48 hours (h), in this study, all remaining ticks were counted and categorized 24 h following each infestation. The numbers of ticks (living or dead) that remained attached on treated dogs were compared to those on the control animals. The percent reduction of attached ticks (disruption of attachment) at 24 h on dogs treated with fipronil/amitraz/(S)-methoprene remained above 92% for four weeks. The reduction of attached ticks at 24 h on dogs treated with imidacloprid/permethrin did not reach 80% during the entire study. The number of ticks attached at 24 h was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the fipronil/amitraz/(S)-methoprene group than in the imidacloprid/permethrin group in assessments on Days 2, 15, 22, 29 and 36. When assessing efficacy based upon live ticks on treated versus control dogs, fipronil/amitraz/(S)-methoprene 24 h efficacy was above 95% for four weeks, decreasing to 77.8% at Day 36. The 24 h efficacy of imidacloprid/permethrin ranged from 56.2% to 86.7% through Day 29, never achieving 90% throughout the study. The 24-hour efficacy of fipronil/amitraz/(S)-methoprene was significantly (p<0.05) higher than imidacloprid/permethrin at all time points, including Day 36.

Topics: Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Dermacentor; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Combinations; Imidazoles; Insecticides; Juvenile Hormones; Methoprene; Neonicotinoids; Nitro Compounds; Permethrin; Pyrazoles; Single-Blind Method; Tick Infestations; Time Factors; Toluidines

In the study reported here, the pioneer fipronil/(S)-methoprene topical product (Frontline® Plus, Merial Limited, Duluth, GA) was compared to the oral spinosad product (Comfortis® Elanco, Greenfield, IN) for efficacy against adult fleas and preventing egg production. The product presentations, doses and labelling were the one applicable in the USA. Using a standard protocol, 200 cat fleas of mixed sex were applied to dogs on Days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42. Dogs were combed to remove fleas 24 hours post-infestation, the fleas were counted, collected, and then reapplied to each dog following completion of their respective count. At 48 hours post-infestation, comb counts were performed and fleas were removed. No fleas were collected from any dog in the fipronil/(S)-methoprene group at any 24 or 48 hours post-infestation assessment throughout the six weeks study, yielding a preventive efficacy of 100%. For the spinosad treatment, efficacy was 100% at 24 hours and 48 hours through Day 16, and thereafter declined. The results observed in the spinosad-treated dogs were highly variable between animals. At the 24 and 48 hours counts following the Day 21 infestation, only five of eight spinosad-treated dogs (62.5%) were flea-free. Following the Day  28 infestation, spinosad efficacy fell to 85% and 89%, for the 24 hours and 48 hours counts, and only two dogs (25%) were flea free, compared to 100% flea-free dogs in the fipronil/(S)-methoprene group. No fleas were collected from the fipronil/(S)-methoprene treated dogs throughout the entire study, therefore, no eggs were collected at any time from any dog in the group. However, in the spinosad group adult fleas were found on dogs starting on Day 21 and by Day 30, 42 eggs were collected from one dog that had 107 adult fleas counted at 48 hours. At Day 37 and Day 49, more than 100 eggs were collected from each dog in the spinosad-treated and control groups.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Administration, Topical; Animals; Ctenocephalides; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Combinations; Female; Flea Infestations; Insecticides; Juvenile Hormones; Macrolides; Male; Methoprene; Parasite Egg Count; Pyrazoles

This field trial was designed to test the efficacy, in terms of treatment and prevention, of the fipronil 10%+(S)-methoprene 9% combination against immature and adult stages of Rhipicephalus sanguineus in naturally infested dogs, and to assess the effect of a single plain water exposure. Twenty-four dogs of various age, sex, weight and coat length were divided into two homogeneous groups, treated (T) and control (C), and housed into twin outdoor kennels. Trial baseline was designed as day 0, when dogs from group T were treated with a commercial spot-on formulation of fipronil 10%+(S)-methoprene 9%, while subjects from group C were left untreated and served as control. After treatment, tick load for each included dog was estimated, for both adult and immature ticks, using the localization and count over the entire body surface at the following time-points: day 2, to evaluate the speed of kill and at days 7, 14, 21 and 28 to assess the persistence of efficacy. The effect of water exposure on the product efficacy was tested at day 14 of the study, when six dogs, homogenously selected from group T, were soaked through with plain water. The overall tick load in dogs from group C was high throughout the entire study period, ranging from 103.2 (day 28) to 161.3 (day 0), and confirmed the high tick pressure. Speed of kill calculated at 48 h post-treatment was slightly higher for adult ticks (96.2%) than for immature stages (91.6%). Compared to the control, dogs treated with the fipronil+(S)-methoprene maintained a significantly lower mean tick load for both adult and immature stages in the four weeks of observation. Persistence of efficacy against immature stages ranged from 97.1% the first week, 99.6% second week, 99.7 third week and 93.1% in the last week. In the same way, efficacy against adult ticks was constantly high, shifting from 94.5% to 92.5%. Overall efficacy (adults+immatures) was the strongest in the first two weeks (i.e., 96.1% and 96.6%) and lowered in the two remaining weeks (i.e., 94.2% and 93.4%). Results showed that water exposure did not affect the activity and persistence of the tested combination. On the basis of this field trial, the fipronil+(S)-methoprene combination represents a highly efficacious product to control all stages of R. sanguineus ticks on dogs.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Double-Blind Method; Drug Combinations; Female; Insecticides; Male; Methoprene; Pyrazoles; Rhipicephalus sanguineus; Tick Infestations

A controlled clinical trial was carried out to assess the effectiveness of pyriprole, metaflumizone combined with amitraz, and fipronil-(S)-methoprene commercial spot-on products in preventing adult female Culex pipiens pipiens from feeding on dogs. Twenty-four beagle dogs were tested for their attractiveness to the mosquitoes and ranked accordingly to produce four groups of equivalent sensitivity to mosquitoes; six were treated with the pyriprole spot-on, six with the metaflumizone combined with amitraz spot-on, six with the fipronil-(S)-methoprene spot-on, and six were left untreated. All the dogs were challenged with 50 unfed adult female Culex in cages for one hour seven days before the treatment, and one and seven days after it. The mosquitoes were checked for blood feeding after one hour and for mortality 24 hours after they had been released into the cages. There was a significant reduction in the number of engorged mosquitoes only with the fipronil-(S)-methoprene product and there were significantly more dead mosquitoes with this product and the pyriprole product, but their effects were too small for them to be recommended for use in a dirofilariosis prevention programme.

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Animals; Culex; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Combinations; Female; Insect Bites and Stings; Insect Control; Insecticides; Male; Methoprene; Pyrazoles; Pyridines; Semicarbazones; Toluidines; Treatment Outcome

This study evaluated overall efficacy, percentage of dogs free of live ticks, retention of ticks, and efficacy against retained ticks of fipronil (9.8% w/w) + (S)-methoprene (8.8% w/w) and imidacloprid (8.8% w/w) + permethrin (44% w/w) spot-on topical solutions against Dermacentor variabilis-infested dogs. Tick control was significantly greater (P < .05) on dogs treated with fipronil + (S)-methoprene than on control dogs for the entire 30-day study period. Conversely, the combination product of imidacloprid + permethrin demonstrated activity significantly (P < .05) different from that seen on control dogs only up to day 23. Significantly (P < .05) more dogs treated with fipronil + (S)-methoprene were free of live ticks compared with controls on days 3, 9, and 16. There was never a significant difference (P > .05) between control and imidacloprid + permethrin-treated dogs in numbers of dogs free of live ticks. After the initial 10-minute tick exposure, lower numbers of ticks were retained on the imidacloprid + permethrin-treated dogs than on the fipronil + (S)-methoprene-treated dogs. However, when evaluating the effectiveness of the acaricides on "retained ticks," it appears that while some of the ticks were rapidly knocked down on the imidacloprid + permethrin-treated dogs, efficacy against ticks still retained at 10 minutes was never greater than 50%.

Topics: Animals; Dermacentor; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Combinations; Female; Imidazoles; Insecticides; Male; Methoprene; Neonicotinoids; Nitro Compounds; Permethrin; Pyrazoles; Tick Infestations

Preventing tick bites is a fundamental step towards reducing the impact of tick-borne protozoal, bacterial and viral diseases (TBDs) in humans and animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a combination of imidacloprid 10%/permethrin 50% and of fipronil 10%/S-methoprene 12% against ticks in naturally infected dogs and to assess methodological parameters to calculate drug efficacy on tick immature stages. From July to August 2004, 45 privately owned dogs of various sexes, ages, breeds, coat length and habits were enrolled in a trial carried out in an area (radius approximately 50km) in Southern Italy. Three homogeneous groups (both for dog population and tick population) were formed: 15 dogs treated with imidacloprid 10% and permethrin 50% spot-on (group A), 15 dogs treated with fipronil 10% and methoprene 12% spot-on (group B) and 15 untreated dogs (group C). The dogs in each group were then sub-grouped according to their age and weight. Two different treatments were administered (time 0 and +28 days) to groups A and B, and the dogs were checked weekly for tick infestation until day +56 post-treatment (p.t.). Twenty-four areas distributed on the whole body surface were examined for ticks at each follow-up, while only at time 0 and at day +56 p.t., ticks were collected from the dogs and identified. For the immature stages a semi-quantitative method was adopted and the load of immature stages was evaluated and grouped into four classes up to day +56 p.t. when the mean number of immature ticks (MIT) for each infection class was evaluated. All the adult ticks collected were identified as brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Immature stages were first compared at day +28 p.t.. The efficacy of both products used in groups A and B on adult ticks was high and generally very similar. Conversely, the efficacy of imidacloprid 10% and permethrin 50% against immatures was higher than that of fipronil 10% and methoprene 12% throughout the observation period with statistically significant differences (p<0.05) at day +28 p.t. (i.e. group A=98.52%, group B=72.40%). On the whole, in analysing the efficacy of both products against adult plus immature ticks, it was found that the combination of imidacloprid 10% and permethrin 50% was more effective than fipronil 10% and methoprene 12%, with the differences being statistically significant at day +28 p.t. (group A=98.43%, group B=77.56%).

Topics: Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Combinations; Female; Imidazoles; Insecticides; Male; Methoprene; Neonicotinoids; Nitro Compounds; Permethrin; Pyrazoles; Tick Infestations; Ticks

Haemaphysalis longicornis is one of the most important ticks infesting a wide range of mammals including dogs in Japan. H. longicornis is recorded to be a vector of, for example, Babesia gibsoni. It was the aim of the study presented here to evaluate the efficacy of imidacloprid/permethrin and fipronil/(S)-methoprene against larval, nymphal and adult stages of H. longicornis under in vitro as well as in vivo conditions. In the in vitro part of the study, ticks showed avoidance behaviour to imidacloprid/permethrin-treated filter papers. The onset of acaricidal efficacy in the imidacloprid/permethrin group was recorded earlier than in the fipronil/(S)-methoprene group. In the in vivo experiment three beagles per group were treated with either imidacloprid/permethrin, fipronil/(S)-methoprene or left untreated. Each dog was infested with 30 adult female H. longicornis. Ticks were place on a shaved area of skin of the treated dogs and behaviour of the ticks was recorded as before. After 3 h all ticks were removed and placed in Petri dishes. Ticks were further examined until day 4 post-treatment (p.t.). All ticks recovered from the untreated dogs survived. At 4 h p.t. (1 h post-removal) 40 of the 90 ticks exposed to the imidacloprid/permethrin treatment and 25 of the 90 ticks in the fipronil/(S)-methoprene-treated group were found dead. At day 1 p.t., 61 ticks in the imidacloprid/permethrin- and 81 ticks in the fipronil/(S)-methoprene-treated group were recorded dead. At the final examination day 4 p.t., all 90 ticks were found dead in the imidacloprid/permethrin group, while five ticks remained alive in the fipronil/(S)-methoprene group.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Cholinesterase Reactivators; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Imidazoles; Ixodidae; Male; Methoprene; Neonicotinoids; Nitro Compounds; Permethrin; Pyrazoles; Tick Infestations

This study compared the efficacy of two of the most widely veterinary-dispensed topical products for control of ticks on dogs: fipronil-(S)-methoprene and imidacloprid-permethrin. Eighteen healthy beagle dogs of both sexes were divided into three groups of six dogs. Group 1 served as the untreated control. Dogs in group 2 were treated with fipronil 10% + (S)-methoprene 9% w/v applied once on day 0, and those in group 3 were treated with imidacloprid 8.8% and permethrin 44% w/v, applied once on day 0. All dogs were infested with approximately 50 unfed Dermacentor reticulatus ticks on days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42, and ticks remaining were counted and removed 48 hours after each infestation. The 48-hour efficacy of the fipronil-(S)-methoprene combination remained at 100% at all assessment points through and including day 37, declining to 95.30% on day 44. The 48-hour efficacy of the imidacloprid-permethrin combination peaked at 86.46% on day 9, decreased to 73.37% by the third week, and fell to 63.53% by the end of the study (day 44). Significantly (P < .05) fewer ticks were recovered from dogs treated with fipronil-(S)-methoprene or imidacloprid-permethrin than from untreated control dogs at each infestation. Notably, the dogs treated with fipronil-(S)-methoprene had significantly (P < .05) lower tick counts at every assessment than the dogs treated with imidacloprid-permethrin.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Dermacentor; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Imidazoles; Insecticides; Male; Methoprene; Neonicotinoids; Nitro Compounds; Permethrin; Pyrazoles; Tick Control; Tick Infestations; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Therapy, Combination; Ehrlichiosis; Female; Imidazoles; Insecticides; Male; Methoprene; Neonicotinoids; Nitro Compounds; Permethrin; Pyrazoles; Tick Infestations; Ticks; Treatment Outcome

A simple, robust and QC (quality control) friendly high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of four active pharmaceutical ingredient [namely fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin, and praziquantel] and their key degradation products in a broad-spectrum topical finished product. Typical sample of the finished product contains a total of 30-plus peaks of interest. Analytes were separated on a HALO C18 column (150 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., 2.7 µm particle size) with a gradient elution at 50 °C column temperature and 0.6 mL/min flow rate. Detection wavelength of 245 nm is used for praziquantel, eprinomectin and their degradation products, 265 nm for (S)-methoprene and its degradation products and 280 nm for fipronil and its degradation products and for the antioxidant, BHT. Mobile phase of the method is composed of 10 mM potassium phosphate buffer and 1,4- Dioxane (98/2, v/v, pH 5.0) as mobile phase-A, and EtOH/MeOH/MeCN/IPA (86/4/6/4, v/v/v/v) as mobile phase-B. All analytes of interest were adequately separated by this single HPLC method. The stability-indicating capability of the method has been demonstrated by successfully separating the degradation products in the stressed degraded samples of the finished product. Limit of quantitation (LOQ) and limit of detection (LOD) of the method is 0.3% and 0.1% of target analytical concentration for each individual API in the finished product. This method has been demonstrated to be sensitive, robust, specific, accurate and stability-indicating for analysis of the topical drug product containing praziquantel, fipronil, eprinomectin and (S)-methoprene.

Topics: Antiparasitic Agents; Butylated Hydroxytoluene; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Drug Combinations; Drug Stability; Methoprene; Praziquantel; Random Allocation; Treatment Outcome; Veterinary Drugs

This work evaluated tick and flea burdens and the efficacy of a single topical application of 10% fipronil + 9% (S)-methoprene spot-on against experimental infestations of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and Ctenocephalides felis felis on dogs that were submitted to regular baths for 56-days post-treatment. Four treatments (n = 24) were evaluated: no chemical treatment and no bathing (T01); no chemical treatment + bathing (T02); chemical treatment and no bathing (T03) and chemical treatment + bathing (T04). Dogs were infested with adult ticks and fleas seven days pre-treatment (-7). The ectoparasites were then counted and removed on day -5, followed by a new infestation on day -2 and treatment on day 0. Ticks and fleas were then counted without removal on day 1 and counted with removal on day 2. The dogs were then repeatedly infested with both ectoparasites on days 5, 12, 19, 26, 33, 40, 47 and 54 post-treatment. Baths and ectoparasite counts with removal were performed every 48 h before and after experimental infestation, respectively. Animals of T04 had lower (P ≤ 0.05) tick burden than animals from T01 and T02 from day 2 to day 28. For fleas, the counts varied among days of the study. Dogs from T03 presented lower (P ≤ 0.05) flea burden than dogs from T01 from day 1 until day 56. The same was true for T04 when compared to T01 from day 1 to day 42. Animals of T02 greater (P ≤ 0.05) flea burden than animals of T04 in all dates post treatment. In addition, dogs from T02 presented higher (P ≤ 0.05) flea burden than T01 from day 7 to day 28 and from day 49 to day 56. In sum, the efficacy of the spot-on formulation used declined over the time against both ectoparasites. The efficacy for ticks ranged from 0.0 to 96.5% and 0.0 to 98.52% for T03 and T04, respectively. While for fleas, the efficacy of the formulation ranged from 67.41 to 100% for T03 and 40.18 to 100% for T04. So, bathing dogs that were not treated increased C. f. felis burden but not R. sanguineus s. l. burden. The residual efficacy of the product had a shorter duration against these ectoparasites for dogs that received subsequent bathing.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Baths; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Flea Infestations; Insecticides; Male; Methoprene; Pyrazoles; Tick Infestations

The use of topical and oral therapies on pets has revolutionized the control of cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché). Herein, we tested the biological activity of two adulticides, fipronil and imidacloprid, and the insect growth regulators (IGRs), methoprene and pyriproxyfen. The LC50's of fipronil, imidacloprid, methoprene, and pyriproxyfen in larval rearing medium for second and third instars were 1.13, 0.73, 0.35, and 0.23 ppm, respectively. Combinations of imidacloprid and methoprene and pyriproxyfen were synergistic. The combination indices (CIs) at an effective dose (ED95) of imidacloprid:methoprene (Im:Meth) were 0.54, 0.44, 0.66, 0.73, and 0.62 for Im1:Meth1, Im5:Meth1, Im10:Meth1, Im20:Meth1, and Im40:Meth1, respectively. Similarly, the CIs of imidacloprid:pyriproxyfen (Im:Pyri) at an ED95 were 0.73 and 0.50 for Im1:Pyri1 and Im5:Pyri1, respectively. Combinations of fipronil:methoprene (Fip:Meth) provided variable results with Fip1:Meth1 being antagonistic (CI = 1.61). Combinations at 5:1, 10:1, and 20:1 at an ED95 were moderately synergistic. Combinations of Fip:Pyri at 1:1 were antagonistic at an ED95 with a CI of 2.87. When the combinations were reversed, neither the imidacloprid nor fipronil synergized either IGR. The dose response indices (DRI) for both Im:Meth and Im:Pyri indicate that the concentrations of the combinations could be significantly reduced and still be as effective as imidacloprid alone. Certain combinations of adulticides and IGRs were synergistic against immature fleas.

Topics: Animals; Ctenocephalides; Drug Synergism; Insect Control; Insecticides; Juvenile Hormones; Larva; Methoprene; Neonicotinoids; Nitro Compounds; Pyrazoles; Pyridines

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Cats; Ctenocephalides; Dermatitis; Dogs; Drug Compounding; Flea Infestations; Insecticides; Macrolides; Methoprene; Pyrazoles; Treatment Outcome

Cats are host to dipylidiid cestodes of the genera Diplopylidium, Dipylidium and Joyeuxiella. Broadline(®), a topical broad-spectrum combination parasiticide containing fipronil (8.3 % w/v), (S)-methoprene (10 % w/v), eprinomectin (0.4 % w/v) and the cestocide praziquantel (8.3 % w/v), has previously been shown to be efficacious against Dipylidium caninum and Diplopylidium spp. in cats. To evaluate its efficacy against Joyeuxiella species, a blinded clinical efficacy study was conducted according to GCP. All cats had evidence for naturally acquired dipylidiid cestode infection as confirmed by pre-treatment examination. Cats were allocated randomly to two groups of 13 cats each based on bodyweight: Control (untreated) and Broadline(®) at 0.12 mL/kg bodyweight administered once topically. Based on the comparison of helminth counts in the treated and untreated cats seven days post treatment, Broadline(®) demonstrated >99 % efficacy (p < 0.01) against mature J. fuhrmanni and J. pasqualei, with 11 and 13 of the untreated cats harbouring 1 to 102 or 2 to 95 cestodes, respectively. In addition, parasite counts indicated 95.9 % efficacy (p = 0.006) against the rictularoid nematode Pterygodermatites cahirensis.

Topics: Animals; Anticestodal Agents; Cat Diseases; Cats; Cestoda; Cestode Infections; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Ivermectin; Male; Methoprene; Praziquantel; Pyrazoles

This study was designed to compare the therapeutic and residual efficacy for 1 month of three topical ectoparasiticides on mixed-bred dogs against the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Adult dogs (n = 32, 10.8-18.4 kg BW) were allocated to 4 groups (n = 8) and infested with 50 adult ticks on days -8, -2, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Within each group, dogs were treated topically on day 0 with a control solution (CS), Vectra 3D (DPP), Frontline Plus (FM), or K9 Advantix (IP). Ticks were enumerated on dogs 24 h after treatment and each subsequent tick infestation by in situ thumb count assessment without removal and at 48 h by combing and removal. Acaricidal efficacy was calculated using arithmetic means for all 24 and 48 h tick count assessments. From 42 to 56% of the total, infested ticks were found on dogs 48 h post-challenge in the CS group. Therapeutic efficacy for all treatments ranged from 45.5 to 64.6% after 48 h of infestation. Residual efficacy after FM treatment was consistently lower compared to DPP or IP treatments at the 24 h assessments on days 8, 22, 23, and 29. Residual efficacy measured at this last time point was 94.8% for DPP, 83.1% for IP, and 46.9% for FM. This study demonstrates that permethrin-based formulations (DPP and IP) provided a quicker onset of residual protection against brown dog ticks compared to FM. Although DPP and IP are both permethrin-based formulations, DPP exhibited consistently higher residual acaricidal efficacies and was the only treatment that provided >90% protection for 1 month at 24 h post challenge.

Topics: Acaricides; Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Hair; Male; Methoprene; Permethrin; Pyrazoles; Random Allocation; Rhipicephalus sanguineus; Tick Infestations

Speed of kill, repellent (anti-feeding) and acaricidal efficacy of an imidacloprid 10 % (w/w) /flumethrin 4.5 % (w/w) collar (Seresto(®), Bayer) and a spot-on formulation of fipronil 8.3 % (w/v) /(S)-methoprene 10 % (w/v) /eprinomectin 0.4 % (w/v) /praziquantel 8.3 % (w/v) (Broadline(®), Merial) against artificiallyinduced infestations with Ixodes ricinus on cats, were assessed in a parallel group design, randomised, controlled study. Twenty-four cats were included and randomly allocated to treatment groups or a non-treated control group. Starting on Day (D) 7 after treatment until D28, cats were each infested with 50 I. ricinus at weekly intervals. Ticks were counted in situ on the cats at 6, 12 and 24 h and upon removal 48 h after each infestation. Based on arithmetic means, Seresto(®) proved to be 100 % effective against adult I. ricinus at all assessment times (6, 12, 24 and 48 h after infestation) throughout the month-long study. Broadline(®) was 0 % to 16.7 % effective at 6 h, 26.8 % to 50.0 % effective at 12 h, while at 24 h after infestation efficacy peaked at 81.5 % on D15 declining to 31.5 % on D29. Based on the 48 h tick counts, the efficacy of Broadline(®) peaked at 100 % on D16 after treatment and decreased to 83.2 % by D30. The Seresto(®) collar provided significantly faster speed of kill and better persistent acaricidal effectiveness against Ixodes ricinus on cats compared to Broadline(®) spot-on. The additional repellent (anti-feeding) effect of Seresto(®) prevents parasites from taking a blood meal and thereby reduces the risk of vector-borne disease pathogen transmission.

Topics: Acaricides; Administration, Topical; Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Feeding Behavior; Female; Imidazoles; Ivermectin; Ixodes; Methoprene; Neonicotinoids; Nitro Compounds; Praziquantel; Pyrazoles; Pyrethrins

Efficacy of FRONTLINE TRITAK For Dogs (fipronil/(S)-methoprene/cyphenothrin, Merial, Inc., Duluth, GA) against Ixodes scapularis was evaluated in two separate, but concurrent laboratory studies.. One day after topical treatment with placebo or active, dogs (n = 24) were infested with 50 unfed adult Ixodes scapularis ticks, with repeat infestations on Days 7, 14, 21 and 28. The number of live ticks was counted at 6 hours post-infestation in the first study (n = 12) and at 24 hours post-infestation in the second study (n = 12).. Observed efficacies in study 1 were 93-99% at 6 hour assessments on Day 1 through Day 28 and in the second study, 98-100% at 24 hour assessments, occurring on Day 2 through Day 29.. A single dose of FRONTLINE TRITAK For Dogs (fipronil/(S)-methoprene/cyphenothrin) (0.67 ml or 1.34 ml) prevented the establishment of a new infestation following treatment, as well as the repeated weekly re-infestations with Ixodes scapularis ticks, for 4 weeks.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Compounding; Female; Insecticides; Ixodes; Male; Methoprene; Pyrazoles; Pyrethrins; Random Allocation; Tick Control; Tick Infestations

A 28-day study was conducted to assess the dynamic of blood feeding by Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks on dogs treated or not with a novel topical combination of fipronil, amitraz and (S)-methoprene. Dogs were infested weekly through exposure to ticks in crates for 4h. Ticks were then counted in the crates at 2h and 4h post dog exposure. Ticks were also counted and removed from the dogs at 2h, 4h, 6h, 12h and 24h post tick exposure. The inhibition of blood feeding was assessed by both tick quantification and designing and performing a quantitative PCR (qPCR) to detect the canine hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS) gene in ticks. The percentage of repellency sensu lato based on the ticks collected in crates at 2h varied from 4.7% at day 28 to 48.3% at day 7. The immediate mortality rate of the ticks expelled at 2h varied from 1.5% at day 21 to 31.7% at day 7. The efficacy calculation showed that the acaricidal combination started to kill ticks in as little as 2h. The average efficacy reached 90.0% at 12h post crate challenges and 100% at 24h post exposure in crates. The inclusion of an internal amplification control was used to ensure that no significant template-derived PCR inhibition (≤ 6.2%) affected the overall results. The reduction of blood feeding was significant at 4h (>80.0%) and >99.0% at 24h post tick exposure in the crate. The high repellency rate and the lethal efficacy of CERTIFECT(®) resulted in significantly fewer live attached ticks, consequently reducing blood intake and fluid exchanges.

Topics: Acaricides; Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Combinations; Feeding Behavior; Female; Hydroxymethylbilane Synthase; Male; Methoprene; Pyrazoles; Rhipicephalus sanguineus; Tick Infestations; Toluidines

A recently launched topical ectoparasiticide containing fipronil, amitraz and S-methoprene has been associated with the development of an acantholytic pustular dermatitis similar to that of Promeris-triggered pemphigus foliaceus (PF).. Our objectives were to describe the clinical, histological and immunological features of this PF-like cutaneous adverse drug reaction.. Twenty-one dogs with a probable or definitive diagnosis of PF-like cutaneous adverse drug reaction were identified between May 2012 and February 2013.. Histology, direct and indirect immunofluorescence were employed to address the study objectives.. Most dogs were middle-aged or older (median, 9 years) and of large size (median, 23 kg). In six dogs (29%), the PF-like lesions remained confined to the site of application, while 15 dogs (71%) exhibited lesions at distant sites. One or two applications of the ectoparasiticide were sufficient to trigger PF-like lesions in seven (33%) and six (29%) dogs, respectively. Systemic signs were reported in nine dogs (43%), all with lesions extending to sites distant from application areas. Tissue-bound antikeratinocyte IgG was detected in the lesional epidermis of eight of 19 (42%) cases by direct immunofluorescence, while serum antikeratinocyte IgG was detected in 10 of 14 (71%) cases by indirect immunofluorescence. Autoantibodies were found to target canine desmocollin-1 in 11 of 14 dogs (79%), but not canine desmoglein-1, by indirect immunofluorescence on transfected cells. These immunological findings were similar in cases with localized and distant disease.. This new topical ectoparasiticide containing fipronil, amitraz and S-methoprene is capable of triggering the development of an acantholytic pustular dermatosis that is a clinical, histological and immunological close match for Promeris-triggered PF and naturally occurring autoimmune PF in dogs.

Topics: Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Combinations; Female; Insecticides; Male; Methoprene; Pemphigus; Pyrazoles; Toluidines

Four studies were conducted to determine the pharmacokinetic characteristics and in vitro metabolism of eprinomectin, a semi-synthetic avermectin, in cats. Pharmacokinetic parameters including bioavailability of eprinomectin were determined in a parallel study design comprised of one group of eight cats which were treated once topically at 0.12 mL/kg bodyweight with BROADLINE(®), a novel combination product (fipronil 8.3% (w/v), (S)-methoprene 10% (w/v), eprinomectin 0.4% (w/v) and praziquantel 8.3% (w/v)), delivering a dose of 0.5mg eprinomectin per kg body weight, and a group of six cats which received 0.4% (w/v) eprinomectin at 0.4 mg/kg bodyweight once by intravenous injection. For cats treated by topical application, the average eprinomectin (B1a component) maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was 20 ng/mL. The maximum concentrations were reached 24h after dosing in the majority of the animals (six of eight cats). The average terminal half-life was 114 h due to slow absorption ('flip-flop' kinetics). Following intravenous administration the average Cmax was 503 ng/mL at 5 min post-dose, and the mean elimination half-life was 23 h. Eprinomectin was widely distributed with a mean volume of distribution of 2,390 mL/kg, and the clearance rate was 81 mL/h/kg. Mean areas under the plasma concentration versus time curves extrapolated to infinity were 2,100 ngh/mL and 5,160 ngh/mL for the topical and intravenous doses, respectively. Topical eprinomectin was absorbed with an average absolute bioavailability of 31%. In a second parallel design study, the dose proportionality of eprinomectin after single topical administration of BROADLINE(®) was studied. Four groups of eight cats each were treated once topically with 0.5, 1, 2 or 5 times the minimum recommended dose of the combination, 0.12 mL/kg bodyweight. Based on comparison of areas under the plasma concentration versus time curves from the time of dosing to the last time point at which eprinomectin B1a was quantified, and Cmax, dose proportionality was established. In addition, the metabolic pathway of eprinomectin using cat liver microsomes, and plasma protein binding using cat, rat, and dog plasma were studied in vitro. Results of the analyses of eprinomectin B1a described here showed that it is metabolically stable and highly protein bound (>99%), and thus likely to be, as with other species, excreted mainly as unchanged parent drug in the feces of cats.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Cat Diseases; Cats; Drug Combinations; Female; Ivermectin; Male; Methoprene; Parasitic Diseases, Animal; Praziquantel; Pyrazoles; Random Allocation

A novel topical combination product (BROADLINE(®), Merial) composed of fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin and praziquantel was evaluated for safety and efficacy against nematode and cestode infections in domestic cats. The study comprised a multi-centre, positive control, blinded, field study, using a randomized block design based on order of presentation for allocation. In total 196 client-owned cats, confirmed as positive for naturally acquired infections of nematodes and/or cestodes by pre-treatment faecal examination, were studied in seven countries in Europe. Pre-treatment faecal examination revealed the presence of Toxocara, hookworm, Capillaria and/or spirurid nematode infections in 129, 73, 33 or 1 cat(s), respectively; infections with taeniid and Dipylidium cestodes were demonstrated in 39 and 17 cats, respectively. Cats were allocated randomly to one of two treatments in a ratio of 2, topical fipronil (8.3%, w/v), (S)-methoprene (10%, w/v), eprinomectin (0.4%, w/v) and praziquantel (8.3%, w/v) (BROADLINE(®), Merial; 130 cats); and 1, topical PROFENDER(®) Spot-On (Bayer; 66 cats) and treated once on Day 0. For evaluation of efficacy, two faecal samples were collected, one prior to treatment (Day -4 ± 4 days) and one at the end of the study (Day 14 ± 5 days). These were examined for fecal forms of nematode and cestode parasites. For evaluation of safety, cats were examined by a veterinarian before treatment and at the end of the study, and cat owners recorded the health status of their cats daily until the end of the study. For cats treated with Broadline(®), the efficacy was >99.9%, 100%, and 99.6% for Toxocara, hookworms, and Capillaria, respectively; and the efficacy was >99.9%, >99.9%, and 98.5%, respectively, for the cats treated with Profender(®) (p<0.001 for all nematodes and both treatments). Efficacy was 100% for both cestodes for both treatments (p<0.001). No treatment related adverse experiences were observed throughout the study. For both treatments, every cat that completed the study was given a safety score of 'excellent' for both local and systemic evaluations. The topical combination product of fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin and praziquantel was shown to have an excellent safety profile and demonstrated high levels of efficacy when administered once as topical solution to cats infected with nematodes and cestodes under field conditions.

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Cestoda; Cestode Infections; Drug Combinations; Europe; Female; Ivermectin; Male; Methoprene; Nematoda; Nematode Infections; Praziquantel; Pyrazoles; Treatment Outcome

The efficacy of a novel topical combination formulation of fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin and praziquantel against naturally acquired intestinal nematode and cestode infections in cats was evaluated in seven negative control, blinded studies. Cats were selected based on a pre-treatment faecal examination indicating a patent infection with at least hookworms (two studies), Toxocara ascarids (one study), taeniid cestodes (two studies) or Dipylidium cestodes (two studies). In each study, cats were assigned randomly to blocks of two animals each, based on decreasing pre-treatment body weight and were randomly allocated to one of two groups of six to 12 cats: untreated (control) or treated with topical fipronil (8.3%, w/v), (S)-methoprene (10%, w/v), eprinomectin (0.4%, w/v) and praziquantel (8.3%, w/v) (BROADLINE(®), Merial) at 0.12 mL/kg body weight (providing a minimum of 10mg fipronil+12 mg S-methoprene+0.5mg eprinomectin+10mg praziquantel per kg body weight). The topical treatment was administered directly on the skin in the midline of the neck in a single spot once on Day 0. For parasite recovery and count, cats were euthanized humanely and necropsied seven or ten days after treatment. A single treatment with the novel topical combination product provided 91% efficacy against Ancylostoma braziliense, ≥ 99% efficacy against Ancylostoma tubaeforme, and >97% efficacy against Toxocara cati. Similarly, excellent efficacy was established against Taenia taeniaeformis, Dipylidium caninum and Diplopylidium spp. as demonstrated by >97% and up to 100% reductions of cestode counts in the treated cats when compared to the untreated controls (P<0.01). All cats accepted the treatment well based on health observations post-treatment and daily health observations. No adverse experiences or other health problems were observed throughout the studies. The results of this series of controlled studies demonstrated high efficacy and excellent acceptability of the novel topical combination formulation of fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin and praziquantel against a broad range of feline intestinal nematode and cestode infections.

Topics: Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Cat Diseases; Cats; Cestoda; Cestode Infections; Drug Combinations; Female; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Ivermectin; Male; Methoprene; Nematoda; Nematode Infections; Praziquantel; Pyrazoles; Random Allocation; Treatment Outcome

Although foxes are the main reservoir of Echinococcus multilocularis, it is recognized that dogs and cats also may become infected. In cats the infection and egg production rates are usually low. Nevertheless, cats are a potential source of transmission of E. multilocularis. Due to the high human medical significance of E. multilocularis infection, it is important in endemic areas that owned cats are dewormed regularly. This paper presents the efficacy results of a new topical formulation, Broadline(®) (Merial) tested against E. multilocularis infection in cats. Two blinded laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate this novel topical combination of fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin, and praziquantel against E. multilocularis. In each study, purpose-bred cats were assigned randomly to two treatment groups of 10 cats each: one untreated control group and one group treated at the minimum therapeutic dose of 0.12 mL/kg bodyweight to deliver 10mg fipronil, 12 mg (S)-methoprene, 0.5mg eprinomectin and 10mg praziquantel/kg bodyweight. The cats were inoculated orally with E. multilocularis protoscolices, 22 or 23 days before treatment. Based on necropsy and intestinal worm count, 8 or 11 days after treatment, the two studies confirmed 100% efficacy of Broadline(®) against adult E. multilocularis.

Topics: Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Cat Diseases; Cats; Drug Combinations; Echinococcosis; Echinococcus multilocularis; Female; Ivermectin; Male; Methoprene; Praziquantel; Pyrazoles; Random Allocation; Treatment Outcome

Four studies were conducted to examine the efficacy of a novel topical combination of fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin, and praziquantel (BROADLINE(®), Merial) against Ancylostoma tubaeforme and Ancylostoma braziliense hookworms of cats. In each study, purpose-bred cats were randomly assigned to treatment groups of 10 or 12 cats per group. In three studies the cats were inoculated with A. tubaeforme and in one study with A. braziliense. The inoculations were undertaken on a schedule which resulted in the hookworms reaching the fourth larval stage in two of the studies, or the adult stage in four of the studies, by the day of treatment. In each study there was also an untreated control and 1 or 2 groups treated with the novel combination. In the two studies where efficacy against the fourth larval stage of A. tubaeforme was tested, the efficacy recorded was 100%. In the three studies where efficacy against the adult stage of A. tubaeforme was tested, efficacy of 100% was also confirmed. In the study where efficacy against the adult stage of A. braziliense was tested efficacy was 99.5%.

Topics: Ancylostoma; Ancylostomiasis; Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Cat Diseases; Cats; Drug Combinations; Ivermectin; Methoprene; Praziquantel; Pyrazoles; Random Allocation; Treatment Outcome

The efficacy of a novel topical fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin and praziquantel combination product (BROADLINE(®), Merial) was evaluated against adult Toxascaris leonina ascarids in experimentally infected cats in two controlled studies under an identical protocol. For each study, 30 nematode-naive, purpose-bred European Short Hair cats were inoculated orally with approximately 300 larvated T. leonina eggs. Twenty-two and 24 cats, respectively, that were shown to be positive for Toxascaris eggs by pre-treatment faecal examination were subsequently included in the two studies. In each study, the animals were allocated randomly to an untreated (control) group or to a treatment group. The treatment was a novel topical combination: fipronil (8.3%, w/v), (S)-methoprene (10%, w/v), eprinomectin (0.4% w/v) and praziquantel (8.3% w/v). Treatment was applied on Day 0 at 0.12 mL/kg bodyweight. For parasite recovery and count, cats were euthanized humanely seven days after treatment and necropsied. All untreated cats harboured adult T. leonina (range, 1-31 nematodes). The treatment provided a high level of efficacy against adult T. leonina in both studies (95.8% and 98.1%, respectively p<0.001). All cats accepted the treatment well based on hourly post-treatment observations for 4h and daily observations thereafter. No adverse experiences or other health problems were observed throughout the studies. Thus the data indicate that this novel combination product will provide a safe and effective treatment against T. leonina in cats.

Topics: Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Cat Diseases; Cats; Drug Combinations; Female; Ivermectin; Male; Methoprene; Praziquantel; Pyrazoles; Random Allocation; Toxascariasis; Toxascaris; Treatment Outcome

The efficacy of a novel topical combination of fipronil 8.3% (w/v), (S)-methoprene 10% (w/v), eprinomectin 0.4% (w/v), and praziquantel 8.3% (w/v) (BROADLINE(®), Merial) was evaluated against adult and larval Toxocara cati in four controlled studies. All studies included experimentally infected, purpose-bred, short-haired cats. In two studies, 22 or 20 cats harbouring patent infections as confirmed by pre-treatment faecal examination, were included. Within each study, cats were allocated to one of two groups: control or treated. In a further two studies, 30 cats were included in each; cats were allocated to one of three groups: control, treated when T. cati were expected to be either migrating third and/or fourth-stage larvae, or treated when T. cati were expected to be fourth-stage larvae. Cats allocated to the treated groups received a single topical application of the combination product at 0.12 mL/kg bodyweight (10mg fipronil+12 mg (S)-methoprene+0.5mg eprinomectin+10mg praziquantel per kg). For parasite recovery and count, cats were euthanized humanely at different intervals after treatment. In the studies targeting adult T. cati, ascarids were recovered from all controls (range 1-150) while only two worms were isolated from one treated cat. Thus, the efficacy of the novel combination was 99.4% and 100% against adult T. cati. For studies targeting larval T. cati, up to 21 worms were recovered from each of seven or eight of the control cats per study. No T. cati were recovered from the treated cats in two studies, corresponding to 100% efficacy against both, migrating third and/or fourth-stage larvae and luminal fourth-stage larvae. All cats accepted the treatment well and no adverse experiences or other health problems were observed throughout the studies.

Topics: Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Cat Diseases; Cats; Drug Combinations; Female; Ivermectin; Male; Methoprene; Parasite Load; Praziquantel; Pyrazoles; Random Allocation; Toxocara; Toxocariasis; Treatment Outcome

Infection with urinary capillarid bladder worms has been observed in cats worldwide. Although considered as generally causing no or little harm, infection with urinary capillarids may be associated with clinical disease which requires an appropriate treatment including the use of anthelmintics. Therefore, the efficacy of a novel topical combination formulation of fipronil 8.3% (w/v), (S)-methoprene 10% (w/v), eprinomectin 0.4% (w/v), and praziquantel 8.3% (w/v) (BROADLINE(®), Merial) was evaluated against urinary capillarids in naturally infected cats. Sixteen European Short Hair cats (5 male, 11 female) with capillarid eggs in their urine pre-treatment were included in the study. At the time of treatment, the cats were approximately ten months to eight years old and weighed 1.6-3.6 kg. Cats were ranked based on decreasing bodyweight and then randomly allocated within replicates of two animals to one of the treatment groups. Each cat in the treated group received one topical application of the combination product at the minimum therapeutic dose of 0.12 mL/kg body weight delivering 10mg fipronil+12 mg (S)-methoprene+0.5mg eprinomectin+10mg praziquantel per kilogram of body weight while the cats allocated to the control group remained untreated. For parasite recovery, identification and count, cats were euthanized humanely 14 days after treatment. All untreated cats harboured Capillaria plica in their urinary bladders (range 4-12), while no capillarids were recovered from the eight treated cats. Thus, the efficacy of the novel topical combination against C. plica was 100%. All cats accepted the treatment well based on post-treatment observations and daily observations thereafter. No adverse events or other health problems were observed during the study.

Topics: Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Capillaria; Cat Diseases; Cats; Drug Combinations; Enoplida Infections; Female; Ivermectin; Male; Methoprene; Praziquantel; Pyrazoles; Random Allocation; Treatment Outcome

Cats may be infected by heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, through mosquito bites. They can develop severe heartworm disease when infective D. immitis larvae migrate and develop into adults in the pulmonary vasculature or other tissues. As there is no curative treatment for feline heartworm infection, the monthly administration of preventative treatment is recommended in endemic areas. Three controlled, blinded laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the preventative efficacy of BROADLINE(®), a novel combination of fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin, and praziquantel against D. immitis in cats. In each study, 28 cats were inoculated with approximately 100 (studies 1 and 2) or 40 (study 3) infective third stage D. immitis larvae by subcutaneous injection, thirty days prior to treatment. The larvae were from recent field isolates from naturally infected dogs from three distinct geographic areas (two in the USA and one in Europe). In each study, the cats were allocated randomly to two study groups of 14 cats each. The control group remained untreated. On Day 0, each cat in the treated group received one topical application of the novel topical formulation, delivering the minimum intended dose of 0.5mg of eprinomectin per kilogram of body weight. At 6 months after infection, all cats were humanely euthanized and examined for adult D. immitis. Across all three studies, 28 (68%) of the 41 untreated cats harbored one or more heartworms, while 100% of the 42 treated cats remained free of heartworm infection, demonstrating the 100% preventive efficacy of BROADLINE(®) against D. immitis in cats. The treatment was well tolerated and no health abnormality was observed in any treated cat.

Topics: Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dirofilaria immitis; Dirofilariasis; Drug Combinations; Female; Ivermectin; Male; Methoprene; Praziquantel; Pyrazoles; Random Allocation; Treatment Outcome

The efficacy of a novel topical combination of fipronil 8.3% (w/v), (S)-methoprene 10% (w/v), eprinomectin 0.4% (w/v) and praziquantel 8.3% (w/v) (BROADLINE(®)) was tested against adult and immature stages of Ctenocephalides felis fleas in six studies. For that purpose, fleas from different colonies from North America, Germany and South Africa were used to induce infestations in cats under laboratory conditions. In each study, between 12 and 16 cats were allocated randomly to 2 groups. Cats in Group 1 were not treated and served as controls. Cats in Group 2 were treated once on Day 0 with BROADLINE(®) at the minimum recommended dosage of 0.12 mg/kg body weight. In 4 studies, all animals were infested experimentally with unfed C. felis (100 ± 5) on Days 2 (or 1), 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. Live fleas were counted 24h post-treatment or infestation. In 2 additional studies, animals were infested at the same frequency with gravid C. felis fleas (100 ± 5) that were fed previously on an untreated host. Forty-eight hours post-infestation, flea eggs were collected, counted and incubated for the evaluation of the reduction of emergence of adults. The combined curative efficacy against adult fleas at 24h after treatment was 94.3% and the combined preventive efficacy values remained greater than 95.9% at 24h after 5 subsequent weekly infestations. In addition, the product reduced dramatically the emergence of new adult fleas for at least 5 weeks (>98.1% for one month and 93.2% at 5 weeks after infestation), demonstrating its efficiency in preventing environmental contamination by immature stages.

Topics: Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Cat Diseases; Cats; Ctenocephalides; Drug Combinations; Flea Infestations; Ivermectin; Life Cycle Stages; Methoprene; Praziquantel; Pyrazoles; Random Allocation; Treatment Outcome

Five controlled, blinded and randomized studies were conducted to examine the efficacy of a single topical application of a combination of fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin, and praziquantel (BROADLINE(®), Merial) against induced infestations with Ixodes ticks on cats. Three studies investigated the efficacy against Ixodes ricinus and two against Ixodes scapularis. In each study, purpose-bred cats were assigned at random to an untreated group or to a treated group. For the studies using I. ricinus, cats were infested with 50 female ticks and a similar number of males 2 days before treatment application, and weekly afterwards on between four and six occasions. For the studies using I. scapularis, cats were infested with a total of 50 ticks (approximately 25 females and 25 males) according to the same schedule as for I. ricinus. Tick counts for the evaluation of efficacy were performed 48 h after treatment and 48 h after the subsequent weekly infestations. Weekly attachment rates to untreated cats of at least 29% for I. ricinus and at least 30% for I. scapularis demonstrated consistently that the ticks were vigorous and that the attachment rates were adequate for efficacy evaluation. In the I. ricinus studies, an efficacy of at least 93% was demonstrated for up to 37 days after the treatment. In the I. scapularis studies, the efficacy level was at least 95% 30 days after the treatment. The product was well tolerated and caused no adverse reaction.

Topics: Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Cat Diseases; Cats; Drug Combinations; Female; Ivermectin; Ixodes; Male; Methoprene; Praziquantel; Pyrazoles; Random Allocation; Tick Infestations; Treatment Outcome

The efficacy of a novel topical combination of fipronil 8.3% w/v, (S)-methoprene 10% w/v, eprinomectin 0.4% w/v, and praziquantel 8.3% w/v (BROADLINE(®),(1) Merial) against larval and adult Aelurostrongylus abstrusus lungworms in cats was assessed in a controlled laboratory study. The study included 48 purpose-bred, short-haired cats which were each inoculated with 225 infective A. abstrusus larvae. The cats were formed into eight blocks based on pre-treatment bodyweight and were then, within each block, randomly allocated to one of six treatment groups: untreated control; treated once when A. abstrusus were expected to be third-stage larvae (4 days post inoculation [dpi]), fourth-stage larvae (7 dpi), immature adults (14 dpi) or adult nematodes (32 dpi), or treated twice, once when A. abstrusus were expected to be third-stage larval and once again when A. abstrusus were expected to be adult nematodes (4 dpi+32 dpi). Cats weighing ≥ 0.8-2.5 kg received one 0.3 mL applicator and cats weighing >2.5-7.5 kg received one 0.9 mL applicator. For determination of the efficacy of treatments, lungworm larval counts were established on faecal samples collected from all cats 32, 39, 46, 53 and 60 dpi. At each occasion from 46 dpi on, cats treated with fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin and praziquantel had significantly lower A. abstrusus larval counts than the untreated controls with percentage reductions of 91.6% (cats treated 14dpi; P=0.012), ≥ 98.9% (cats treated either 4 dpi, 7 dpi or 32 dpi; P<0.001) or >99.9% (cats treated 4 dpi+32 dpi; P<0.001) at 60 dpi. Thus, the novel topical combination of fipronil, (S)-methoprene, eprinomectin and praziquantel was highly effective in the prevention and treatment of A. abstrusus lungworm infection in cats.

Topics: Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Cat Diseases; Cats; Drug Combinations; Female; Ivermectin; Life Cycle Stages; Male; Metastrongyloidea; Methoprene; Praziquantel; Pyrazoles; Random Allocation; Strongylida Infections; Treatment Outcome

Plague is a primarily flea-borne rodent-associated zoonosis that is often fatal in humans. Our study focused on the plague-endemic West Nile region of Uganda where affordable means for the prevention of human plague are currently lacking. Traditional hut construction and food storage practices hinder rodent exclusion efforts, and emphasize the need for an inexpensive but effective host-targeted approach for controlling fleas within the domestic environment. Here we demonstrate the ability of an insecticide delivery tube that is made from inexpensive locally available materials to reduce fleas on domestic rodents. Unbaited tubes were treated with either an insecticide alone (fipronil) or in conjunction with an insect growth regulator [(S)-methoprene], and placed along natural rodent runways within participant huts. Performance was similar for both treatments throughout the course of the study, and showed significant reductions in the proportion of infested rodents relative to controls for at least 100 d posttreatment.

Topics: Animals; Housing; Insect Vectors; Insecticides; Methoprene; Plague; Pyrazoles; Rats; Siphonaptera; Uganda

Tick-borne infections resulting from regular tick infestation in dogs are a common veterinary health problem all over the world. The application of repellent and acaricidal agents to prevent transmission of pathogens is a major protection strategy and has been proven to be highly effective in several trials under laboratory and natural conditions in dogs. Despite such promising results, many dog owners still report tick infestation in their dogs although acaricidal agents are used. Information about the current infection status and changes of the infection status regarding tick-borne diseases (TBD) in dogs treated by the owner's controlled acaricide application is lacking.. In this study 30 dogs were each treated with permethrin, fipronil + S-methoprene, or served as untreated controls. Application of the acaricide was performed by the owner who decided when and how often to use the spot on preparation. Over a period of 11 months, dogs were clinically examined and sampled for antibody responses against Babesia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi s. l., and TBE virus before the study started, 6 months later and at the end of the investigation period.. The permethrin acaricide was applied on average 3.40 times within the examination period, whereas the fipronil + S-methoprene medication was applied 3.03 times. Approximately 2/3 of all dogs, independent of the group, had a positive immune response to one or more pathogens. Three dogs developed clinical symptoms of canine babesiosis, all other dogs remained healthy. Individual number of ticks per dog or number of infections per dog did not correlate with the application rate, and the number of ticks per dog did not influence the number of infections per dog. As owners did not apply the acaricides regularly no influence on the number of infections could be documented although the number of ticks was clearly reduced by the application of the spot-on drugs.. Clinical disease in dogs exposed to tick-borne pathogens is rare, although a humoral immune response reflecting infection is common. More educational training for dog owners is necessary to make the application of acaricides effective regarding the prevention of tick-borne diseases.

Topics: Acaricides; Animals; Austria; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Humans; Male; Methoprene; Permethrin; Prevalence; Pyrazoles; Tick Infestations; Tick-Borne Diseases

Monitoring of the performance of flea control products under conditions of natural challenge is valuable in assessing continued effectiveness and determining the ongoing relevance of laboratory studies. A multi-clinic, investigator-blinded study was undertaken in client-owned dogs to investigate and compare the flea control provided by 3 consecutive monthly treatments of oral spinosad (SPN) or fipronil/(S)-methoprene topical (FSM) spot-on. The first household dog meeting enrollment criteria and with at least 10 fleas (whole-body flea count) served as the index dog in a household against which primary objectives were set. Stratification was based on pruritus scores at the enrollment visit and on single or multiple pet household. Index pets were randomized to treatment with either SPN or FSM, dispensed on day 0 for at-home administration by owners. All other household dogs and cats, maximum 4 pets per household, were dispensed the same treatment as the index dog (spinetoram was dispensed for cats in SPN households). Subsequent treatments were dispensed when index dogs were returned for whole-body flea counts and pruritus-scoring at visits on days 30 and 60, with final assessments on day 90 (±5 days on each occasion). Primary endpoints were the number of flea-free index dogs in each group one month after the final treatment, the reduction in owner-reported pruritus, and the reduction from baseline mean flea counts. One hundred twenty eight index dogs were enrolled (65 in the SPN arm; 63 in the FSM arm) at 10 clinics in FL (6), NC (2), LA (1), and TX (1). On day 0, geometric mean flea counts were 57.7 (range: 10-1469) and 44.8 (10-717) for the SPN and FSM groups, respectively. On Day 90, 55 of 58 (95%) and 21 of 55 (38%) index dogs completing the study were flea-free in SPN and FSM groups, respectively; mean SPN pruritus scores declined to 0.92 (6.67 on day 0), and to 3.83 (6.33 on day 0) for FSM; geometric mean flea counts (% control) were 0.08 (99.9%) and 5.19 (88.4%), for SPN and FSM groups, respectively. Between-treatment differences were highly statistically significant (p<0.0001). In conclusion, SPN provided reliable flea control in client-owned dogs, regardless of challenge level.

Topics: Animals; Communicable Disease Control; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Combinations; Female; Flea Infestations; Macrolides; Male; Methoprene; Pruritus; Pyrazoles; Siphonaptera

The ability of CERTIFECT(®) (a combination of fipronil, amitraz and (S)-methoprene) to prevent transmission of Ehrlichia canis was studied in two groups of eight dogs. One group was treated with CERTIFECT while the other group remained untreated. All dogs were exposed to E. canis-infected Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks on Days 7, 14, 21 and again on day 28 post-treatment by releasing ticks into the kennels of the dogs to simulate the natural way of infestation. Animals were examined in situ for ticks on Days 9, 16 and 23 and any ticks present were counted and removed on Day 30. The efficacy of CERTIFECT against R. sanguineus was 100%, since no ticks were found on the treated dogs at any time. Clinical examinations (including monitoring body temperature and blood collections for PCR analysis and serology) were performed at intervals throughout the study until Day 56. Five out of 8 untreated control dogs (62.5%) became infected with E. canis, as demonstrated by detection of specific E. canis antibodies and the presence of E. canis DNA in blood samples by PCR. These dogs displayed fever and thrombocytopenia and were rescue-treated with doxycline. None of the 8 dogs treated with CERTIFECT became infected with E. canis, in comparison to the 5/8 control dogs, as confirmed by the lack of specific antibodies and absence of any ehrlichial DNA in blood samples by PCR. CERTIFECT prevented transmission of E. canis and effectively provided protection against monocytic ehrlichiose for at least 4 weeks post treatment.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Combinations; Ehrlichia canis; Ehrlichiosis; Insecticides; Methoprene; Pyrazoles; Rhipicephalus sanguineus; Tick Infestations; Toluidines

Certain tick species including Ixodes holocyclus can inoculate neurotoxins that induce a rapid, ascending flaccid paralysis in animals. Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the most widespread tick of dogs, is recognized as a vector of several pathogens causing diseases in dogs and humans. A single report suggests its role as cause of paralysis in dogs. This study presents the clinical history of 14 young dogs heavily infested by R. sanguineus (intensity of infestation, 63-328) in an endemic area of southern Italy. During May to June of 2011, dogs were presented at the clinical examination with neurological signs of different degrees (e.g., hind limb ataxia, generalized lethargy, and difficulty in movements). All animals were treated with acaricides and by manual tick removal but ten of them died within a day, displaying neurological signs. The other 4 dogs recovered within 3 days with acaricidal and supportive treatment. Twelve dogs were positive by blood smear examination for Hepatozoon canis with a high parasitemia, two also for Babesia vogeli and two were negative for hemoparasites. Low-grade thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, and pancytopenia were the haematological alterations most frequently recorded. Other causes of neurological disease in dogs were excluded and the diagnosis of tick paralysis by R. sanguineus was confirmed (ex juvantibus) by early and complete recovery of 4 dogs following acaricidal treatment and tick removal.

Topics: Acaricides; Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Italy; Male; Methoprene; Parasitemia; Pyrazoles; Rhipicephalus sanguineus; Tick Infestations; Tick Paralysis

Thirteen cats and 7 dogs living in 14 homes were treated topically with either a dinotefuran (22%, w/w)/pyriproxyfen (3.00%, w/w) (DP) or dinotefuran (4.95%, w/w)/pyriproxyfen (0.44%, w/w)/permethrin (36.08%, w/w) (DPP) topical spot-on, respectively. Twenty cats and 7 dogs living in 16 homes were treated topically with either a fipronil (9.8%, w/w)/(S)-methoprene (11.8%, w/w) or fipronil (9.8%, w/w)/(S)-methoprene (8.8%, w/w) topical spot-on (FM), respectively. All products were applied according to label directions by study investigators on day 0 and again between days 28 and 30. Flea populations on pets were assessed using visual area counts and premise flea infestations were assessed using intermittent-light flea traps on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28-30, 40-45, and 54-60. A single application of the DP-DPP and FM formations reduced flea populations by 87.35% and 88.44%, respectively within 7 days. Following two monthly applications of either the DP-DPP or FM formulations, pet flea burdens were reduced by 95.24% and 95.47%, respectively. Flea numbers in the indoor-premises were also markedly reduced by days 54-60, with 98.05% and 96.15% reductions in intermittent-light flea trap counts in the DP-DPP or FM treatment groups, respectively.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Flea Infestations; Florida; Guanidines; Housing; Insecticides; Methoprene; Neonicotinoids; Nitro Compounds; Permethrin; Pets; Pyrazoles; Pyridines

Topics: Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Combinations; Ectoparasitic Infestations; Insecticides; Methoprene; Pyrazoles; Ticks; Toluidines

A novel combination of fipronil, amitraz and (S)-methoprene (CERTIFECT™, Merial Limited, GA, USA) was evaluated for the prevention of attachment of ticks and its ability to cause detachment of ticks. For the two prevention of attachment studies, 20 purpose-bred beagles were allocated each to two equal groups based on pretreatment tick counts (treated and untreated). Each dog was exposed to 50 adult Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Dermacentor variabilis weekly starting 24h after treatment. In study 1 infestations with R. sanguineus were discontinued after Day 7 but continued to Day 28 for D. variabilis in both studies. Counts of ticks by species were made 2, 4 and 24h after exposure to ticks. Ticks not attaching to dogs were evaluated for viability. For the evaluation of detachment study, 16 purpose-bred beagles were allocated each to two equal groups based on pretreatment tick counts (treated and untreated). Each dog was infested with 50 unfed R. sanguineus and D. variabilis adults on Day -2. Ticks were thumb counted without removal on all dogs on Day -1, and at 4, 12, and 24h after treatment. Ticks were counted and removed at 48 h after treatment. Dogs treated with the novel combination had significantly (p<0.05) lower total numbers of attached R. sanguineus and D. variabilis than untreated controls at 4h through Day 7. For R. sanguineus, percent reduction of attachment at 24h after infestation through Day 29 ranged from 94.5% to 100%. For D. variabilis, the percent reduction of attachment at 24h through Day 22 was above 98.0%. These studies demonstrate that novel combination can disrupt attachment of R. sanguineus and D. variabilis for up to 28 days following treatment. Of those ticks that are exposed to the treatment, even if they do not attach to the dog and remain in the environment, greater than 90% (p<0.05) die within 24h for 2-3 weeks following treatment. Also, for those dogs infested with ticks at the time of treatment, the novel combination causes significant detachment (p<.05) starting at 12h and reaching 98.9% by 48 h after treatment. This product provides an effective means for controlling ticks infesting dogs and limiting the spread of tick transmitted diseases. Additionally, the mortality of ticks exposed to CERTIFECT will reduce infestation of the dog's environment.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Dermacentor; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Combinations; Female; Insecticides; Male; Methoprene; Pyrazoles; Random Allocation; Rhipicephalus sanguineus; Tick Infestations; Toluidines

Four laboratory studies were conducted to demonstrate that a single topical dose of a novel spot-on combination containing fipronil, amitraz and (S)-methoprene (CERTIFECT™, Merial Limited, GA, USA) is efficacious against the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. In each study, 6-8 male and 6-8 female purpose-bred, laboratory mongrels, terrier cross or Beagles were randomly assigned to one of two study groups (treated and untreated), based on pre-treatment parasite counts. Starting on the day before treatment, each dog was infested weekly with 50 ticks. Ticks were thumb counted at various time points after treatment and weekly infestations starting as early as 6h and continued at 12, 18 and 24h depending on the study. Ticks were removed and counted at 48 h after treatment and weekly infestations. CERTIFECT provided rapid and excellent control of pre-existing and newly acquired infestations of R. sanguineus with efficacy as high as 93% within the first 12h after a single topical treatment. Excellent control (>96%) of R. sanguineus as early as 18 h, following post treatment infestations was maintained for at least 35 days.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Combinations; Female; Insecticides; Male; Methoprene; Pyrazoles; Random Allocation; Rhipicephalus sanguineus; South Africa; Tick Control; Tick Infestations; Toluidines; Treatment Outcome; United States

Despite the increasing number of ectoparasiticides for pets and their use, flea infestations of cats and dogs are still widespread in Europe. It is therefore important to assess the maintenance of efficacy of the ectoparasiticides for cats and dogs. The present studies aimed to evaluate the efficacy of monthly treatments using a fipronil/(S)-methoprene combination spot-on (Frontline Combo) on dogs and cats from private veterinary clinics located in seven European countries. The survey was conducted for three months during the flea season 2009. A total of 233 dogs and 180 cats were included. Each animal was treated at Days 0 (Day 0), 30 (D30) and 60 (D60) at the vet clinics. For each animal, at least three flea counts were performed at D0, D30 and/or D60 and/or day 90 (Day 90) in order to evaluate the prevalence of flea infestation and the efficacy of control. At the beginning of the study the prevalence of infested animals was 41.63% (97/233) in dogs and 47.22% (85/180) in cats. At D90, the number of dogs remaining infested fell to 8/211 therefore 91.75% became flea-free. The number of infested cats fell from 85 to 9/173 at D90 therefore 89.41% were cured. All animals still infested at Day 90 were living under epidemiological conditions that favour heavy flea burdens. These results are similar or better to previous studies, indicating the continuous high level of efficacy for fipronil 10 years after launch.

Topics: Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Therapy, Combination; Europe; Europe, Eastern; Flea Infestations; Insecticides; Methoprene; Pyrazoles; Seasons; Treatment Outcome

The acaricidal efficacy against Dermacentor reticulatus in dogs of the commercial topical combinations fipronil/(S)-methoprene (FRONTLINE Combo spot-on dog), imidacloprid/permethrin (Advantix) and metaflumizone/amitraz (ProMeris Duo) was evaluated and compared. Three treatment groups and one untreated control group of six adult Beagle dogs each were randomly formed. Each treatment was administered topically once on Day-0, according to the recommended label dose and instructions for use. All dogs were infested weekly with approximately 50 adult unfed D. reticulatus over a period of seven weeks. Ticks were removed and counted approximately 48 hours after each infestation. The percent reduction in numbers of ticks for fipronil/(S)-methoprene was > or = 97% compared to untreated controls for all seven weekly infestations. The percent reductions for imidacloprid/permethrin and metaflumizone/amitraz were satisfactory initially but fell and stayed below 90 % after three weeks. From the third week onwards, fipronil/(S)-methoprene treated dogs had significantly fewer ticks than imidacloprid/permethrin or metaflumizone/amitraz treated dogs (p < 0.05).

Topics: Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Therapy, Combination; Imidazoles; Insecticides; Methoprene; Neonicotinoids; Nitro Compounds; Permethrin; Pyrazoles; Tick Infestations; Treatment Outcome

Spot-on formulations of metaflumizone and a combination of fipronil-(S)-methoprene were evaluated in adult cats to determine the duration of 24- and 48-hour efficacy and short-term speed of kill against adult cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis felis. Speed of kill efficacies (at 12, 18, 24, and 48 hours) were assessed against existing (day -1) infestations and against infestations at day 7, and efficacy was assessed 24 and 48 hours after weekly flea infestations through day 42. Cats treated with fipronil-(S)-methoprene had significantly (P<.01) fewer fleas than those treated with metaflumizone at 12 and 18 hours after treatment (day 0) and on the day 7 infestations. Fipronil-(S)-methoprene-treated cats also had significantly (P<.05) fewer fleas than metaflumizone-treated cats for all 24-hour counts from initial treatment on day 0 through infestation day 42 and for the 48-hour counts on day 28 through day 42.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Ectoparasitic Infestations; Female; Insecticides; Male; Methoprene; Pyrazoles; Semicarbazones; Siphonaptera; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

Four active ingredients--imidacloprid selamectin, fipronil-(S)-methoprene, and metaflumizone--were tested to assess the speed of flea kill against existing flea infestations and subsequent reinfestations. Thirty flea-infested cats were allocated to four treatment groups and one untreated control group. Flea counts were performed 6, 18, and 48 hours after treatment (day 0) and 2, 4, and 24 hours after weekly flea reinfestations. Cats were also reinfested with fleas after the 6- and 18-hour counts on day 0 and after the 2- and 4-hour counts on subsequent count days. Imidacloprid provided significantly greater flea kill at diverse time points. At the 24-hour counts, all compounds showed expected and similar high efficacies. On study day 34, imidacloprid showed the highest efficacy at 24 hours after reinfestation, with 90.8% flea reduction compared with 55.7% to 67.4% in the other treatment groups. A single topical application of imidacloprid provided a high efficacy in the early elimination of adult fleas, limiting the risk of pathogen transmission and flea allergy dermatitis.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Ectoparasitic Infestations; Female; Imidazoles; Insecticides; Ivermectin; Male; Methoprene; Neonicotinoids; Nitro Compounds; Parasite Egg Count; Pyrazoles; Random Allocation; Semicarbazones; Siphonaptera; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

This study evaluated the effectiveness of two topical spot-on formulations -- imidacloprid(8.8% w/w)-permethrin (44.0% w/w) and fipronil (9.8% w/w)-(S)-methoprene (8.8% w/w)--to repel, prevent the attachment of, and kill adult Ixodes scapularis and Amblyomma americanum on dogs. Twelve purpose-bred beagles were distributed into three groups of four dogs each; one group served as untreated controls, and each of the other two groups received one of the test products. Dogs were exposed to 25 adult ticks of each species for 10 minutes on posttreatment days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Unattached or repelled ticks were collected and evaluated for viability, and on-dog tick counts were conducted at 3, 24, and 48 hours after tick exposure. The imidacloprid-permethrin formulation provided significant repellency against I. scapularis for up to 3 weeks after treatment, and both formulations provided good overall control of I. scapularis and A. americanum during the study period.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Imidazoles; Insecticides; Ixodes; Male; Methoprene; Neonicotinoids; Nitro Compounds; Permethrin; Pyrazoles; Random Allocation; Tick Control; Tick Infestations; Ticks; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

This study evaluated the effectiveness of two topical spot-on formulations, imidacloprid (8.8% w/w)--permethrin (44.0% w/w) and fipronil (9.8% w/w)--(S)-methoprene (8.8% w/w), to repel, prevent the attachment of, and kill adult Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Dermacentor variabilis on dogs. Twelve purpose-bred beagles were distributed into three groups of four dogs each; one group served as untreated controls and each of the other two groups received one of the test products. Dogs were exposed to 25 adult ticks of each species for 10 minutes on posttreatment days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Nonattached or repelled ticks were collected and evaluated for viability, and on-dog tick counts were conducted at 3, 24, and 48 hours after tick exposure. The imidacloprid-permethrin formulation provided significant repellency of R. sanguineus and D. variabilis for up to 3 and 4 weeks after treatment, respectively; and provided good overall control for R. sanguineus and D. variabilis during the study period. The fipronil--(S)-methoprene formulation provided good overall tick control during the study period.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Dermacentor; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Imidazoles; Insecticides; Male; Methoprene; Neonicotinoids; Nitro Compounds; Permethrin; Pyrazoles; Random Allocation; Rhipicephalus sanguineus; Tick Control; Tick Infestations; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

The inhibitory activities of fipronil (10% (w/v) solution), (S)-methoprene (9% (w/v) solution), and fipronil/(S)-methoprene (10 and 9% (w/v) solution, respectively) combination against eggs and emerging adult cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) and adulticidal activity were tested on experimentally infested dogs. Thirty-two Beagle dogs were selected for this study and eight replicates of four animals were formed based on body weight within sex. One dog in each replicate was randomly allocated to treatment with: (1) untreated control; (2) fipronil 10% (w/v) solution, (3) (S)-methoprene 9% (w/v) solution, and (4) fipronil 10% (w/v) and (S)-methoprene 9% (w/v) combination solution. Treatments were applied once topically on Day 0 at the rate of 0.067 ml/kg. On Days -12, -1, 21, and weekly to Day 84 each dog was infested with approximately 200 fleas and comb counted approximately 24h later, or 2 days (our 48 h) after in the case of Day -1 infestation. On Days -11, 1, 22, and weekly to Day 85 each dog was again infested with approximately 200 fleas. Flea eggs were collected over approximately 24 h beginning 3 days after infestation. Fleas were combed off of the dogs and counted at the end of the egg collection period (approximately 96 h count). One aliquot of up to about 100 eggs, if available, from each animal at each infestation time was incubated for approximately 72 h to determine larval hatch and the other for 35 days to determine the number of adults that developed. The 10% (w/v) fipronil spot-on provided excellent control (>95%) of adult fleas on dogs for 5 weeks. Similarly, the combination spot-on of 10% (w/v) fipronil and 9% (w/v) (S)-methoprene provided excellent control of adult fleas, i.e., >95% for 5 weeks. From week 6 post-treatment onward, the relatively low inhibition of adult flea emergence substantiated the lack of significant ovicidal/larvicidal activity in the fipronil (10%, w/v) treatment group. However, the combination product provided excellent (>90%) ovicidal activity for 8 weeks and high (91.4%) inhibition of adult flea emergence for 12 weeks. In addition, a synergistic effect of the two compounds in combination was demonstrated with fipronil enhancing the ovicidal and inhibition of adult flea emergence activity of (S)-methoprene against cat flea eggs. When all stages of the life cycle of the cat flea are considered, the combination spot-on product provided a high level of total flea control yielding a curative effect against adult fleas

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Drug Therapy, Combination; Ectoparasitic Infestations; Female; Insecticides; Male; Methoprene; Parasite Egg Count; Pyrazoles; Random Allocation; Siphonaptera

Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dichlorvos; Drug Combinations; Fenitrothion; Hypersensitivity; Insect Bites and Stings; Insecticides; Methoprene; Pyrazoles; Pyrethrins; Siphonaptera; Treatment Outcome