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Controlled field study evaluating the clinical efficacy of a topical formulation containing emodepside and praziquantel in the treatment of natural cat aelurostrongylosis
Author(s) -
Crisi Paolo Emidio,
Di Cesare Angela,
Traversa Donato,
Vignoli Massimo,
Morelli Simone,
Di Tommaso Morena,
De Santis Francesca,
Pampurini Fabrizio,
Schaper Roland,
Boari Andrea
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
veterinary record
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.261
H-Index - 99
eISSN - 2042-7670
pISSN - 0042-4900
DOI - 10.1136/vr.105528
Subject(s) - praziquantel , cats , medicine , clinical efficacy , radiography , clinical significance , feces , gastroenterology , surgery , biology , helminths , schistosomiasis , immunology , paleontology
Background Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is the most important nematode affecting the respiratory tract of cats in terms of prevalence and clinical relevance. The aim of this randomised controlled field study was to confirm the efficacy of the spot‐on containing emodepside/praziquantel (Profender, Bayer Animal Health) in the treatment of aelurostrongylosis. Methods Seventeen cats with aelurostrongylosis and presenting with clinical and/or radiographic signs were included in the study. Eight cats received two biweekly doses of emodepside/praziquantel, while nine cats were allocated to a control group and received a rescue treatment at the end of the study. Clinical response was the primary outcome, while the secondary end point was the reduction of larval shedding in faeces. Results Two weeks after the first application, the cats showed a significant, though partial, recovery of clinical signs with complete clinical and parasitological resolution. The resolution of inflammatory leucogram and a significant reduction of radiographic lesions were observed two weeks after the second treatment. Red blood cells and albumin values significantly increased after eight weeks from the second application, together with the complete regression of radiographic patterns. Conclusion Two applications of this spot‐on solution two weeks apart assured complete cessation of larval shedding and led to a complete clinical, clinicopathological and radiographic recovery.