Efficacy of a spot-on combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin against naturally acquired Sarcoptes scabiei infestation in 10 pet rabbits: Retrospective case series.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Current treatments for sarcoptic mange in rabbits mainly include administration of avermectines every 10-30 days. Recently, a single oral dose of fluralaner has been shown to be effective to treat sarcoptic mange in 12 pet rabbits over a three-month period.

OBJECTIVES:

To retrospectively assess the efficacy of a spot-on combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin (Bravecto Plus) for the treatment of sarcoptic mange in rabbits.

ANIMALS:

Ten client-owned rabbits diagnosed with sarcoptic mange.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

An application of fluralaner plus moxidectin at an average dose of 25 mg/kg and 1.24 mg/kg, respectively, was administered topically once. Parasitological and dermatological examination was carried out weekly for one month and monthly for three months.

RESULTS:

The median age at diagnosis was 15 (range 3-48) months. Based on the age of onset, there were three juvenile (<6-month-old) and seven adult-onset cases. Of those, four were generalized (head, feet and/or genital area) and six were localized form (head only). The combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin resulted in 100% eradication of mites and complete resolution of all skin lesions within 21 days. Recurrence was not observed 90 days post-treatment. Relapse was not observed in one case followed up for a further four months and two rabbits followed up for a further six months. The other pets were lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:

These results indicated that a single dose of a formulation containing fluralaner plus moxidectin, at 25 mg/kg and 1.24 mg/kg, respectively, was effective for the treatment of naturally occurring sarcoptic mange in rabbits.

• Authors: Dario d'Ovidio, Domenico Santoro
• Journal: Veterinary dermatology (Vet Dermatol) Vol. 34 Issue 1 Pg. 3-6 (Feb 2023) ISSN: 1365-3164 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 36062517 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2022 ESVD and ACVD.

Chemical References

• moxidectin
• A1443 compound
• Insecticides

Topics

• Animals
• Rabbits
• Scabies (drug therapy, veterinary)
• Sarcoptes scabiei
• Retrospective Studies
• Insecticides (therapeutic use)