ectoparasites SA

Fleas

·    Licensed treatment options:

o  Imidacloprid – NOT recommended if animal swims

o  Fipronil – NOT recommended if animal swims

o  Isoxazolines – sarolaner, afoxalaner, fluralaner

o  Selemecitn

Permethrin – TOXIC to cats and aquatic life

Lice

·    Licensed treatment options:

o  Imidacloprid – NOT recommended if animal swims

o  Fipronil – NOT recommended if animal swims

o  Selamectin

o  Permethrin

·    Main species

·    Clinical signs: can be asymptomatic, may see poor coat, scaling, papules, crust, pruritus

o  Heavy infection ® anaemia, lethargy

o  May see visible lice

Ticks

·    Licensed treatment options:

o  Isoxazolines – sarolaner, afoxalaner, fluralaner

o  Fipronil – NOT recommended if animal swims

o  Permethrin – TOXIC to cats and aquatic life

 Mites

·    Licensed treatment options:

o  Isoxazolines – sarolaner, afoxalaner, fluralaner

§ Fluralaner doesn’t kill Otodectes

o  Selamectin

o  Moxidectin – licensed but poor efficacy for demodex

o  None licensed for Cheyletiella but all effectin

·    Main species:

o  Sarcoptes scabei – intense pruritus, papules/crust on pinnal margins, hocks, elbows, positive pinnal reflex

o  Cheyletiella – scaling dermatitis, pruritus on dorsal trunk, ‘walking dandruff’

o  Otodectes cynotis – head shaking, ear scratching, pruriuts, red crust on ears, excess wax

o  Neotrombicula autumnalis – papules, crusts, pruritus in interdigital spaces, pinnae, ventral abdomen

§ Larval stage is parasitic – only has 6 legs

o  Demodex canis/catis – variable pruritus, erythemal, papules, pustules, alopecia

o  Demodex injaj (dogs) – intense pruritus on face and dorsum, greasy coat, hair loss

o  Demodex gatoi (cats) – over grooming ® self-induced alopecia

Flies

·    Licensed treatment options:

o  Permethrin – TOXIC to cats and aquatic life