Open AccessEvaluation of the effect of afoxalaner with milbemycin 1 oxime in the treatment of rabbits naturally infected with Psoroptes cuniculi
Author(s) -
Camilo Romero Núñez,
Ariadna Flores Ortega,
Galia Sheinberg Waisburd,
Alberto M. Cordero,
Enrique Yarto Jaramillo,
Rafael Heredia,
Lina Marcela González Gómez
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0230753
Subject(s) - erythema , mite , oral administration , medicine , encephalitozoon cuniculi , ivermectin , veterinary medicine , biology , immunology , microbiology and biotechnology , microsporidia , botany , spore
Rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculi ) are very popular as pets. However, problems of otitits caused by Psoroptes cuniculi are one of the main reasons to visit the veterinarian. Isoxazolines are an alternative treatment to treat this mite, and therefore, an evaluation of the effectiveness of oral afoxalaner with milbemycin oxime in rabbits infected with P . cuniculi was carried out. Nineteen rabbits, of New Zealand breed, with otitis due to an infection with P . cuniculi , were treated, whereas six rabbits were left untreated and formed the control group. The ear canals of each individual were examined, through the collection of otic exudate samples with cotton swabs. These were visualized under the microscope to identify the ectoparasite. Each animal was treated with a single oral dose of 2.50 mg / kg of afoxolaner, and 0.50 mg / kg of milbemycin oxime. Clinical signs and lesions associated with the infection, such as the presence of detritus, cerumen and / or scabs, and erythema, were evaluated. After receiving the treatment, all the lesions were classified as: mild, moderate and intense, with a visual analog scale. A week after providing medication, there was a decrease in the lesions of the group treated with Nexgard Spectra®, without further topical or systemic treatment. The decrease was gradual in the treated group and no recurrence was detected of P . cuniculi infection in both ears. Thus, the administration of a single oral dose of afoxolaner with milbemycin oxime was effective for the treatment of P . cuniculi infection in rabbits.