Efficacy of two formulations of afoxolaner (NexGard\xae and NexGard Spectra\xae) for the treatment of generalised demodicosis in dogs, in veterinary dermatology referral centers in Europe

Wilfried Lebon,Dorota Pomorska Handwerker,Jaroslaw Popiel,Thomas Brement,Agnieszka Cekiera,Frédéric Beugnet,Jacques Guillot,Odile Crosaz,Didier Pin,Lénaïg Halos,Diane Larsen,Patrick Bourdeau,Céline Darmon,Vincent Bruet,Marion Mosca,Massimo Beccati,Eric Tielemans

doi:10.1186/s13071-018-3083-2

Abstract

BackgroundA multi-centre field trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of afoxolaner based chewables (NexGard® or NexGard Spectra®) for the treatment of generalised demodicosis caused by Demodex canis in dogs under field conditions in France, Italy and Poland.MethodsClient-owned dogs, diagnosed positive for Demodex mites by pre-treatment skin scrapings and presenting clinical signs of generalised demodicosis were included. Dogs were orally treated with afoxolaner three times at monthly intervals. Of the 50 dogs enrolled, 48 completed the whole study. Efficacy of the treatments was assessed monthly by Demodex mite counts and physical examination with special regard to the severity and extension of skin lesions.ResultsTreatments were well tolerated in all dogs and resulted in a rapid reduction of mites, with all post-treatment mite counts significantly lower than baseline. The number of mites was reduced by 87.6%, 96.5% and 98.1% on Days 28, 56 and 84, respectively. In addition, the skin lesion severity and extent scores as well as the pruritus were all significantly lower at all post-treatment visits compared to the pre-treatment assessment.ConclusionsThis clinical field study demonstrated that monthly administrations of afoxolaner in NexGard® or NexGard Spectra®, offered a convenient and reliable solution for the treatment of canine generalised demodicosis.

Highlights

A multi-centre field trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of afoxolaner based chewables (NexGard® or NexGard Spectra®) for the treatment of generalised demodicosis caused by Demodex canis in dogs under field conditions in France, Italy and Poland
It has been proposed that localised demodicosis is characterised as no more than four lesions with a diameter of up to 2.5 cm, while canine generalised demodicosis is characterised by five or more affected areas, or by lesions covering an entire region of the body, and/or demodectic podal dermatitis involving two or more paws [3, 4, 6, 7]
One 6-year-old French Bulldog was reported with Cushing syndrome, one 2-year-old crossbreed Maremma Sheepdog had leishmaniosis and one 15-year-old poodle was displaying polyuria-polydipsia associated with breast neoplasia

Summary

Introduction

A multi-centre field trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of afoxolaner based chewables (NexGard® or NexGard Spectra®) for the treatment of generalised demodicosis caused by Demodex canis in dogs under field conditions in France, Italy and Poland. Demodicosis is one of the most frequent skin conditions in dogs. It is a parasitic disease caused by mites of the genus Demodex [1, 2]. Lebon et al Parasites & Vectors (2018) 11:506 is more severe and can even be fatal if a secondary bacterial infection develops [2]. It may evolve from the localised condition or occur spontaneously especially in older animals with underlying diseases [5, 6]. In the case of generalised demodicosis, the affected areas are frequently erythematous, with comedones, hair loss, follicular papules to pustules, and scales. Skin biopsy or hair plucks may be performed [3, 4, 6]

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Conclusion