Practices employed by veterinary practitioners for controlling canine gastrointestinal helminths and ectoparasites

Abstract

The present study attempted to evaluate the practical experience and methods employed by Brazilian veterinary practitioners for control of parasites. Twenty-one questions were asked of 403 veterinary practitioners based in different climatic zones with reference to parasite epidemiology from the country. Administration of a combination of drugs at three-month intervals was the most common regime recommended for prophylaxis against gastrointestinal helminths, with a single treatment repeated after 15 days. Routine prophylaxis against dog ectoparasites was recommended by 82.4% veterinary practitioners, and 46.6% changed the drug compound used. Monthly prophylaxic treatments for ectoparasites, using systemic, topical and/or collar-impregnated drugs, was recommended by 21.5% veterinary practitioners. Side-effects of ectoparasiticide-impregnated collars were suspected by 58% of the veterinary practitioners. Isoxazolines were the most frequently used chemical group to treat ectoparasites in dogs. Poor efficacy of fipronil in controlling ticks was suspected by 79.5% of the veterinary practitioners. The isoxazolines and combination of anthelmintic compounds are the most common drugs to prevent or treat ectoparasites and gastrointestinal nematodes, respectively. The suspect of the inefficacy of antiparasitic drugs is shared among the veterinary practitioners from part of Brazil. Guidelines are needed, specifically for the control of gastrointestinal helminths and ectoparasites in Brazilian dogs.

Efficacy of lotilaner against myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in naturally infested dogs

“…Topical insecticides in ointment or spray formulations were the main treatments for myiasis before effective systemic compounds became commercially available. Lotilaner belongs to the isoxazoline chemical class, and chemical compounds in this class are the most recommended for use in Brazil for the control of ectoparasites [ 29 ]. The oral administration of a drug has the advantage of reduced exposure risks for pet owners and the environment, compared to topical administration.…”