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PubMed1995

Disinfestation of experimentally infested cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis, on cats and dogs by oral lufenuron.

In vivo efficacy of orally administered lufenuron, an insect growth regulator, in disinfesting cat fleas was evaluated, using flea-free cats and dogs which were purchased and infested every 10 days with cat fleas from a colony kept in our laboratory. Lufenuron was orally administered as a single dose of 15, 30, or 60 mg/kg to cats, and 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg to dogs. In cats, adult flea emergence was intensively prevented for 30 days by dosing of 15 mg/kg of lufenuron and 40 days by 30 or 60 mg/kg. The average egg hatch rate in 15 mg/kg group was, however, significantly higher than those in 30 mg/kg or more, suggesting necessity to dose 30 mg/kg to cats to prevent development of cat fleas effectively. In dogs, a lower dose of the drug, 10 mg/kg seemed to be sufficient for the complete prevention of flea development.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Fleas (Siphonaptera) infesting birds of West Siberian plain].

The four species of fleas associated with birds in West Siberian Plain have been recorded. Ceratophyllus styx is a specific parasite of Riparia riparia. Ceratophyllus garei, C. gallinae, and C. tribulis parasitize various setting of birds.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Efficacy and safety of selamectin against fleas and heartworms in dogs and cats presented as veterinary patients in North America.

A series of randomized, controlled, masked field studies was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of selamectin in the treatment of flea infestations on dogs and cats, and in the prevention of heartworm infection in dogs. In addition, observations were made on the beneficial effect of selamectin treatment on dogs and cats showing signs of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). In all studies selamectin was applied topically, once per month, in unit doses providing a minimum dosage of 6mgkg(-1). Dogs and cats with naturally occurring flea infestations, some of which also had signs associated with FAD, were assigned randomly to receive three months of topical treatment with selamectin (220 dogs, 189 cats) or a positive-control product (dogs: fenthion, n=81; cats: pyrethrins, n=66). Selamectin was administered on days 0, 30, and 60. Day 0 was defined as the day that the animal first received treatment. Flea burdens were assessed by flea comb counts and clinical evaluations of FAD were performed before treatment, and on days 14, 30, 60, and 90. On days 30, 60, and 90, mean flea counts in selamectin-treated dogs were reduced by 92.1, 99.0, and 99.8%, and mean flea counts in fenthion-treated dogs were reduced by 81.5, 86.8, and 86.1%, respectively, compared with day 0 counts. Also, on days 30, 60, and 90, mean flea counts in selamectin-treated cats were reduced by 92.5, 98.3, and 99.3%, and mean flea counts in pyrethrin-treated cats were reduced by 66.4, 73.9, and 81.3%, respectively, compared with day 0 counts. Selamectin also was beneficial in alleviating signs in dogs and cats diagnosed clinically with FAD. A total of 397 dogs free of adult heartworm infection from four heartworm-endemic areas of the USA were allocated randomly to six months of treatment with selamectin (n=298) or ivermectin (n=99). Selamectin achieved a heartworm prevention rate of 100%, with all dogs testing negative for microfilariae and adult heartworm antigen on days 180 and 300. Selamectin was administered to a total of 673 dogs and 347 cats having an age range of 6 weeks to 19 years (3954 doses). The animals included 19 purebred or crossbred Collies (Bearded, Border, and unspecified). There were no serious adverse events. Results of these studies indicated that selamectin was highly effective in the control of flea infestations in dogs and cats without the need for simultaneous treatment of the environment or of in-contact animals and also was beneficial in alleviating signs associated with FAD. Selamectin also was 100% effective in preventing the development of canine heartworms and was safe for topical use in dogs and cats.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Advances in flea control.

With an increase in our knowledge of flea life cycle and biology, flea control has improved tremendously over the past 10 years. Treatment programs should be tailored to each case. The goal of effective flea control is to eliminate adults and to prevent reinfestation and the development of new generations of fleas. New products are of great benefit to flea-infested and flea-allergic animals and allow a safe and effective way to control fleas. Even if the consistent use of a topical adulticide alone is tempting, rotation and a combination of products should still be used to delay resistance. In addition, environmental flea control is a wise approach, especially in cases of severe infestation or in situations where there is a flea-allergic animal. Finally, in order to avoid failures and resistance, it is important to treat all pets in the household.

Animals↗
PubMed1973

Fleas (Siphonaptera) Infesting Small Mammals From The Western Oriental Region.

Nine species of fleas representing 4 families were collected in 1972 form 14 species of small mammals: 2 hedgehogs, 1 shrew, 2 bats, 8 rodents and 1 mongoose. Most specimens were from 7 localities in Karachi District. Xenopsylla astis accounted for 78% of the 404 fleas collected. Collection data, especially flea-mammal associations and locality records, are presented and discussed.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1996

Experimental transmission of Bartonella henselae by the cat flea.

Bartonella henselae is an emerging bacterial pathogen, causing cat scratch disease and bacillary angiomatosis. Cats bacteremic with B. henselae constitute a large reservoir from which humans become infected. Prevention of human infection depends on elucidation of the natural history and means of feline infection. We studied 47 cattery cats in a private home for 12 months to determine the longitudinal prevalence of B. henselae bacteremia, the prevalence of B. henselae in the fleas infesting these cats, and whether B. henselae is transmitted experimentally to cats via fleas. Vector-mediated transmission of B.henselae isolates was evaluated by removing fleas from the naturally bacteremic, flea-infested cattery cats and transferring these fleas to specific-pathogen-free (SPF) kittens housed in a controlled, arthropod-free University Animal Facility. B. henselae bacteremia was detected in 89% of the 47 naturally infected cattery cats. A total of 132 fleas were removed from cats whose blood was simultaneously cultured during different seasons and were tested individually for the presence of B. henselae DNA by PCR. B. henselae DNA was detected in 34% of 132 fleas, with seasonal variation, but without an association between the presence or the level of bacteremia in the corresponding cat. Cat fleas removed from bacteremic cattery cats transmitted B. henselae to five SPF kittens in two separate experiments; however, control SPF kittens housed with highly bacteremic kittens in the absence of fleas did not become infected. These data demonstrate that the cat flea readily transmits B. henselae to cats. Control of feline infestation with this arthropod vector may provide an important strategy for the prevention of infection of both humans and cats.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Severe cardiomegaly secondary to anemia in a kitten.

Severe anemia in a weanling kitten resulted in volume overload hypertrophy of the heart and signs of congestive heart failure. A 6-week-old moribund kitten was admitted to the hospital with a PCV of 3%. The anemia was determined to have resulted from severe flea infestation and iron deficiency. Supportive therapy consisted of flea removal, blood transfusions, and oral nutritional support. On day 3 of hospitalization, the kitten had signs of depression and became tachypneic. Auscultation revealed a systolic murmur, gallop rhythm, and crackles over the ventral lung fields. Thoracic radiography revealed pulmonary edema and massive cardiomegaly. Echocardiographic evaluation revealed dilatation of all cardiac chambers. The addition of furosemide to the kitten's treatment protocol resulted in resolution of the pulmonary edema. On follow-up examination 1 month later, the kitten had mild residual cardiomegaly and the anemia had resolved. Anemia is a well-known sequela to severe flea infestation in young animals. A less commonly reported, but potentially life-threatening, sequela to anemia may include the development of volume overload hypertrophy of the heart and congestive heart failure.

Anemia, Hypochromic↗
PubMed1978

Fleabite allergic dermatitis: a review and survey of 330 cases.

Clinical signs of acute fleabite allergic dermatitis (FAD) in dogs included intense pruritus and erythema. Dogs with chronic FAD had diminished pruritus. The primary lesion of FAD was a papule. Secondary lesions (hyperkeratosis and hyerpigmentation) were common. Diagnosis of FAD was based on history of flea infestation and on type and location of lesions. Intradermal testing with glycerinated flea antigen was of little diagnostic value. Treatment of FAD included (1) breaking the flea life cycle in the indoor and kennel environment by vacuuming and washing bedding as well as by the use of aerosol insecticides for fumigation, (2) minimizing flea infestation on the dogs by using insecticidal dips, baths, and flea collars, and (3) hyposensitization with flea antigen.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Dose titration of an injectable formulation of lufenuron in cats experimentally infested with fleas.

OBJECTIVES: 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. ANIMALS: 40 domestic shorthair cats (20 males, 20 females) between 5 and 7 months old. PROCEDURE: 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 AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: 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.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Ectoparasite infestation and sex-biased local recruitment of hosts.

Dispersal patterns of organisms are a fundamental aspect of their ecology, modifying the genetic and social structure of local populations. Parasites reduce the reproductive success and survival of hosts and thereby exert selection pressure on host life-history traits, possibly affecting host dispersal. Here we test experimentally whether infestation by hen fleas, Ceratophyllus gallinae, affects sex-related recruitment of great tit, Parus major, fledglings. Using sex-specific DNA markers, we show that flea infestation led to a higher proportion of male fledglings recruiting in the local population in one year. In infested broods, the proportion of male recruits increased with brood size over a three year period, whereas the proportion of male recruits from uninfested broods decreased with brood size. Natal dispersal distances of recruits from infested nests were shorter than those from uninfested nests. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence for parasite-mediated host natal dispersal and local recruitment in relation to sex. Current theory needs to consider parasites as potentially important factors shaping life-history traits associated with host dispersal.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Therapy and prevention of parasitic insects in veterinary medicine using imidacloprid.

Ectoparasitic insects play a major role in veterinary medicine. The flea, especially the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis felis Bouch 1835) is the most important ectoparasite worldwide. The cat flea parasitizes not only on dogs and cats but also on other warm-blooded animals including humans. The veterinary importance of flea infestation are dermatological conditions due to allergic reactions to antigens in the flea saliva and the transmission of infectious agents like bacteria, viruses and helminths. Insecticides used in veterinary medicine today have to fulfil criteria of elimination of a existing flea infestation (therapy) and prevention (prophylaxis) of new infestation for weeks. Imidacloprid is a compound of the chemical class of CNI (chloronicotinyl insecticides syn. neonicotinoids) that fits these criteria. The high selectivity towards the site of action within insects together with the high safety margin on mammals allowed to develop imidacloprid as an insecticide for agricultural use and finally for the application as a veterinary medicine. The major features of imidacloprid chemistry, toxicology and the development and use as a veterinary medicinal remedy are described.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Control of fleas on pets and in homes by use of imidacloprid or lufenuron and a pyrethrin spray.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate imidacloprid and the combination of lufenuron and pyrethrin to control flea infestations in households with pets. ANIMALS: 37 dogs and 19 cats in 34 flea-infested households. PROCEDURE: Households were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 groups. Pets in group 1 were treated topically with imidacloprid on day 0, then once a month for 90 days. Pets in group 2 were given lufenuron orally on day 0 and at monthly intervals for 90 days and also were treated topically with a pyrethrin spray every 1 to 2 weeks throughout the study. Flea numbers in homes were assessed by use of intermittent light traps, and flea burdens on pets were assessed using visual area counts done once a week during the first month, then every other week. RESULTS: One application of imidacloprid reduced flea burdens on pets by 96 and 93.5% on days 7 and 28, respectively, compared with day-0 burdens. Following 3 applications, flea burdens on pets and in homes were reduced by 98.8 and 99.9%, respectively. Lufenuron and pyrethrin spray reduced flea numbers on pets by 48.9 and 91.1% on days 7 and 28, respectively. By the end of the study, this combination reduced flea burdens on pets and in homes by 99.2 and 99.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Imidacloprid applied topically or lufenuron administered orally along with a topically applied pyrethrin spray were effective in eliminating fleas on pets and in homes. Flea control can be achieved with topical application of adulticides or oral administration of insect growth regulators without concomitant treatment of the surroundings.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2001

Seasonal occurrence of Ctenocephalides felis felis and Ctenocephalides canis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) infesting dogs and cats in an urban area in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

The seasonal occurrence of Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché and Ctenocephalides canis (Curtis) infestation on dogs and cats in Cuernavaca City in Mexico, was determined by examining 1,803 dogs and 517 cats at two veterinary clinics during 1995-1997. The overall flea infestation was 30.3 and 30.1% for dogs and cats, respectively. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in percentage of infestation among years for both hosts. The infestation was somewhat higher in spring, summer, and autumn than in winter, but no statistical differences was found among seasons (P > 0.05) for both pets. No relationship existed between percentage of flea infestation and temperature or rainfall among seasons. On dogs, 81.1% were infested with only C. felis felis, 16.8% with C. canis, and 2% had both flea species; whereas 92.3% of the cats were infested with C. felis felis and 7.7% with C. felis felis and C. canis. The cat flea was the most prevalent flea species found other than C. canis; no other species were found on the dogs and cats. It appeared that flea life cycle development continued throughout the year.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Survey of the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions in small animals in general practice.

A survey was made of the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of dermatological conditions in small animals in general practice in the UK. Out of 3707 small animal consultations in general practice that were observed and recorded, 795 (21.4 per cent) involved animals that had a dermatological problem. In dogs and exotic species, pruritus was the most common presenting sign, accounting for 30 to 40 per cent of the dermatological consultations. In cats, cutaneous swellings were the most common presentation (36 per cent). A diagnosis or recommendation for treatment was made on the basis of the presenting clinical signs and physical examination alone in 576 (72 per cent) of the cases, and various diagnostic tests were performed in the other cases. In dogs, parasitic infestations, bacterial infections and neoplasia accounted for the majority of the diagnoses. In cats, parasites and bacterial infections were the most common. In exotic species, parasites accounted for over 80 per cent of the dermatological diagnoses. In dogs, the most common final diagnoses were otitis, pyoderma, anal sac impaction, flea infestation and atopic dermatitis. In cats, abscesses, flea infestation, and otitis were the most common diagnoses. In exotic species, the most common diagnosis was an unspecified mite infestation. Systemic antibiotics were prescribed in 196 cases (25 per cent), systemic glucocorticoids were prescribed in 162 cases (20 per cent) and treatment with an ectoparasiticide was prescribed in 167 cases (21 per cent).

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Questionnaire on the incidence and control of fleas in dogs and cats presented to German small animal practices].

2590 small animal practitioners in Germany have been asked by a questionnaire from which 1694 (65.4%) replied. 1186 of these veterinarians (70%) often see ectoparasite infestation. Fleas are predominant and occur on cats (1016/60%), followed by dogs (424/25%), small mammals and birds (254/15%). Flea infestations on dogs and cats are observed throughout the year, but the prevalences are generally higher during the summer season. The results reveal that topically administered spot-on formulations is the most popular method used for flea control. The most common applied antiparasitic substances both in dogs and in cats were fipronil (535/31.6%; 690/40.7%), imidacloprid (290/17.1%; 417/24.6%) and selamectin (267/15.8%; 319/18.8%). Due to 771 (45.5%) of the answering veterinarians the animal owner himself, and according 694 (41%) respectively 229 (13.5%) of the replies the veterinarian or the veterinary technician applies the antiparasiticide onto the skin. 1457 veterinarians (86%) administer compounds against adult fleas and their developmental stages also in the animal's environment.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Epidemiology of Bartonella infection in domestic cats in France.

Blood samples were collected between February and June 1996 from a convenience sample of 436 domestic French cats living in Paris and its environs and were tested for Bartonella bacteremia and seropositivity. Seventy-two cats (16.5%) were Bartonella bacteremic, of which 36 cats (50%) were infected with Bartonella henselae type II (B.h. II) only, 15 cats (21%) were infected with Bartonella clarridgeiae (B.c.) only, and 11 cats (15%) were infected with B. henselae type I (B.h. I) only. Eight cats (11%) were co-infected with B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae (B.h. II/B.c.: five cats; B.h. I/B.c.: three cats). Two cats (2.8%) were concurrently bacteremic with B. henselae types I and II. Risk factors associated with bacteremia included ownership for <6months (prevalence ratio (PR)=1.80; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.13-2.85), adoption from the pound or found as a stray (PR=1.67, 95% CI=1.05-2.65), and cohabitation with one or more cats (PR=1.60, 95% CI=1.01-2.53). Bartonella antibodies to either B. henselae or B. clarridgeiae were detected in 179 cats (41.1%). Risk factors associated with seroposivity paralleled those for bacteremia, except for lack of association with time of ownership. Prevalence ratios of bacteremic or seropositive cats increased with the number of cats per household (p=0.02). The lack of antibodies to B. henselae or B. clarridgeiae was highly predictive of the absence of bacteremia (predictive value of a negative test=97.3%). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that bacteremia, after adjustment for age and flea infestation, and positive serology, after adjustment for age, were associated with origin of adoption and number of cats in the household. Flea infestation was associated with positive serology.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

Study of rickettsioses in Slovakia. II. Infestation of fleas and mites in mole nests in some localities in Central Slovakia with C. burneti and Rickettsiae belonging to the spotted fever (SF) group.

Fleas and mites obtained from 115 mole nests in Central Slovakia from an area where Q fever and rickettsiosis due to rickettsie of the SF occur, from the border of this area and apart from it, were tested for infestation with rickettsiae by the method of isolation of rickettsiae on chick embryo yolk sacs, by the method of detection of rickettsiae on smears from the arthropods using immunofluorescence, by the method of exposure of albino mice and Apodemus flavicollis to mole nests and by the method of inoculation of suspension from the arthropods to albino mice. In the latter two methods, infestation of the arthropods was assessed according to the formation of antibodies in the mice. It has been found that fleas and mites in all three areas under test are infected with C. burneti and with rickettsia of the SF group. C. burneti was currently detected in the focus of rickettsioses and in the localities situated in its borders while only one case was observed apart from the focus. Rickettsiae of the SF group were found in fleas and mites in all areas tested showing no greater percentual differences. The method of detection of rickettsia in smears from the arthropods using the immunofluorescence technique and antibody response in mice inoculated with infected arthropods was found to be the most effective in these studies. On the basis of the obtained results the authors believe that mites and fleas living in mole nests participate in the circulation of both species of rickettsiae in nature in the transfer of rickettsiae among small mammals. The question whether these arthropods are a reservoir, a biological or a mechanical vector, still remains open.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Toxic epidermal necrolysis associated with flea dips.

A 5-y-old intact female Himalayan cat was dipped with an organophosphate-based compound for flea infestation. The animal subsequently died of organophosphate intoxication. Skin lesions present at necropsy were diagnosed microscopically as toxic epidermal necrolysis. A 5-y-old spayed female Corgi dog was dipped with a d-limonene-based compound for flea infestation. The dog subsequently developed a bullous skin disorder which rapidly progressed to severe coalescing necrotizing dermatitis with large areas of skin sloughing. The dog was treated for a tentative diagnosis of toxic epidermal necrolysis with a short course of corticosteroids and extensive supportive care and recovered completely. Flea dip preparations have the potential to induce severe immune-mediated dermatopathies such as toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Animals↗