Efficacy of semi-annual therapy of an extended-release injectable moxidectin suspension and oral doxycycline in Dirofilaria immitis naturally infected dogs.

摘要: Dirofilaria immitis is a life-threatening nematode spreading globally. Arsenical treatment currently recommended for removal of adult worms. However, arsenical not available in some countries, and there are dogs that cannot tolerate the rapid kill worms; therefore, alternative adulticide slow-kill treatments needed. Criticisms against use these protocols include potential allowing disease to progress development ML-resistant The efficacy protocol includes semi-annual doses (i.e. every 6 months) commercially extended-release injectable moxidectin suspension (ProHeart® SR-12) with 30-day oral administration doxycycline was studied 20 naturally occurring D. infections. Each dog received ProHeart® SR-12 (0.5 mg moxidectin/kg) by subcutaneous injection (10 mg/kg/bid × 30 days) months until two consecutive negative antigen test results were obtained. Pulmonary cardiac evaluations performed radiographic echocardiographic parameters. Physical examinations, complete blood counts, clinical chemistry profiles, microfilariae tests periodically. At enrollment, all positive 18 microfilaremic. On day 30, microfilaremia counts decreased, became amicrofilaremic 150. 180, 11 antigen-negative, 7 more 360. remaining antigen-positive converted 540 or 810. All 180 days after first negative. There no decline performance throughout study. Overall, pulmonary conditions, presence worms echocardiography, enlargement caudal main arteries improved treatment. count results, profiles within normal reference values. Respiratory conditions improved, damage heart observed, well tolerated animals. This efficacious infected dogs. formulation provides advantage having veterinarians able administer, monitor, assess condition post-treatment periods.