Dose titration of an injectable formulation of lufenuron in cats experimentally infested with fleas.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the lowest single dose of lufenuron injected s.c. that results in a 90% disruption of the flea (Ctenocephalides felis) life cycle for 6 months in cats.


METHODS
40 domestic shorthair cats (20 males, 20 females) between 5 and 7 months old.


METHODS
Cats were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 eight-cat groups and experimentally infested with C. felis on days -8, -7, -6, and -4. On day 0, cats in the 4 treatment groups were treated with an injectable formulation of lufenuron at doses of 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg of body weight, respectively. Control cats received the injectable formulation without lufenuron. Experimental infestations were repeated and flea eggs collected at various intervals for 196 days after treatment. Eggs were placed in media and incubated in an insectary for 28 days to determine effects of injectable lufenuron on egg and larval development. Number of adults that emerged from eggs were compared among groups.


RESULTS
Lufenuron injected once at a dose of 10 or 20 mg/kg, but not at 2.5 or 5 mg/kg, resulted in a 90% decrease in number of adult fleas emerging from eggs for 196 days after treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicate that control of flea egg and larval development for at least 6 months can be achieved in cats with a single s.c. injection of lufenuron (10 mg/kg). The injectable formulation may provide veterinarians and cat owners an alternative to the tablet formulation of lufenuron.
Blagburn
B L
BL
Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL 36849, USA.
Vaughan
J L
JL
Butler
J M
JM
Parks
S C
SC
D000818:Animals; D001549:Benzamides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002415:Cats; D004478:Ectoparasitic Infestations / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000662:veterinary*; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007306:Insecticides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005423:Siphonaptera; D005466:Fluorocarbons
D001549:Benzamides; D007306:Insecticides; C070364:fluphenacur; D005466:Fluorocarbons