P‐13 
Dermatophytosis in domestic cats: treatment with lufenuron

Abstract

Preliminary studies showed that lufenuron inhibits chitin synthesis, a dermatophyte cell wall constituent, and may be effective in the treatment of dermatophytosis. Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of lufenuron in the treatment of feline dermatophytosis. Forty‐six cats (Persians and mixed‐breed cats from 1‐month to 4‐years old) naturally infected with Microsporumcanis were included in this study. Fifteen cats were treated isolated in cages in the veterinary hospital and 31 were treated in their home environment (some with access to the outdoors). Dermatophyte skin lesions were seen in 29 animals while 17 other cats were asymptomatic carriers. Wood's lamp, direct microscopic examination of hairs, fungal culture and skin biopsies were used for the diagnosis. Affected cats and all in‐contact animals received lufenuron at a dose of 120 mg/kg every 21 days for four treatments. Of the 29 symptomatic cats treated with lufenuron, 70% recovered within 21 days and 28% within 42 days of initiation of therapy. One cat had only partial recovery and another was euthanized. Negative fungal culture was recorded only after the fourth dose of lufenuron in 98% of affected cats and 100% of asymptomatic carriers. There was no difference in clinical response to lufenuron between the cats treated in their home environment and those treated in the veterinary hospital. Side effects were not observed, thus the drug proved to be safe and effective for the treatment of dermatophytosis. Funding: Novartis.