Efficacy of fluralaner plus moxidectin (Bravecto® Plus spot-on solution for cats) against Otodectes cynotis infestations in cats

Abstract

BackgroundThe efficacy of the fixed combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin for the treatment of Otodectes cynotis infestations was evaluated in cats after topical application.MethodsSixteen cats experimentally infested with O. cynotis were allocated randomly to two groups of 8 cats each. One group was treated topically with the fixed combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin at the minimum dose rate of 40 mg fluralaner and 2 mg moxidectin/kg body weight. The other group was treated with physiological saline solution. Before and 14 and 28 days after treatment the ears of all cats were examined otoscopically for live mites and for the amount of debris and cerumen. Twenty-eight days after treatment, the cats were sedated and had both ears flushed to obtain the total number of live mites per animal. Efficacy was calculated, based on the results of the ear flushing, by comparing mean live mite counts in the fluralaner plus moxidectin treated group versus the saline group.ResultsA single topical application of the fixed combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin to cats reduced the mean mite counts by 100% (P < 0.001) by 28 days after treatment. No mites were visible during otoscopic examination at either 14 or 28 days after treatment. All fluralaner plus moxidectin treated cats had less ceruminous exudate 28 days after treatment compared to pre-treatment and 14 days after treatment. No treatment related adverse events were observed in any cats enrolled in the study.ConclusionsSingle topical application of the fixed combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin was highly effective against O. cynotis infestations in cats.

Efficacy of fluralaner spot-on solution for the treatment of Ctenocephalides felis and Otodectes cynotis mixed infestation in naturally infested cats

“…Earlier studies had shown high activity of topical fluralaner against fleas for 12 weeks in naturally and experimentally infested cats [19, 20]. Furthermore, the efficacy of fluralaner against otodectic mites was previously reported in experimentally infested cats [1, 15]. In our present study, improvements in pruritus and otic clinical signs were observed after fluralaner treatment, and persisted up to Day 84.…”

“…Cats can be infested with several ectoparasite species, particularly Ctenocephalides felis and Otodectes cynotis that are responsible for dermatitis and ear infestation respectively [1, 2]. There are also some zoonotic pathogens such as Rickettsia felis and Bartonella felis , which can be transmitted by cat fleas [3].…”

Chronic Otitis in Cats: Clinical management of primary, predisposing and perpetuating factors

“…Afoxolaner (no product available labeled for use in cats), selamectin plus sarolaner (Revolution Plus; Zoetis), fluralaner (Bravecto; Merck) and fluralaner plus moxidectin (Bravecto Plus; Merck) resolved O cynotis infestations in cats after a single application. [24][25][26][27]…”

Efficacy of a novel topical combination of esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel against ear mite (Otodectes cynotis) infestations in cats

“…Afoxolaner efficacy has been demonstrated against Sarcoptes, Demodex and Otodectes infestations in dogs [ 6 , 7 , 9 , 14 , 16 ]. In cats, fluralaner, another isoxazoline compound was demonstrated efficacious against O. cynotis infestations in cats alone or in combination with moxidectin [ 28 ], as well as sarolaner, alone or in combination with selamectin [ 1 , 26 ]. Off-label use of oral afoxolaner, a dog-only product (Nexgard ® ), has been found to be efficacious against O. cynotis infestations in cats [ 18 ].…”