Evaluation of a topical sarolaner-selamectin combination to control flea populations on naturally infested cats in private residences in West Central Florida.

Historic data show that home flea infestations can be managed by treating all animals on the premises with a highly effective flea control product. The use of effective products has also been shown to reduce pruritus and minimize dermatologic lesions in both cats and dogs. Therefore, an in-home study was conducted in West Central Florida USA to evaluate the efficacy of a topically applied selamectin-sarolaner formulation to control fleas in naturally infested cats over a 12-week period. Thirty-seven cats in 21 households were treated once monthly with the selamectin-sarolaner topical solution. In the topical fluralaner treatment (positive control) group, forty-three cats in 20 households were treated once on day 0. A combined total of thirty dogs in both groups were treated once monthly with oral sarolaner. Fleas on cats were counted by flea combing, fleas on dogs were counted using visual area counts and fleas in the indoor premises were assessed using intermittent-light flea traps. Blinded-assessments of feline dermatologic lesions (modified-SCORFAD) were conducted monthly by a boarded-dermatologist and pruritus severity was evaluated by pet owners. Three consecutive monthly treatments of selamectin-sarolaner reduced flea populations on cats by 96.3 % within 7 days and by 100% from week 6 to the end of the 12-week study. The topical application of fluralaner reduced flea populations by 98.1 % within 7 days and efficacy reached 100% by week 12. At the end of the study, fleas were completely eradicated (from cats, dogs and homes) in every home regardless of treatment group. Owner reported cat pruritus was reduced by > 87 % in both treatment groups by week 12. Significant improvements in dermatologic lesion scores (> 81 %) were achieved by both products by the end of the study. Monthly applications of topical selamectin-sarolaner or topical fluralaner to cats living in the heavy flea challenge environment of West Central Florida USA were effective in eradicating flea infestations, reducing pruritus and improving dermatologic lesions.

In-home assessment of flea control and dermatologic lesions in dogs provided by lotilaner (Credelio®) and spinosad (Comfortis®) in west central Florida.

Post-launch field investigations of recently-approved flea control products establish an efficacy baseline and in subsequent years can detect any efficacy decline suggestive of emerging resistance. As part of a continuing program of yearly assessment of flea control products in west central Florida, this study, using client-owned dogs, investigated the efficacy of lotilaner and spinosad in controlling fleas and in alleviating dermatologic signs likely associated with flea infestations. Forty-four qualifying households were randomized to either a lotilaner (Credelio®) (minimum dose rate 20 mg/kg) or a spinosad (Comfortis®) (30 mg/kg) group, with 33 and 36 dogs in each group, respectively. On Days 0 and 28 (±2) all dogs in each household were treated with the allocated product according to label directions, and all household cats received spinetoram (Cheristin®). On Day 0 and at weekly intervals through Day 56 (±2), on-animal and premises flea burdens were enumerated, a veterinary dermatologist scored integumental changes using canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI)-4 and flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) scales, and owners scored pruritus using the validated canine pruritus severity scale (CPSS). At study entry geometric mean flea counts were 33.2 and 29.9 in the lotilaner and spinosad groups, respectively. For both groups, reductions in flea counts were > 99% at the first post-treatment assessment (Week 1), and 100% from Week 6 through the final assessment (Week 8) when all study dogs were flea-free. For both groups, at each timepoint, flea counts on dogs and in traps were significantly reduced compared to the initial assessment (p < 0.001), as were improvements in median CADESI-4, FAD and CPSS scores (p ≤ 0.001). At Week 4, the geometric mean flea count on dogs in the lotilaner group (0.1) was significantly lower than that of dogs in the spinosad group (0.6) (p = 0.027), significantly fewer dogs in the lotilaner group were found to have fleas (p = 0.034), and mean owner-rated pruritus scores were significantly lower (p = 0.025). Under field conditions favoring heavy flea challenge, two consecutive monthly treatments of dogs with either lotilaner or spinosad produced a 100% reduction in canine flea infestations and dramatic improvements in dermatologic lesions and pruritus, based on scoring by a veterinary dermatologist and by dog owners. Household flea burdens were driven to extinction in all but one home in each treatment group.

In-home assessment of flea control and dermatologic lesions in dogs provided by lotilaner (Credelio®) and spinosad (Comfortis®) in west central Florida.

Post-launch field investigations of recently-approved flea control products establish an efficacy baseline and in subsequent years can detect any efficacy decline suggestive of emerging resistance. As part of a continuing program of yearly assessment of flea control products in west central Florida, this study, using client-owned dogs, investigated the efficacy of lotilaner and spinosad in controlling fleas and in alleviating dermatologic signs likely associated with flea infestations. Forty-four qualifying households were randomized to either a lotilaner (Credelio®) (minimum dose rate 20 mg/kg) or a spinosad (Comfortis®) (30 mg/kg) group, with 33 and 36 dogs in each group, respectively. On Days 0 and 28 (±2) all dogs in each household were treated with the allocated product according to label directions, and all household cats received spinetoram (Cheristin®). On Day 0 and at weekly intervals through Day 56 (±2), on-animal and premises flea burdens were enumerated, a veterinary dermatologist scored integumental changes using canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI)-4 and flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) scales, and owners scored pruritus using the validated canine pruritus severity scale (CPSS). At study entry geometric mean flea counts were 33.2 and 29.9 in the lotilaner and spinosad groups, respectively. For both groups, reductions in flea counts were > 99% at the first post-treatment assessment (Week 1), and 100% from Week 6 through the final assessment (Week 8) when all study dogs were flea-free. For both groups, at each timepoint, flea counts on dogs and in traps were significantly reduced compared to the initial assessment (p < 0.001), as were improvements in median CADESI-4, FAD and CPSS scores (p ≤ 0.001). At Week 4, the geometric mean flea count on dogs in the lotilaner group (0.1) was significantly lower than that of dogs in the spinosad group (0.6) (p = 0.027), significantly fewer dogs in the lotilaner group were found to have fleas (p = 0.034), and mean owner-rated pruritus scores were significantly lower (p = 0.025). Under field conditions favoring heavy flea challenge, two consecutive monthly treatments of dogs with either lotilaner or spinosad produced a 100% reduction in canine flea infestations and dramatic improvements in dermatologic lesions and pruritus, based on scoring by a veterinary dermatologist and by dog owners. Household flea burdens were driven to extinction in all but one home in each treatment group.

Combined carbon dioxide laser and cryosurgical ablation of rostral nasal septum squamous cell carcinoma in 10 dogs.

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most commonly reported neoplasm of the nasal planum and treatment is focused on localized disease. Rostral maxillectomy and/or nasal planectomy are considered standard of care for excision of nasal planum SCC; however, the cosmetic outcome of these procedures can be deemed unacceptable by many pet owners. OBJECTIVES: The study aim was to evaluate the efficacy of combination carbon dioxide (CO2 ) laser surgery and cryosurgery as a palliative treatment modality in dogs with nasal SCCs. ANIMALS: Ten client-owned dogs with nasal SCC were included: seven neutered males, two spayed females and one intact male, with a median age of 12.5 years (range 9-15 years). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Tumour CO2 laser ablation was followed by cryosurgical ablation of the visible tumour, adjacent and subjacent tissue. Three rapid freeze-slow thaw cycles were performed. RESULTS: Eight of 10 dogs were Labrador retrievers. The ages ranged from 9 to 14 years. Overall median survival time was 260 days with two dogs still alive at the time of writing. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Combined CO2 laser and cryosurgical ablation was practical, cost-effective and provided an excellent aesthetic outcome in dogs with SCCs restricted to the nasal septum, while providing acceptable palliation of local disease.

Clinical and histopathological features of Burkholderia cepacia complex dermatitis in dogs: a series of four cases.

BACKGROUND: The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is an emerging cause of opportunistic infections. Deep pyoderma associated with Bcc infection has been reported previously in dogs receiving ciclosporin. OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical and histopathological features of four additional cases of Bcc dermatitis in dogs, one of which progressed to septicaemia. ANIMALS: Four dogs with a skin culture yielding growth of Bcc and skin biopsies for histopathological investigation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Retrospective review of medical records and skin biopsies and PCR for Burkholderia on DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded skin and liver to confirm Bcc sepsis. RESULTS: Three different breeds and one mixed breed dog were represented. Two dogs were receiving ciclosporin and one was receiving oclacitinib. One dog had no evidence of immunosuppression. One dog was bathed two days prior to onset of skin lesions. Three dogs presented with dorsally orientated ulcers, crusts and draining tracts; one dog had infection localized to a surgical site. The main histological feature from skin biopsies was severe neutrophilic folliculitis and furunculosis with marked neutrophilic to pyogranulomatous dermatitis. Intracellular Gram-negative and Warthin-Starry positive rods were present in three of four cases. Three dogs were successfully treated with systemic fluoroquinolones or trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole. The Bcc isolate in one dog was resistant to all tested systemic antimicrobials. This dog developed septicaemia and was euthanized. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Bcc skin infections can occur in immunocompetent and immunocompromised dogs. Bcc isolates may be extensively antimicrobial resistant, presenting a challenge for clinical management. Cutaneous infection may progress to life-threatening sepsis.

In-home assessment of either topical fluralaner or topical selamectin for flea control in naturally infested cats in West Central Florida, USA.

BACKGROUND: An investigation was conducted in West Central Florida, USA to evaluate the efficacy of either topically applied fluralaner or topically applied selamectin to control flea infestations, minimize dermatologic lesions and reduce pruritus in naturally flea infested cats over a 12-week period. When dogs were present in the households, they were treated with either oral fluralaner (if household cats were treated with topical fluralaner) or oral sarolaner (if household cats were treated with topical selamectin). METHODS: Thirty-one cats in 20 homes were treated once with fluralaner topical solution on day 0 and 18 dogs in these homes were administered a single fluralaner chewable. Twenty-nine cats in 18 homes were treated once monthly with a selamectin topical solution for 3 treatments and 13 dogs in these same homes were treated once monthly for 3 treatments with a sarolaner chewable. Fleas on cats were counted by flea combing, fleas on dogs were estimated using visual area counts and fleas in the indoor premises were assessed using intermittent-light flea traps. Blinded-assessments of feline dermatologic lesions were conducted monthly and pruritus severity was evaluated by pet owners. RESULTS: A single topical application of fluralaner reduced flea populations on cats by 96.6% within 7 days and by 100% at 12 weeks post-treatment. This efficacy was significantly greater than selamectin treatment where single topical application reduced flea populations on cats by 79.4% within 7 days of initial treatment and 3 consecutive monthly treatments reduced flea populations by 91.3% at the end of 12 weeks. At the end of the 12-week study, all fluralaner-treated cats were flea-free and this was significantly greater than the 38.5% of selamectin treated cats that were flea-free. At the end of the study, fleas were completely eradicated (from cats, dogs and homes) in 95.0% of fluralaner treatment group homes, significantly greater than the 31.3% of selamectin/sarolaner treatment group homes with complete flea eradication. Owner reported cat pruritus was reduced similarly in both treatment groups. Significant improvements in dermatologic lesion scores were achieved by day 30 in fluralaner treated cats and by day 60 in selamectin treated cats. CONCLUSIONS: An in-home investigation in subtropical Florida found that 1 application of topical fluralaner eliminated flea infestations on cats and in homes significantly more effectively than 3 consecutive monthly doses of selamectin.

Evaluation of sarolaner and spinosad oral treatments to eliminate fleas, reduce dermatologic lesions and minimize pruritus in naturally infested dogs in west Central Florida, USA.

BACKGROUND: An in-home investigation of naturally flea infested dogs was conducted in West Central Florida, USA to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two different oral flea adulticides to control flea infestations, minimize dermatologic lesions and reduce pruritus over an 8-week period. METHODS: Twenty-nine dogs living in 19 homes and another 26 dogs residing in 16 different homes were orally administered either a sarolaner or spinosad chewable, respectively on day 0 and once between days 28-30. Products were administered by study personnel according to label directions. Flea populations on dogs were estimated using visual area counts and flea infestations in the indoor premises were assessed using intermittent-light flea traps on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and once between days 28-30, 40-45, and 56-60. Assessments of dermatologic lesions were conducted monthly during the study and severity of pruritus was evaluated throughout the study on the same schedule as flea counts were conducted. Concurrent treatments for existing skin disease were not allowed. RESULTS: The administration of sarolaner or spinosad reduced flea populations on dogs by 99.0% and 97.3%, respectively within 7 days. Flea infestations on the sarolaner- and spinosad-treated dogs were reduced by > 99% at every counting period from day 14 post-treatment through the end of the 8-week study. At the end of the study 96.4 and 92.0% of the dogs treated with sarolaner and spinosad, respectively were flea-free. Flea populations in the indoor premises were also markedly reduced the end of the study, with 100 and 99.8% reductions in flea trap counts in the sarolaner and spinosad treatment groups, respectively. FAD lesion scores, atopic dermatitis lesions scores (CADESI-4) and pruritus severity scores were also markedly improved with both formulations. CONCLUSIONS: An in-home clinical field study conducted during the summer of 2016 in subtropical Florida demonstrated that two-monthly administrations of either sarolaner or spinosad chewables almost completely eliminated flea infestations on dogs and in private residences, while markedly reducing dermatology lesions and pruritus.

Evaluation of fluralaner and afoxolaner treatments to control flea populations, reduce pruritus and minimize dermatologic lesions in naturally infested dogs in private residences in west central Florida USA.

BACKGROUND: A study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two different oral flea and tick products to control flea infestations, reduce pruritus and minimize dermatologic lesions over a 12 week period on naturally infested dogs in west central FL USA. METHODS: Thirty-four dogs with natural flea infestations living in 17 homes were treated once with a fluralaner chew on study day 0. Another 27 dogs living in 17 different homes were treated orally with an afoxolaner chewable on day 0, once between days 28-30 and once again between days 54-60. All products were administered according to label directions by study investigators. 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, and once between days 28-30, 40-45, 54-60 and 82-86. Dermatologic assessments were conducted on day 0 and once monthly. Pruritus assessments were conducted by owners throughout the study. No concurrent treatments for existing skin disease (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, anti-fungals) were allowed. RESULTS: Following the first administration of fluralaner or afoxolaner, flea populations on pets were reduced by 99.0 % and 99.3 %, respectively within 7 days. Flea populations on the fluralaner treated dogs were 0 (100 % efficacy) on days 54-60 and 82-86 after the administration of a single dose on day 0. Administration of 3 monthly doses of afoxolaner reduced flea populations by 100 % on days 82-86. Flea numbers in indoor-premises were markedly reduced in both treatment groups by days 82-86, with 100 % and 98.9 % reductions in flea trap counts in the fluralaner and afoxolaner treatment groups, respectively. Marked improvement was observed in FAD lesion scoring, Atopic Dermatitis lesions scoring (CADESI-4) and pruritus scores with both formulations. CONCLUSIONS: In a clinical field investigation conducted during the summer of 2015 in subtropical Florida, a single administration of an oral fluralaner chew completely eliminated dog and premises flea infestations and markedly reduced dermatology lesions and pruritus. Three monthly doses of the afoxolaner chewable also eliminated flea infestations in dogs, markedly reduced premises' flea populations and similarly improved dermatology lesions and pruritus.

Tyrophagus putrescentiae mites grown in dog food cultures and the effect mould growth has on mite survival and reproduction.

The purposes of this study were to determine whether the storage mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, could survive and thrive on dog food and if mould growth was important to their survival. All of the chambers (n = 42) were started with 10 female mites and evaluated every other day for mite survival and for the spontaneous development of mould. Ten chambers tested the effect of low moisture on mite survival. Eight chambers were used as positive and negative controls (n = 4 each); positive control mites were fed Fleischmann's((R)) yeast and negative controls had no food source. Three dog foods were evaluated in the same manner. Four chambers had food but mould development was limited by replacing the food kernel every 48 h and four chambers were allowed to grow mould. Mites grown in chambers without moisture died from desiccation within 5 days. The termination point was day 34 when all mites in the negative control group (moisture but no food) died. Although T. putrescentiae survived and grew on all three commercial dog foods, there was no statistically significant difference in mites counts among the dog foods (P < 0.10). Mite counts in the 'no' mould and mould groups ranged from 8 to 11 and 144 to 245, respectively, and differences were significant (P < 0.0001). This study found that T. putrescentiae is a fungivorous storage mite that can grow and flourish on dog food. The study demonstrated that the presence of mould positively influences mite viability, while low relative humidity can result in detrimental consequences for T. putrescentiae.