Field efficacy and safety of a combination of moxidectin and imidacloprid for the prevention of feline heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection
Articolo
Data di Pubblicazione:
2008
Citazione:
Field efficacy and safety of a combination of moxidectin and imidacloprid for the
prevention of feline heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection / L. Venco, M. Mortarino, C. Carro, M. Genchi, F. Pampurini, C. Genchi. - In: VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY. - ISSN 0304-4017. - 154:1-2(2008 Jun 14), pp. 67-70. [10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.02.020]
Abstract:
Throughout the end of March to beginning of May 2006, 212 owned cats and 608
owned dogs from a heavy endemic area for canine heartworm (HW) disease in
northern Italy have been examined to assess HW infection prevalence. Both cats
and dogs were clinically examined and blood samples were taken from each animal
to be examined for HW antibody (Ab). Ab-positive cats were further examined for
circulating microfilariae, HW antigens (Ag) and by echocardiography (ECHO) to
assess the presence of adult worms. Dogs were clinically examined and blood
samples taken from each animal were examined for circulating microfilariae and
for HW Ag. Ten cats (4.7%) were found Ab positive. Of these, 6 cats were Ag
positive (2.6%) and in 4 (1.8%) the worms were visualized by ECHO. HW prevalence
in dogs was 36% (221/608). One hundred and seventy-six (29%) were both
microfilaraemic and Ag positive, 40 (7%) had occult infections (no circulating
microfilariae) and 7 (1%) were microfilaraemic but Ag negative. Upon owners'
consent, 132 cats (including cats Ab and/or Ag and ECHO positive) were
prophylactically treated against HW disease with an imidacloprid/moxidectin
spot-on combination (10% imidacloprid/1% moxidectin) monthly administered for 6
months. Cats were re-examined for HW infection in November, 1 month after the
last drug administration, and in May-June 2007, 7-8 months after the last
treatment. All 122 cats found HW negative before treatment, were found negative
at the two examinations at the end of study. The 4 cats Ab positive, 2 cats Ab
and Ag positive and 1 Ab, Ag and ECHO positive at the beginning of treatment were
found negative. Throughout the treatment, transitory hypersalivation and generic
signs of annoyance were reported by owners in 6 cats (4.5%). All signs regressed
spontaneously.
Tipologia IRIS:
01 - Articolo su periodico
Keywords:
Chemoprophylaxis; Dirofilaria immitis; Feline heartworm infection; Imidacloprid/moxidectin combination
Elenco autori:
L. Venco, M. Mortarino, C. Carro, M. Genchi, F. Pampurini, C. Genchi
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