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.