Efficacy of Chlorhexidine Impregnated Wipes for the Local Dysbiosis in Atopic Dogs: A Multicentric Prospective Study.

(1) Background: Dysbiosis is frequently observed in Canine Atopic Dermatitis (CAD). Antimicrobial treatment may be necessary to treat flare ups and the use of topical treatments is beneficial to prevent the development of bacterial resistance. Wipes are an easy way to apply antiseptic agents on the skin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of 3% chlorhexidine impregnated wipes (Pyoskin® wipes, MP Labo, France) on local areas of dysbiosis in dogs with CAD. (2) Methods: A total of 20 dogs suffering from CAD presented with localised areas of dysbiosis were included in this study. Affected areas were cleansed with the daily application of chlorhexidine wipes once a day for 14 days. Follow-up visits were scheduled after one and two weeks. Clinical signs (lesions and pruritus), dysbiosis scored by cytological counts (cocci and Malassezia) and investigator and owner global appreciation were evaluated. (3) Results: A statistically significant decrease in clinical scores and cytological counts were observed as soon as D7 and until D14. Both owner and investigator appreciation were considered high (4) Conclusions: The use of chlorhexidine impregnated wipes is a useful and easy way to manage localised dysbiosis in atopic dogs and allows limiting of systemic medication to prevent bacterial resistance.

Evaluation of a preservative-free, cross-linked sodium hyaluronate-based solution, Lacri +®, in dogs with dry eye: a pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this pilot trial was to evaluate the efficacy and benefits of a preservative-free cross-linked sodium hyaluronate solution (Lacri +®, MP Labo, France) in 19 privately-owned dogs with dry eye. The animals were administered 2 drops of the tested product in each affected eye, twice a day (BID) for 30 days. Improvement in the global ocular clinical score (sum of the individual scores for conjunctivitis, ocular discharge, eye irritation, and corneal opacity/pigmentation/vascularization, each rated from 0 to 3) was defined as the primary outcome. Besides an improvement in each individual ocular score, tear film quality (Tear Break Up Time, TBUT), dogs' and owners' quality of life (QoL), as well as an increase in tear production (Schirmer Tear Test-1, STT1), were considered secondary outcomes. These criteria were assessed on D0, D0 + 15 days, and D0 + 30 days. Finally, a qualitative evaluation of clinical improvement was requested from the owners on D0 + 2, + 15 & + 30 days and from the investigators during the follow-up. RESULTS: The global clinical ocular score as well as the individual conjunctival and irritation scores improved significantly (p < 0.0001) during the pilot trial. The average reduction of the global score reached 30% on D0 + 15 days and 55% on D0 + 30 days compared to D0. Ocular discharge was significantly lower (p = 0.0002) on D0 + 30 days compared to baseline; however corneal opacity did not show any significant changes from D0 to the end of the follow-up period. The quantitative tear production was increased at D + 30 (p < 0.0001), with a significant improvement as soon as 2 weeks in, with around 30% and 60% of dogs presenting an STT1 value above 10 on D0 + 15 days and on D0 + 30 days, respectively. The QoL score was significantly improved compared to D0 at all time points (p < 0.0001). After 2 days of treatment, 39% of the owners rated the efficacy as "good". The efficacy of the tested product was considered "Good" or "Very Good" by the investigators in 78% and 93% of the cases, on D0 + 15 days and D0 + 30 days, respectively. The tolerance of this preservative-free formulation was good, with only rare and transient minor local reactions, realated to administration rather than the product itself.

Evaluation of the effects of chlorhexidine digluconate with and without cBD103 or cCath against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.

BACKGROUND: Because of the increased incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, the use of disinfectants over antibiotics has been encouraged. However, the interactions between disinfectants and host local immunity are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of chlorhexidine digluconate (Chx), with and without selected host defence peptides (HDPs), against MDR Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MDR-SP). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Ten clinical isolates of MDR-SP were tested, using a modified microbroth dilution method. Four two-fold dilutions of 2% Chx and 1 µg/mL the HDPs synthetic canine ß-defensin 103 (cBD103) or cathelicidin (cCath) were tested alone or in combination. Colony counts after 5, 15, 30 and 60 min, and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) after 24 h were recorded. Friedman followed by Dunn's multiple comparison tests with significance of P < 0.05 were used for statistical analysis. Synergy, additivity/neutrality or antagonism were calculated. RESULTS: Growth was not inhibited by either HDP alone. An MIC of 0.312 µg/mL Chx was achieved for nine of the isolates. One isolate had an MIC of 0.078 µg/mL Chx. A MIC90 (in nine of 10 isolates) of 0.312 µg/mL was seen for Chx in combination with either HDP. Synergy was seen in the combination Chx/cCath used at the highest concentrations of Chx (0.624 µg/mL and 0.312 µg/mL) after 30 and 60 min incubation. Additivity/neutrality was seen for most of the other concentrations and times of incubation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: These results suggest a synergistic/additive effect between Chx and HDPs in dogs. Further studies evaluating the mechanisms behind this effect are needed.

Clinical effects of 2 commercially available diets on canine atopic dermatitis.

OBJECTIVE: Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a common skin disease in dogs. Prior studies were able to determine beneficial effects of essential fatty acids (EFA) on the clinical signs of CAD. The aim of this study was set to evaluate the effects of a newly designed, EFA-enriched diet on the clinical signs of CAD compared to another EFA-enriched diet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, double-blinded study, 31 privately owned dogs with atopic dermatitis received either the control diet (diet A, Hill's Prescription Diet™ d/d™ Salmon & Rice, n = 17) or the test diet (diet B, Veterinary HPM™ Dermatology Support D1, Virbac, n = 14) for 12 weeks. At the beginning of the study as well as after 4, 8 and 12 weeks, skin lesions and pruritus were evaluated via validated scores and the administered medication was documented. At the same time, the dogs' coat quality was evaluated via a distinct scoring system. In both groups, a total of 7 dogs each completed the entire study. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, there was a mild improvement in lesion scores, pruritus and coat quality with both diets. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this study, both diets improved the patients' skin lesions pruritus and coat quality.

Comparison of Two Dosing Regimens of Miltefosine, Both in Combination With Allopurinol, on Clinical and Parasitological Findings of Dogs With Leishmaniosis: A Pilot Study.

Miltefosine (MIL)-allopurinol combination therapy administered at standard dosage is effective to treat canine leishmaniosis, nevertheless for some dogs the digestive tolerance of MIL is not acceptable. This study evaluates an alternative therapeutic protocol by using a modified dosage of MIL to increase its effectiveness and improve the digestive tolerance. Thirty-four Leishmania infantum owned naturally infected dogs were included and monitored for 180 days. The dogs were allocated in two randomized groups: Group X-18 dogs treated with MIL registered dose of 2 mg/kg, oral administration, once daily, for 28 days; Group Y-16 dogs treated with 1.2 mg/kg for 5 days followed by 2.5 mg/kg for 25 days. Both groups were also treated with allopurinol. Digestive tolerance was monitored by adverse events observation. Treatments effectiveness was evaluated by monitoring the reduction of clinical score, the improvement of clinicopathological abnormalities, the reduction of parasitological load by PCR and the number of relapses. 16.6% dogs of group X and 12.5% dogs of group Y showed treatment associated adverse events. The reduction of clinical score was 61.7% for group X and 71.6% for group Y. All dogs showed an improvement of laboratory parameters after treatment. Quantitative PCR showed better results in group Y compared to group X; relapses were only registered in four dogs of group X. The modified protocol demonstrates a better trend of results in term of tolerance, clinical effectiveness, parasitological load reduction and relapses control, suggesting it could be considered for new large-scale studies.

Treatment of Harvest Mite Infestation in Dogs Using a Permethrin 54.5% and Fipronil 6.1% (Effitix®) Topical Spot-On Formulation.

Background-The study aims to assess the efficacy of a permethrin 54.5%-fipronil 6.1%-based spot-on solution in dogs naturally infested with Neotrombicula in an open-label controlled study. Methods-Ten naturally infested dogs received one drop per affected site on day (D) 0, and on D14, the rest of the pipette was applied on the skin between the shoulders. Five dogs served as sentinels. Parasite score (0-3), skin lesions (0-4), and investigator pruritus scale (0-4) were assessed on D0, D1, D14, and D28. Results-No treated dogs developed adverse reactions. Parasite score of sentinel dogs was maintained between 1.8 (D0, D1, and D28) and 2.2 (D14). In treated dogs, D0 parasite score was 2.4. It was significantly reduced from D1 (0.5; p < 0.002) to D28 (0.1; p < 0.002). The lesion score was 2.9 on D0 and D1; it was significantly reduced on D14 (0.6; p < 0.002) and D28 (0.1; p < 0.002). Similarly, investigator pruritus scale (D0, 2.2) scores significantly decreased on D14 (0.4; p < 0.004) and D28 (0.2; p < 0.002). Conclusions-The combination permethrin-fipronil appears to be well-tolerated, rapidly and durably effective in the control of localized canine harvest mite infestation.

Evaluation on the effects of 0.1% Peumus boldus leaf and Spiraea ulmaria plant extract combination on bacterial colonization in canine atopic dermatitis: A preliminary randomized, placebo controlled, double-blinded study.

Defective skin barrier characterize canine atopic dermatitis (AD). Pyoderma is the most common complication. Herbal compounds have been suggested as alternatives to control bacterial colonization for their effect on natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). This study evaluated the effects of 0.1% Peumus boldus leaf and Spiraea ulmaria plant extract combination on clinical signs, bacterial colonization and AMPs secretion in atopic dogs compared to placebo. Twenty privately-owned atopic dogs were randomly divided in 2 groups (treatment: n = 10; placebo: n = 10) and their abdomen was sprayed every 24 h for 4 weeks. Total and inguinal clinical scores (CADESI-03), manual bacterial count, and skin washes for AMPs (cBD3-like and cCath) were performed on days 0, 14 and 28. AMPs were detected using in-house, previously-validated, canine-specific ELISAs. Data were statistically analyzed and a p < 0.05 was considered significant. Clinical scores and AMPs secretion did not differ significantly between the two groups at any time point. A significant reduction of the clinical scores was seen in the placebo group at 14 and 28 days (p < 0.04). On days 14 and 28, a reduction in the bacterial count was seen in the treated group compared with placebo (p < 0.009 and p = 0.04, respectively). Compared to baseline, a reduction in Staphylococcus spp. was seen in the treated group after 14 days of treatment (p < 0.03). These results show the efficacy of this plant extract combination against bacterial colonization, suggesting its potential usefulness in preventing bacterial infection in atopic dogs. The influence of this compound on AMPs secretion or other mechanisms should be further evaluated.

Treatment of Neotrombicula species infestation in cats using a 10% (w/v) fipronil topical spot-on formulation: a pilot study.

Objectives Few data are available concerning therapeutic aspects of feline trombiculiasis. This study evaluated the efficacy of a 10% w/v fipronil-based spot-on solution in 15 cats with natural Neotrombicula species infestation. Methods Ten cats received 1 drop per affected site on day (D)0 and D14, with the rest of the 0.5 ml pipette applied on the skin between the shoulders. Five cats served as non-treated controls. Parasite score (0 = absent; 3 = severe, >10 parasites/zone) was assessed on D0, D14 and D28 on all animals. Skin lesions (SCORing Feline Allergic Dermatitis lesion severity scale [SCORFAD]) and investigator pruritus scale (IPS; 0 = cat comfortable, grooming like any normal cat; 4 = cat uncomfortable, pruritic all the time) were assessed on treated cats on the same days. Global assessment of efficacy, tolerance and ease of use (GAS; 1 = very poor; 5 = excellent) was assessed on D28. Results All the cats completed the study. Parasite scores of the control cats were maintained throughout the trial (mean ± SD: D0 4 ± 0.7, D14 3.2 ± 1.1 and D28 3.2 ± 0.4). In treated cats, SCORFAD (D0 3.2 ± 5.4, D14 1.1 ± 2.1 [ P <0.002] and D28 0.5 ± 1.3 [ P <0.002]), parasite (D0 3.9 ± 1.3, D14 1.2 ± 0.8 [ P <0.005] and D28 0.4 ± 0.5 [ P <0.005]) and IPS (D0 1 ± 1.2, D14 0.5 ± 1.1 [ P <0.05] and D28 0.3 ± 0.7 [ P <0.05]) scores significantly decreased throughout the trial. On D28, the GAS was 4.2 ± 0.9. There were no adverse effects from treatment. Conclusions and relevance The 10% w/v fipronil preparation appeared to be effective, safe and practical in the treatment of localised Neotrombicula species infestation in these cats.

The sustained speed of kill of ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) and fleas (Ctenocephalides felis felis) on dogs by a spot-on combination of fipronil and permethrin (Effitix®) compared with oral afoxolaner (NexGard®).

The rapid speed of kill of a spot-on, combination of fipronil-permethrin (Effitix®, Virbac) was shown against infestations of Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis on dogs. Efficacy was determined against new infestations at weekly intervals for one month after treatment. Dogs were allocated randomly to either an untreated control or to a single administration, given on Day 0, of either topical fipronil-permethrin (6.7-13.4mg/kg and 60-120mg/kg, respectively) or oral afoxolaner (2.72-6.8mg/kg), based on pre-treatment, host-suitability flea counts. Dogs were infested with 50, unfed, adult R. sanguineus on Days 7, 14, 21 and 28, and with 100C. felis on Days 8, 15, 22 and 29. Tick counts were performed 0.5, 2, 6, 12 and 24h, and flea counts were performed 0.5 and 24h after each infestation. No treatment-related adverse reactions occurred. Dogs in the untreated group maintained viable infestations throughout the study. Following infestation, live tick and flea counts for dogs treated with fipronil-permethrin compared with untreated dogs were rapidly and significantly reduced with efficacy apparent at 0.5h after infestation. Flea efficacies (arithmetic mean counts) at 0.5h after infestation on Day 7 (Day 28) were significantly greater for fipronil-permethrin, 70% (34%) compared with 8% (18%) for afoxolaner (P≤0.05). Tick efficacies at 2h on Day 7 (Day 28) were 74% (63%) for fipronil-permethrin compared with 10% (0%) for afoxolaner (P≤0.05). Efficacies for tick repellency as indicated by counts of ticks off the dogs at 2h on Day 7 (Day 28) were greater for fipronil-permethrin, 32% (22%) compared with afoxolaner, 0% (0%) (P≤0.05). Anti-attachment efficacies at 12h were greater for fipronil-permethrin compared with afoxolaner. Tick efficacies at 24h, based on arithmetic (geometric) means, were significantly greater on Day 28 for fipronil-permethrin compared with afoxolaner (P≤0.05), 74% (87%) and 45% (60%), respectively, and were similar (P >0.05) on Days 7, 14 and 21. Flea efficacies, 24h after infestation were >98% and similar for both treated groups on all infestation days (P >0.05). The topically applied fipronil-permethrin containing ectoparasiticide Effitix® offers rapid efficacy against R. sanguineus and C. felis which persists for one month after a single administration in dogs. Afoxolaner is also effective although speed of kill is slower. The rapid and sustained speed of kill of both parasites by fipronil-permethrin should contribute to effective management not only of these parasites and their direct adverse effects including irritancy and allergy, but also to reducing the risk of transmitting infections.

Control of lice infestation in horses using a 10 mg/mL deltamethrin topical application.

BACKGROUND: Two open-controlled studies evaluated the tolerance and the efficacy of a 10 mg/mL deltamethrin-based pour-on solution (Deltanil®; Virbac, France) in treating (study 1) and preventing (study 2) natural Damalinia equi infestations in horses. In study 1, seven adult horses received 10 mL of the solution from mane to tail head on day 0 (D0). Four adult horses, living separately, served as non-treated controls. All were naturally infected. Lice burden was recorded by counting the number of live parasites, bilaterally, over seven anatomic regions. Lesional score was based on alopecia, crusts, papules/pustules, nodules/plaques, scales and wounds, each assessed on a 0-3 scale. Evaluation was performed on D0 and subsequently weekly until D56 in treated horses and on D0 and D56 in control horses. In study 2, six adult horses free of parasites were similarly treated on D-2 and D30. Two adult horses, naturally infested with D. equi and left untreated, were mixed with the treated horses from D0 to D60. Evaluation was performed similarly to study 1 on all horses, fortnightly until D60. RESULTS: No adverse event was recorded in either study. In study 1, parasite and lesional scores of control horses were maintained on D56. Parasite scores of the treated horses were reduced by 98% on D7 and 100% from D15 to D56 (mean [SD]: D0 44 [58.4]). Lesional score in treated horses was reduced by 24, 82, 47, 91, 96, 93, 93 and 100% on D7, 15, 21, 28, 35, 42, 50 and 56, respectively (mean [SD]: D0 3.1 [1.8]). In study 2, the lice populations remained high in the two control horses throughout the study (max mean [SD]: D0 159 [151.3], min D45 34 [39.6]). On treated animals, all parasite counts were negative except on D15 (one louse found). The protection rate was 99.7% on D15 and 100% from D30 to D60. CONCLUSIONS: A single application of the 10 mg/mL deltamethrin preparation was effective and safe in the treatment and in the prevention of lice infestation in these horses. It was also effective in preventing new infestations for one month.

Evaluation of the in vitro effect of Boldo and Meadowsweet plant extracts on the expression of antimicrobial peptides and inflammatory markers in canine keratinocytes.

Dogs with allergies are prone to skin infections and treatments/preventatives to boost innate immune-defenses are beneficial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Boldo and Meadowsweet extracts on the expression of ß-defensins (cBD), cathelicidin (cCath), and pro-inflammatory cytokines in canine keratinocyte. This study had two phases. Phase I evaluated mRNA expression of cBD103 and cCath, and secretion of cCath, IL-8 and TNF-α by keratinocytes harvested from healthy (n=5) and atopic (n=5) age-matched beagles exposed to Boldo (2% to 0.2%) and Meadowsweet (1% to 0.2%) extracts. Phase II focused on atopic keratinocytes (n=14) exposed to 0.2% Boldo, 0.2% Meadowsweet, and a mixture of 0.1% of both extracts. Phase I: cBD103 mRNA (all concentrations) and TNF-α secretion (2% Boldo) were increased in atopic compared with healthy keratinocytes. In atopic keratinocytes, cBD103 was increased after exposure to 1.5% and 0.2% Boldo. In healthy keratinocytes, 1% and 0.2% Meadowsweet, and 2% Boldo increased and decreased IL-8 secretion, respectively. In atopic keratinocytes, IL-8 increased after exposure to 1% and 0.4% Meadowsweet extract. Phase II: cBD103 mRNA increased after exposure to 0.2% Meadowsweet and to 0.1% mixture. cCath was increased after 0.2% Boldo, but decreased after 0.2% Meadowsweet or the 0.1% mixture. TNF-α secretion was decreased after 0.2% Boldo. It is concluded that low concentrations of both extracts and their combination may have some effects on cCath and cBD103 without stimulating an inflammatory response. However, more studies are needed to clarify the effects of these extracts on the local immunity.

A field trial of a fixed combination of permethrin and fipronil (Effitix®) for the treatment and prevention of flea infestation in dogs living with sheep.

BACKGROUND: A large number of fleas parasitize dogs living with sheep in Greece. The primary aim of this randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial was to examine the efficacy of a permethrin-fipronil combination (Effitix®) for the treatment and prevention of flea infestation in dogs living with sheep and the secondary aim was to examine the efficacy of this intervention on flea infestation, pruritus and skin lesions of the people in contact with these dogs. METHODS: Thirty dogs living with sheep and infested by at least 10 fleas and all 80 sheep living on the same premises were randomly allocated into equal groups. Group A dogs were treated three times, every 4 weeks, with a spot-on containing 54.5% permethrin and 6.1% fipronil, group A sheep were treated, on the same days, with a pour-on containing 1% deltamethrin, whereas group B dogs were sham-treated and group B sheep were placebo-treated. Flea counting was performed at the beginning of the trial (day 0) and after 14, 28, 56 and 84 days and the first five fleas from each animal were used for species identification. At the same time points, flea infestation, pruritus and skin lesions of the people in contact with the dogs were assessed. RESULTS: The percentage of dogs with zero flea counts was significantly higher in group A than in group B on days 14, 28, 56 and 84 and flea counts were significantly lower in group A dogs than in group B dogs at the same time points. The percent efficacy of the permethrin-fipronil combination was higher than 78% (arithmetic means) or than 96% (geometric means) throughout the study. No adverse reactions were recorded. Between the two flea species found on dogs, Ctenocephalides canis was predominant over C. felis. Flea-infected sheep were not found at the beginning or during the study and no significant changes in flea infestation, pruritus and skin lesions of the people in contact with the dogs were witnessed throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: A spot-on solution containing 54.5% permethrin and 6.1% fipronil is safe and effective for the treatment and prevention of C. canis and C. felis infestations in dogs living with sheep.

Efficacy and Safety of a Permethrin-Fipronil Spot-On Solution (Effitix®) in Dogs Naturally Infested by Ticks in Europe.

Effitix is a new broad spectrum product based on the combination of fipronil 6.1% and permethrin 54.5% in a solution for spot-on application. It has been shown to be safe and efficacious in dogs in controlling tick, flea, sandfly, and mosquito infestations in laboratory conditions. The aim of this controlled, randomised study was to assess its safety and efficacy against natural tick infestations in field conditions. One hundred eighty-two privately owned dogs were included in France and Germany: 123 dogs were treated on day 0 with the permethrin-fipronil combination (Effitix) and 59 with a permethrin-imidacloprid combination (Advantix®). Tick counts were conducted on days 0 (before treatment), 7, 14, 21, and 28. The percentages of efficacy on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 were, respectively, 91.2%, 97%, 98.3%, and 96.7% with Effitix and were 94.8%, 96.9%, 95.7%, and 94.6% with Advantix. Very few adverse events were reported. Most were not serious and/or not related to the treatment with pruritus being the most common. One administration of Effitix was highly effective and safe to treat and control tick infestations for four weeks in field conditions and had a similar efficacy as the permethrin-imidacloprid combination for all visits.

Efficacy of a fixed combination of permethrin 54.5% and fipronil 6.1% (Effitix) in dogs experimentally infested with Ixodes ricinus.

BACKGROUND: Ticks are the most important vectors of disease-causing pathogens in domestic animals and are considered to be second worldwide to mosquitoes as vectors of human diseases. In Europe, Ixodes ricinus, the sheep tick, plays an important role as companion animal parasite but is also the primary vector of medically important diseases such as tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme borreliosis. The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy under laboratory conditions of a new fixed spot-on combination of fipronil and permethrin (Effitix, Virbac) in treating and preventing tick infestations of Ixodes ricinus in dogs. METHODS: Twelve dogs were included in this randomized, controlled, blinded laboratory study. They were randomly allocated to two groups of six dogs each according to their pre-treatment live attached Ixodes ricinus tick count. On day 0, the dogs from Group 2 were treated with the recommended dose of Effitix, the dogs from Group 1 remained untreated. On days -2, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35, all dogs were infested with 50 (±4) viable unfed adult Ixodes ricinus (20 ± 2 males, 30 ± 2 females). Ticks were removed and counted at 48 ± 2 hours post product administration or tick infestations. RESULTS: Through the study, the tick attachment rates for the untreated group were greater than 25% demonstrating that adequate levels of infestation were reached on the control dogs. Based on both arithmetic and geometric means (AM and GM), Effitix was deemed to be effective against Ixodes ricinus on days 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and 37 with a percentage of efficacy of 98%, 100%, 100%, 100%, 93% and 95% respectively (AM). No clinical abnormalities were detected during the study. CONCLUSIONS: The study has shown under laboratory conditions, that Effitix is a safe and an effective combination to treat and protect dogs from Ixodes ricinus up to 37 days after administration. The high immediate efficacy of 98% evaluated at 48 hours post-treatment was particularly interesting, meaning that Effitix has a curative effect against ticks (Ixodes ricinus) and provides a rapid control of existing Ixodes ricinus infestation on a dog at the time of treatment.

Voluntary acceptance and consumption of two oral ciclosporin formulations in dogs: two randomised, controlled studies.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common canine allergic skin disease and can significantly affect the quality of life of affected dogs. Treating canine AD with ciclosporin has been a subject of great interest in recent years. Many studies have provided substantial evidence of ciclosporin efficacy and safety in canine AD management, and for several years ciclosporin has been recognised as a major component of canine AD multimodal therapy. As a chronic condition, canine AD requires life-long medical management and treatment success relies in large part on product ease of administration. Two studies were conducted to assess the comparative voluntary acceptance and consumption of Cyclavance® (Virbac), a new oral liquid formulation of ciclosporin, and Atopica® (Novartis) either added to a small quantity of kibbles (study 1) or administered directly into the dog's mouth (study 2). RESULTS: Over the course of the two studies 70 dogs assessed each of the ciclosporin formulations and 320 individual tests were performed for each tested product. Immediate prehension (in less than 2 seconds) occurred significantly more often with Cyclavance® (90.6% of the tests) than with Atopica® (14.4% of the tests) when products were mixed with 30 grams of dry food (p < 0.001). Moreover, Cyclavance® was significantly more often easily accepted than Atopica® (99.3% vs 27.1% of the tests, respectively) when products were administered directly into the dogs' mouth (p < 0.0001). Cyclavance® was also more often totally consumed (98.3% of the tests) than Atopica® (2.2% of the tests) when mixed with a small amount of food (p < 0.001). However, both products were totally consumed once administered directly into the dogs' mouth. CONCLUSIONS: By facilitating cicloporin administration and consumption, Cyclavance® liquid formulation offers an interesting alternative to capsules that may improve dosing compliance and therefore the ability to benefit from the therapeutic effects in the long-term treatment of canine AD.

Prevention of Babesia canis in dogs: efficacy of a fixed combination of permethrin and fipronil (Effitix®) using an experimental transmission blocking model with infected Dermacentor reticulatus ticks.

BACKGROUND: Two experimental studies using a transmission blocking model with Dermacentor reticulatus ticks infected with Babesia canis were performed to test the ability of Effitix® to prevent the transmission of babesiosis in dogs. METHODS: Four groups of seven dogs (experiment 1) and one group of eight dogs (experiment 2) were treated topically with a novel combination of fipronil and permethrin in a spot-on formulation (Effitix®, Virbac) respectively 28, 21, 14 and 7 days (experiment 1) and 2 days (experiment 2) prior to tick infestation. In each study, a control group of seven dogs (experiment 1) and eight dogs (experiment 2) remained untreated. On day 0, all dogs were infested with adult D.reticulatus ticks harboring B. canis. An efficacy failure (successfully infected) was regarded as a dog in the treated groups that was tested serologically positive for B.canis antibodies, using an indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) assay and tested positive for B.canis by DNA-assay using PCR analysis. RESULTS: B.canis was transmitted by D.reticulatus to all untreated dogs (experiment 1) and six untreated dogs out of eight (experiment 2) as confirmed by IFA and PCR assays. The large majority of treated dogs (92.9% in experiment 1 and 100% in experiment 2) remained sero-negative over the challenge period. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of dogs with Effitix® applied 2 to 28 days prior to infestation with D. reticulatus harboring B.canis, successfully prevented the transmission of canine babesiosis.

Reversibility of germinative and endocrine testicular function after long-term contraception with a GnRH-agonist implant in the tom-a follow-up study.

A significantly reduced gonadotropin and testosterone secretion is a well-described result of long-term administration of GnRH agonists in the male dog and cat. To date, no data are available about the duration of efficacy and the reversibility of treatment-induced effects after long-term treatment with a 4.7 mg deslorelin implant. Seven healthy male European Shorthair cats (3.2 ± 0.5 kg, 1-6 years) were treated with a 4.7 mg deslorelin implant. Blood samples (testosterone, T), testicular volume, penile spines, and mating behavior were recorded once weekly. Considering T > 0.5 ng/mL as the biological endpoint, mean duration of efficacy was 78.8 ± 12.9 weeks (range: 61.7-100.7 weeks) with T concentrations increasing rapidly after the last T less than 0.1 ng/mL (basal) (P < 0.0001), and pretreatment T concentrations being reached after 3 weeks. Testicular volume rapidly increased after the first increase of T (P < 0.001) with pretreatment testicular volume being reached after 6.9 ± 3.4 weeks (5-11 weeks). "Normal" libido reoccurred 88.7 ± 12.4 weeks after treatment, and "normal" mating behavior was observed even later. Fertile matings occurred 7 to 42 weeks after the last T less than 0.1 ng/mL with a mean of 4.0 ± 0.0 kittens, and 13.6 to 47.6 weeks afterwards testicular histology revealed normal spermatogenesis. The present data confirm that the use of slow-release GnRH-agonist implants containing deslorelin in tomcats represents an effective and safe reversible alternative for long-term contraception; however, as number of animals is low, further fertility trials are recommended.

Treatment of queens in estrus and after estrus with a GnRH-agonist implant containing 4.7 mg deslorelin; hormonal response, duration of efficacy, and reversibility.

Although slow release GnRH-agonist implants have been shown to effectively suppress the estrous cycle in queens, there are still several remaining questions about their use: if the probability and frequency of estrus induction because of initial stimulation is dependent on the stage of cycle when animals are treated, if all effects are reversible, and to what extent fertility is regained after the end of efficacy. The latter is of major interest to cat breeders who want temporary suppression of estrus in breeding animals. Twenty queens (14 with known fertility) were treated with a 4.7 mg deslorelin implant; hormonal changes (progesterone [P4], and estradiol [E2]) and behavioral changes with special respect to estrus signs and subsequent fertility were assessed. Group A cats (N = 10) were treated 3.2 ± 0.8 days after the beginning of estrus and estrus stopped 4.1 ± 2.5 days after treatment. Estrus induction was observed in one queen 6 days after treatment, and one queen showed estrous signs 138 and 155 days after treatment. Progesterone increased significantly after treatment in all animals until day 14, then slowly decreased reaching basal levels on day 56 without any further increase. Group B cats (N = 10) were treated 7 days after the end of estrus; nine cats had P4 > 1.5 ng/mL and basal E2, one cat (B10) had basal E2 and P4. In cat B10 estrus induction occurred after treatment, but in none of the others; however, E2 increased in all group B cats 1 day after treatment but reached pretreatment concentrations on Day 7 again and remained basal. The implant was still effective in one animal of the estrus group with a duration of efficacy >1102 days, in the others duration of efficacy varied between 483 and 1025 days. Eight queens were mated afterwards and gave birth to a healthy litter with 3.3 ± 1.5 kittens. This study proves that (1) the incidence of estrus induction-although very low-is highest after treatment in estrus or postestrus, (2) the duration of efficacy varies between 16 and 37 months, and (3) estrus suppression is reversible and animals remain fertile after the treatment effect has expired.

Contraceptive effect and potential side-effects of deslorelin acetate implants in rats (Rattus norvegicus): preliminary observations.

During the last ten years, numerous species have been treated with deslorelin implants to induce contraception. The aims of the study were 1) to assess contraceptive efficacy of 4.7 mg subcutaneous deslorelin implants in rats, 2) to determine the latency of contraceptive effect, and 3) to determine potential side effects. Three experimental females were implanted and their estrous cycle was studied by vaginal smear. Two weeks after implantation, a male whose fertility was previously assessed with a control female, was introduced into their cage. No female conceived during the 4 mo following implantation. Additionally, 38 pet rats were recruited from clients in practice to test for potential side effects, including 6 males and 32 females with a mean age of 14 mo. Local reaction and transient weight gain during the first 2 wk, as well as behavioral changes were recorded. According to this pilot study, deslorelin implant could be used as a contraceptive method in female rats. The latency period is about 2 wk. Nevertheless, it might be possible to refine the treatment further using hormonal measurements. The duration of contraceptive effect is to be determined in an upcoming study.