Effectiveness of a fluralaner spot-on formulation in a case of feline demodicosis due to Demodex cati

Abstract

Case summary A 7-year-old male domestic shorthair cat was presented with a non-pruritic erythematous crusted nasal hypotrichosis along with bilateral ceruminous otitis externa. The cat was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and was positive for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Deep skin scraping, trichograms from lesional skin and ear canal parasitological examination were positive for Demodex cati. A 250 mg (55.5 mg/kg) fluralaner spot-on for medium-sized cats (Bravecto; MSD) was applied to the base of the cat’s head. Re-examinations were carried out on the fourth, sixth and eighth weeks after therapy. On the fourth week, the ceruminous otitis had resolved completely and the nasal lesions were markedly improved. One dead adult D cati was found in deep skin scrapings while other tests from the skin and both ear canals were negative. On the second re-examination only a mild hypotrichosis persisted on the nasal region and all parasitological examinations were negative. Eight weeks after the initial examination, the skin lesions had almost clinically resolved. On the 12th week, fluralaner spot-on was repeated. No recurrence was noted at the 6-month follow-up. Relevance and novel information The use of isoxazolines has been reported for only a few demodectic cats but was described to be safe and effective. This is the first report to evaluate the efficacy of a single spot-on fluralaner for the treatment of localised dermatitis and otodemodicosis due to D cati, and suggests it as an effective, safe and practical treatment.

Successful treatment of non-pruritus, excessive hair shedding and scales in a cat due to Demodex gatoi with fluralaner topical spot-on

“…12,13 Clinical cases have reported the efficacy of off-label oral fluralaner for the treatment of D gatoi in two shelter cats 8 and topical fluralaner spot-on for the treatment of demodicosis due to D cati. 9 –11,13,14 To the authors’ knowledge, this was the first report of the successful treatment of demodicosis due to D gatoi infestation by applying topical fluralaner spot-on, supporting the efficacy of the safe use of single-dose fluralaner spot-on for the control of D gatoi as an off-label treatment for demodicosis in cats.…”

“… 2 , 8 , 9 For example, the use of 2% lime sulfur dips every 5–7 days for 4–6 weeks is both time- and labour-consuming. 3 , 4 , 8 , 9 Amitraz may cause adverse effects and can be toxic to cats. 7 , 9 Fluralaner is a drug in the group of isoxazolines, a new class of ectoparasiticides that have been used to treat demodicosis in cats and have been reported to be safe and effective in the treatment of feline demodicosis, 3 , 8 – 14 for both Demodex cati and D gatoi .…”

“…1,3,4,7,8 In past decades, the treatment management for feline demodicosis has been difficult. 2,8,9 For example, the use of 2% lime sulfur dips every 5-7 days for 4-6 weeks is both time-and labour-consuming. 3,4,8,9 Amitraz may cause adverse effects and can be toxic to cats.…”

Demodex murilegi and Demodex obliquus, two new specific skin mites from domestic cat Felis catus, with notes on parasitism

“…Feline demodecosis is believed to be a relatively rare parasitosis, thus far typically associated with the presence of D. cati and D. gatoi , and it is believed that the disease course may be hastened by immunity deficiencies and comorbidities such as immunosuppressive diseases (Beale, 2012; Bouza‐Rapti et al, 2022; Ihrke, 2005; Löwenstein et al, 2005; Valandro et al, 2016). The described symptoms have varied locations and ranges (i.e.…”

“…The disease lesions were local or multifocal in nature, and typically included alopecia, erythema, exfoliation, seborrhea, crusts, erosions, ulcers, or hyperpigmentation. Cases of otitis externa also have been described (Beale, 2012; Bizikova, 2014; Bouza‐Rapti et al, 2022; Iliev et al, 2019; Löwenstein et al, 2005; Matricoti & Maina, 2017; Mueller et al, 2020). In contrast, D. gatoi is typically located in the stratum corneum, and its infestation is usually associated with mild erythema and exfoliation; another characteristic symptom is intense pruritus (Mueller et al, 2020; Saari et al, 2009; Silbermayr et al, 2013).…”