Therapeutic efficacy of selamectin for topical use against parasitoses of cats

Abstract

Endectocides play a crucial role in the control of parasitoses in domestic cats (Felis catusLinnaeus, 1758; Car-nivora, Felidae), exerting a broad range of action against ecto-and endoparasites. In particular, widely popular drugs in modern veterinary medicine are those based on selamectin, applied locally to the skin of animals in recommended doses (no less than 6.0 mg/kg). Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the therapeutic effectiveness of selamectin used in the dose recommended by manufacturer for the treatment of ecto-and endoparasites in cats. The parasitological studies revealed that the studied drug in the form of solution for spot-on application displayed strong insecticidal activity toward the wingless ectoparasitic insect Ctenocephalides felisBouché, 1835 (Siphonaptera, Pu-licidae), acaricidal activity toward a Sarcoptiformes mite Otodectes cynotisHering, 1838 (Sarcoptiformes, Psoroptidae), and also nematodocidal activity toward the digestive-tract nematodes Toxocara catiSchrank, 1788 (Rhabditida, Toxo-caridae) and Ancylostoma tubaeformeZeder, 1800 (Rhabditida, Ancylostomatidae). According to the results of the study of treating the cats with the drug, its therapeutic effectiveness on days 1–2 equaled 74.9–98.5% against Cten-ocephalidesfelis and 62.7–95.1% against Otodectes cynotis, reaching 100% efficacy against both the parasites on day 3. The tested drug produced 100.0% therapeutic effectiveness against toxocarosis and 98.9% against ancylostomiasis on day 7 after the cats had been dewormed, achieving 100% against both helminthiases on day 14. Ingeneral, the drug proved to be highly effective for the treatment of feline helminthiases according to the assessment criteria (Е > 98.0 %). The drug Selfast Antiparasitic Drops for Cats and Dogs is available on the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine in the form of solution for spot-on use, applied to the skin in a dose of 6.0 mg of selamectin per 1 kg of body weight (for cats), providing a consistently high therapeutic effectiveness against ecto-and endoparasites of cats. The drug ensures the protection of cats from parasites for 30 days.