A European Field Assessment of the efficacy of fluralaner (Bravecto®) chewable and spot-on formulations for treatment of client-owned dogs with generalized demodicosis

Abstract

Background: Generalized canine demodicosis is unlikely to resolve without therapy and has been traditionally difficult to cure, however there are recent reports of isoxazoline compounds providing safe and effective treatment. This field study compared the efficacy of either oral or topically administered of fluralaner, an isoxazoline, with multiple topical treatments (as often as weekly) with imidacloprid-moxidectin for the treatment of naturally infested dogs with generalized demodicosis.Methods: This study in 5 European countries included 134 dogs randomized for treatment with either fluralaner chewable tablets, fluralaner spot-on, or topical imidacloprid-moxidectin. Both fluralaner formulations were administered once at the approved dose on day 0, while imidacloprid-moxidectin was administered at the approved dose once every 4 weeks or more frequently if necessary. Dogs were monitored for mites, using deep skin scrapings, and clinical signs prior to treatment on day 0, and then on approximately 28, 56 and 84 days after initial treatment. Treatment was considered efficacious if more than 90% of the dogs were free of live mites at days 56 and 84.Results: Treatment with topical or oral fluralaner was 98.0% effective while imidacloprid-moxidectin treatment was 87.5% effective. All groups showed a marked reduction in skin lesions by day 28, with continuing improvement at each subsequent visit through the final assessment on day 84. There were no treatment-related adverse events. Conclusion:Fluralaner chewable tablets and fluralaner spot-on are highly effective for treating dogs affected with generalized canine demodicosis following a single administration. Topical imidaclopridmoxidectin at weekly to monthly intervals did not achieve the mite-free levels required for adequate efficacy over the 12 weeks study period.

A New Herbal Medicine Formulation with Potential Anti-scabies Properties to Treat Demodex and Sarcoptes Parasites

“…Of the 124 dogs that participated in the study, 57 were diagnosed with juvenile form and 67 with adult form. A single treatment with oral or spot-administration of fluralaner was effective, eliminating 98% of the mites in treated dogs on days 56 and 84 [12].…”

“…Several species of scabies, including Demodex, Sarcoptes, Psoroptes, and Otodectes, infect hosts, including humans and animals (e.g., dogs, cats, and rabbits) [7][8][9][10]. When it settles on the skin, it burrows and forms channels in the skin causing hair loss, itching, pustules, skin inflammation, and dark skin color [11][12][13][14][15][16]. Nowadays, in order to eliminate and control the population of these microscopic organisms, chemical poisons, such as carbamates, organophosphates, and pyrethroid compounds, are used [17][18][19], which not only require daily and longterm application but also cause some side effects, such as itching, urticaria, angioedema, poisoning, central nervous system stimulation, depression, coma, and even death in some breeds, which has led to the prohibition of the use of some of these agents in some countries [20].…”