Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Efficacy of a single dose of an otic ivermectin preparation or selamectin for the treatment of Otodectes cynotis infestation in naturally infected cats.
- Journal:
- Journal of feline medicine and surgery
- Year:
- 2011
- Authors:
- Nunn-Brooks, Lindsey et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
In this study, researchers looked at how well two treatments worked for ear mite infestations caused by Otodectes cynotis in kittens, particularly those living in crowded places like shelters. Kittens that were at least 4 weeks old and had live mites in both ears were given either a single dose of ivermectin ear drops or selamectin applied to the skin. The results showed that both treatments started to kill the mites within 10 to 12 hours, but the ivermectin worked faster and more effectively than selamectin over the first 72 hours. Importantly, neither treatment caused any harmful side effects. Overall, the ivermectin was found to be the better option for quickly getting rid of the mites.
Abstract
Otodectes cynotis infestation is common in kittens housed in crowded environments like animal shelters. It is unknown how rapidly O cynotis is killed within the first 72h of treatment with currently available products. Kittens ≥4 weeks of age with live O cynotis in both ears (AU) were administered 0.5ml of 0.01% ivermectin otic suspension (Acarexx; Idexx Pharmaceuticals) once, AU or selamectin (Revolution; Pfizer Animal Health) once, on the skin following the manufacturer's instructions. Repeat microscopic examination was performed on individual ears based on a randomization schedule during the 72h after treatment. There was no evidence of toxicity with either drug and administration of 0.01% ivermectin significantly reduced the time to live mite-free status compared to selamectin. Both drugs have an effect against O cynotis as early as 10-12h after administration with an increasing effect over time.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21536472/