Use of sarolaner in the treatment of tungiasis in naturally infested dogs.

Tungiasis is an endemic dermatological parasitic zoonosis in Latin America, caused by the sand flea Tunga spp. (Siphonaptera, Tungidae), which promotes intense discomfort, swelling, erythema, itching, pain, secondary bacterial infection, cellulitis and necrosis. Sarolaner has been used to control different ectoparasites, but there is no record of its use for the treatment of tungiasis in dogs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of sarolaner for the treatment dogs naturally infested by Tunga spp. kept in the same infested environment. Three of four animals were medicated with sarolaner orally with a single dose of 2 mg/kg, as recommended by the manufacturer, and one animal remained without medication. After 24 hours, the fleas from all four dogs were mechanically removed. The animals were reevaluated on days +15 and +30 to assess possible reinfestation. The medicated animals remained free of fleas, while the untreated animal had fleas on the days previously defined for reevaluation. We can thus conclude that the use of sarolaner is an effective choice for tungiasis treatment.

Tungíase é uma zoonose parasitária dermatológica endêmica na América Latina, causada pela pulga da areia Tunga spp. (Siphonaptera, Tungidae), que promove intenso desconforto, edema, eritema, prurido, dor, infecção bacteriana secundária, celulite e necrose. Sarolaner tem sido utilizado no controle de diversos ectoparasitas, mas não existem registros de seu uso no tratamento de tungíase em cães. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia do sarolaner no tratamento de cães naturalmente infestados por Tunga spp. mantidos no mesmo ambiente infestado. Três dos quatro animais foram medicados com sarolaner por via oral em dose única de 2 mg/kg, conforme recomendação do fabricante, e um animal permaneceu sem medicação. Após 24 horas, as pulgas dos quatro cães foram removidas mecanicamente. Os animais foram reavaliados nos dias +15 e +30 para avaliar uma possível reinfestação. Os animais medicados permaneceram livres de pulgas, enquanto o animal não tratado apresentou pulgas nos dias previamente definidos para reavaliação. Podemos assim concluir que o uso do sarolaner é uma escolha eficaz para o tratamento da tungíase.

Effectiveness of transdermal fluralaner in the treatment of Lynxacarus radovskyi (Acari: Listrophoridae) in naturally infested domestic cats.

Mites of the species Lynxacarus radovskyi, which are commonly found on domestic cats in Brazil, can cause discomfort, itching, and alopecia. The development of new, safer and more effective treatments with a broad spectrum of activity, including the use of isoxazolines, is needed. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of transdermal fluralaner in domestic cats naturally infested with L. radovskyi. Twenty cats were evaluated by trichograms and divided into two groups of 10 animals. The control group was not treated, while the treated group was given a single topical dose of fluralaner, as per the manufacturer's instructions. The cats were reassessed for the presence of L. radovskyi eggs and mites on days D+7, D+14, D+28, D+42, D+56, D+70, D+84, and D+98. As of D+42, all the animals (100%) tested negative for mites, and remained parasite-free until the end of the study, while the control group tested positive throughout the experiment. It can be concluded that a single dose of fluralaner applied topically was effective in treating cats naturally infested with L. radovskyi.

Middle ear cholesteatoma in two cats diagnosed with the aid of video-otoscopy.

Case series summary: The present report describes middle ear cholesteatoma in two cats and also the use of video-otoscopy and flushing to assist with the diagnosis. CT and video-otoscopic examination and flushing were performed in two cats, a 13-year-old mixed breed spayed female cat and a 1-year-old mixed breed male cat, with middle ear cholesteatomas. During the procedure, keratinous material from the middle ears was collected for histopathological evaluation, demonstrating findings consistent with cholesteatoma, and the middle ears were flushed extensively. Relevance and novel information: There is little information about middle ear cholesteatoma in cats, and to the authors' knowledge, there are no reports in cats investigating the use of video-otoscopy to aid in the diagnosis of aural cholesteatoma, and this report demonstrates that it can aid in the diagnosis of this condition in cats. In addition, one of the cats had a concurrent otic polyp, which has not been previously reported in cats with cholesteatoma. Additionally, this is the first report of cholesteatoma in a young cat. The access to the cholesteatoma material was via ventral bulla osteotomy in one cat and via external canal without video-otoscopy in the other. More information regarding cholesteatoma in cats will help identify potential similarities and differences of this condition in cats compared with humans and dogs.

Furuncular myiasis caused by Dermatobia hominis in a domestic cat - case report.

Dermatobiosis is defined as a parasitosis caused by the larval stage of the human botfly Dermatobia hominis, often observed in large animals but considered unusual in pet animals. The aim of the report is to describe a naturally infested cat treated in a reference dermatology service with clinical presentation similar to neoplasia or abscess. A six-year-old spayed male Brazilian Shorthair cat with outdoor access, from the countryside of Rio de Janeiro state, was treated for two nodules, one located in the sacral region and one in the tail. The patient was restrained, and digital compression of the lesions resulted in expulsion of D. hominis larvae, accompanied by a purulent secretion. The removal of larvae and use of antiseptic at the site resolved the furuncular myiasis. It is possible to assume that the parasitism reported here resulted from the animal's living arrangement, in a rural area with cattle parasitized by D. hominis. We conclude that parasitism by D. hominis should be present on the list of differential diagnoses of cats with nodules and that mechanical removal associated with the use of antiseptics is resolutive.

A dermatobiose é definida como uma parasitose causada pelo estágio larval da mosca humana Dermatobia hominis, frequentemente observada em animais de grande porte, mas considerada incomum em animais de companhia. O objetivo do relato é descrever um gato naturalmente infestado atendido em um serviço de referência em dermatologia com quadro clínico semelhante a neoplasia ou abscesso. Um gato brasileiro de pelo curto, macho, castrado, de seis anos, com acesso ao ar livre, procedente do interior do estado do Rio de Janeiro, foi tratado de dois nódulos, um localizado na região sacral e outro na cauda. O paciente foi contido e a compressão digital das lesões resultou na expulsão das larvas de D. hominis, acompanhada de secreção purulenta. A retirada das larvas e o uso de antisséptico no local resolveram a miíase furuncular. É possível supor que o parasitismo aqui relatado resultou do arranjo de vida do animal, em área rural com gado parasitado por D. hominis. Concluímos que o parasitismo por D. hominis deve estar presente na lista de diagnósticos diferenciais de gatos com nódulos e que a remoção mecânica associada ao uso de antissépticos é resolutiva.

Efficacy of afoxolaner in the flea control in experimentally infested cats / Eficácia do afoxolaner no controle de pulgas em gatos experimentalmente infestados

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a single dose of oral afoxolaner in controlling fleas in cats. Fourteen cats were used. The cats were given identification numbers, housed individually, artificially infested with Ctenocephalides felis felis, and treated (or not) with afoxolaner. Were divided into a treatment group and a control group (n = 7/group), on the basis of the fleas count hours after an infestation applied on Day (one-by-one allocation after ordering by count). At the start of the experimental protocol (designated day 0), the treated group received afoxolaner in a single dose of 2.5 mg/kg and the control group animals received a placebo. All animals were infested with 100 C. felis felis fleas two days before day 0, as well as on days 5, 12, 19, 26, 33, 40, 47, 54, and 63, parasite loads being evaluated at 48 h after each infestation. The efficacy of afoxolaner was 100% on day 2 and remained above 98% until day 42, decreasing to 95.3% by day 63. The findings confirm that a single dose of oral afoxolaner was effective in controlling C. felis felis in cats, and there were no observed adverse events.

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a eficácia de uma dose única de afoxolaner oral no controle de pulgas em gatos. Foram utilizados 14 gatos. Os animais foram identificados, alojados individualmente, infestados artificialmente com C. felis felis e tratados (ou não) com afoxolaner. Foram divididos em um grupo de tratamento e um grupo controle (n = 7/ grupo), com base na contagem de pulgas, horas após a infestação aplicada no dia (alocação de um por um após o período por contagem). No início do protocolo experimental (dia 0), o grupo tratado recebeu afoxolaner em dose inicial de 2,5 mg / kg e os animais do grupo controle receberam um placebo. Todos os animais foram infestados com 100 pulgas C. felis felis dois dias antes do dia 0, assim como nos dias 5, 12, 19, 26, 33, 40, 47, 54 e 63, sendo avaliadas as cargas parasitárias às 48 h após cada infestação. A eficácia do afoxolaner foi de 100% no dia 2 e permaneceu acima de 98% até o dia 42, diminuindo para 95,3% no dia 63. Os resultados confirmam que uma dose única de afoxolaner oral foi eficaz no controle de C. felis felis em gatos, e não houve eventos adversos observados.

Efficacy of sarolaner on the treatment of myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in dogs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the larval expulsion, larvicidal effect, retention rate of dead larvae and overall efficacy of sarolaner on the treatment of myiasis caused by New World screwworm Cochliomyia hominivorax in naturally infested dogs. Eight Beagle dogs received a single dose of saroalner 40 mg, with dosage ranging from 2.7 mg/kg to 3.7 mg/kg. Evaluations occurred every 15 min in the first hour, every hour for up to 6 h, and after 24 h of treatment. At 24 h post-treatment, total wound cleaning was performed, including removal and counting of remaining live and dead larvae. The animals received antibiotic, analgesic and wound cleaning support until complete wound healing. The average expulsion of the larvae was 50.9 % occurring mainly after 4 h of treatment. The larvicidal effect was 70.6 % at 6 h after treatment and 100 % at 24 h. The mean retention rate of dead larvae of sarolaner was 33.9 %, The overall efficacy was 100 %, thus making sarolaner an excellent treatment option in myiasis caused by C. hominivorax larvae in dogs.

Efficacy of afoxolaner in the flea control in experimentally infested cats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a single dose of oral afoxolaner in controlling fleas in cats. Fourteen cats were used. The cats were given identification numbers, housed individually, artificially infested with Ctenocephalides felis felis, and treated (or not) with afoxolaner. Were divided into a treatment group and a control group (n = 7/group), on the basis of the fleas count hours after an infestation applied on Day (one-by-one allocation after ordering by count). At the start of the experimental protocol (designated day 0), the treated group received afoxolaner in a single dose of 2.5 mg/kg and the control group animals received a placebo. All animals were infested with 100 C. felis felis fleas two days before day 0, as well as on days 5, 12, 19, 26, 33, 40, 47, 54, and 63, parasite loads being evaluated at 48 h after each infestation. The efficacy of afoxolaner was 100% on day 2 and remained above 98% until day 42, decreasing to 95.3% by day 63. The findings confirm that a single dose of oral afoxolaner was effective in controlling C. felis felis in cats, and there were no observed adverse events.

A blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the safety of oclacitinib in cats.

BACKGROUND: Oclacitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) 1 enzyme inhibitor and blocks JAK1-dependent cytokines and is used to control pruritus. Studies available in cats are very limited and as there is a potential role for oclacitinib in the control of pruritus in this specie, the aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and clinical effects of oral oclacitinib maleate in healthy cats. RESULTS: Thirty mixed-breed cats weighing from 2.1 to 5.3 kg each were randomly allocated to three treatment groups of 10 animals each. Cats in two groups received oclacitinib at 1 mg/kg or 2 mg/kg q 12 h orally for 28 days. Cats in the third group were given placebo tablets (cornstarch) q 12 h orally for 28 days. Oclacitinib maleate was well tolerated during the study and few adverse events were observed in treated cats. Clinical signs of toxicity were not observed in any animals treated at 1 mg/kg. Gastrointestinal clinical signs observed in the 2 mg/kg group included vomiting in two of the 10 cats and soft stools in two cats. One cat treated with placebo also exhibited soft stools. No significant differences were observed between the groups for hematologic analyses performed during the study. There was a slight increase in neutrophils and monocytes and a decrease in eosinophil mean counts in treated cats. Mean renal and liver enzymes remained normal throughout the entire study. A small, but significant increase in fructosamine levels was observed for both treated groups compared with placebo; however, values remained within the normal reference range. There were no significant difference between treated groups and the placebo group for urine specific gravity, pH, or urine protein to creatinine ratio mean values. CONCLUSIONS: Oclacitinib maleate was well tolerated by cats at 1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg and appeared to be safe for this species when administered orally twice daily for 28 days. More studies would be needed to demonstrate if oclacitinib maleate may be a suitable alternative to treat pruritic cats.

An unusual case of feline otitis externa due to sporotrichosis.

CASE SUMMARY: It is described a case of a 10-month-old female mixed-breed cat with left ear discharge of approximately 6 days' duration prior to the admission. Secretions were collected from both ears using a sterile swab for cytological and mycological analysis. A pyogranulomatous inflammatory infiltrate (predominantly characterized by the presence of neutrophils and macrophages) with the presence of cocci, rods and many yeast-like structures were seen on cytological analysis; the fungal culture confirmed the presence of the Sporothrix schenckii complex. Upon diagnosis of fungal otitis due to the S schenckii complex, treatment with oral itraconazole was administered. After 4 weeks of treatment, no S schenckii complex colonies were isolated, and clinical recovery had occurred. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: Although rare, clinicians must be aware of atypical presentations of sporotrichosis, as in this case of external otitis. This is of clinical relevance because this infection has been reported in several countries and is defined as a zoonotic disease.

Use of Slow-Release Injectable Moxidectin for Treatment of Dirofilaria immitis Infection During Pregnancy.

Canine heartworm disease is a life-threatening disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis and is prevalent in Brazil. The standard drug for its treatment, melarsomine dihydrochloride, is a fast-killing organic arsenical chemotherapeutic agent not approved in Brazil. Therefore, an alternative strategy, such as macrocyclic lactone in combination with a tetracycline antibiotic, has to be used. The alternative method is a long-term therapy that could lead to compliance issues during treatment. The aim of this case report is to present a preliminary assessment on the efficacy and safety of an off-label biannual administration of slow-release moxidectin (0.5 mg/kg every 6 months), which is formulated for annual administration (0.5 mg/kg annually). This overdose was chosen to test if moxidectin serum levels could be maintained high enough to harm the worms. It was administered to a 4-year-old female dog in combination with a 30-day doxycycline course. The second dose of moxidectin was administered approximately a week before she gave birth to three healthy puppies. Microfilariae were not detected on day 180 of treatment. Serological tests showed that the worms were eliminated, as two negative antigen tests were obtained 6 months apart (at day 180 and day 360 of treatment). Therefore, the off-label biannual use of moxidectin in combination with doxycycline was effective in eliminating D. immitis in 360 days and was harmless for the pregnant dog and her offspring, suggesting that this strategy is promising. Although these results are encouraging, further studies are needed to confirm safety and efficacy issues.

Efficacy of afoxolaner in the treatment of otodectic mange in naturally infested cats.

Afoxolaner is a drug belonging to the isoxazolines' family, and it is recommended for ectoparasite control in dogs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of afoxolaner in the treatment of otodectic mange in naturally infested cats. Sixteen cats were divided into two groups (treated and control). The treated group (n = 8) underwent a single oral presentation of afoxolaner at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg. The control group (n = 8) received no antiparasitic treatment. The detection of mite infestations were performed by video otoscopy before the medication, 48 h after the medication and at weekly intervals up to 35 days after treatment (+7, +14, +21, +28, +35). In the treated group, the animals were negative for the presence of the mite 48 h after the medication and throughout the evaluation period. The control group remained positive throughout the experiment, demonstrating 100% efficacy (p < 0.05) for the treated cats naturally infested with Otodectes cynotis in a single dose over a period of 35 days. The animals were reintroduced into their natural habitat, allowed to regain contact with other cats and then reassessed for possible reinfestation. It was found that afoxolaner was effective in the treatment of otodectic mange the animals presented no adverse reaction to the use of afoxolaner.

[Efficacy of the pyrethroid permethrin on the control of Psoroptes ovis (Hering, 1838) (Acari:Psoroptidae) in naturally infested rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)]. / Eficácia do piretróide permetrina no controle de Psoroptes ovis (Hering, 1838) (Acari: Psoroptidae) em coelhos (Oryctolagus cuniculus) naturalmente infestados.

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a spray formulation containing 2% of the pyrethroid permethrin on the control of Psoroptes ovis in naturally infested rabbits. Ten rabbits, presenting clinical signs of psoroptic mange in both ear canals. The animals were divided into two groups of five: control, without treatment (GI) and a second group (GII) treated with a single application of 2% permethrin. The diagnosis was realized by collecting fragments of crusts from both ear canals and submitting to stereomicroscopy for the presence and evaluation of mites' motility. On day 0 the animals from GII were treated topically with 2mg of 2% permethrin in each ear canal. No other treatment or environmental decontamination was performed during the trial. The rabbits were evaluated daily for observation of possible side effects. To evaluate the efficacy, collections of material were undertaken on days: +7, +14, +21. The formulation containing 2% permethrin was 100% effective in the control of P. ovis in naturally infested rabbits, along all days of observation. No adverse reactions were observed in the treated animals.

[Activity of neem extract on the embryonary development of Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché, 1835) (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae)]. / Atividade do extrato de nim sobre o desenvolvimento embrionário de Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché, 1835) (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae).

The present study had as objective to evaluate the activity of limonoid azadiractin, extracted of the seeds of the plant Azadirachta indica, neem, on the embryonary development of Ctenocephalides felis felis. A dog was sprayed with the formulation 10%, another dog was kept as control, without treatment. Both had been infested weekly with 600 fleas, in the ratio of 1:1 between males and females. The deriving positions of the infestations had been incubate per seven days in assay pipes, and evaluated it percentage of emerging of flea eggs, comparing themselves the averages of the groups treat and have controlled. The extract of nim presented activity on the embryonary development of C. f. felis, keeping superior levels of effectiveness 80% until day +14, beyond diminishing the position and inhibiting the development between urging larval of the percentage of larvae that had come out.