Efficacy and safety of selamectin against gastrointestinal nematodes in cats presented as veterinary patients.
A series of randomized, controlled, masked, field (veterinary patient) studies were conducted in the USA and Europe to evaluate the efficacy of selamectin, a novel macrocyclic lactone of the avermectin subclass, in the treatment of naturally acquired gastrointestinal nematode infections in cats. After confirmation of ascarid and/or hookworm infection, 298 cats of various ages and breeds were randomly assigned to treatment with selamectin (n=202) or an existing commercially approved positive-control product (n=96). Unit doses of selamectin (providing a minimum dosage of 6mgkg(-1)) were administered topically to the skin in a single spot at monthly intervals. Quantitative fecal examinations were performed on days 0 (before treatment), 30, and 60. In the selamectin-treated cats, fecal ascarid egg counts were reduced by 99.6 to 100% on day 30, and by 99.9 to 100% on day 60. Fecal hookworm egg counts were reduced by 98.3% on day 30, and by 100% on day 60 in the selamectin-treated cats. The positive-control products achieved reductions in egg counts of 96.5 to 100% (ascarids) and 98.9 to 99.9% (hookworms). These studies have shown that monthly topical administration of selamectin is safe and highly effective in the treatment of naturally acquired ascarid and hookworm infections in cats.
Six
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Animal Health Clinical Affairs, Central Research Division, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT 06340, USA. robert_h_six@groton.pfizer.com
Sture
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Thomas
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CA
Clemence
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RG
Benchaoui
H A
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Boy
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Watson
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P
Smith
D G
DG
Jernigan
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AD
Rowan
T G
TG
D000723:Ancylostomatoidea / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002415:Cats; D007559:Ivermectin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008463:Mebendazole / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009349:Nematode Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D010270:Parasite Egg Count / Q000662:veterinary; D011223:Praziquantel / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011715:Pyrantel / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000871:Anthelmintics; D011715:Pyrantel; D011223:Praziquantel; D007559:Ivermectin; D008463:Mebendazole; C414354:selamectin; C018945:flubendazole