Field assessment of potential exposure of dogs to leptospirosis by measuring antibody titers in dogs: a multisite study in five geographic regions of the United States.

Leptospirosis vaccine for dogs in the United States is considered a lifestyle or non-core vaccine, making individual veterinary practitioners responsible for determining if vaccination is necessary for their patients. Veterinary professionals often base their vaccination decisions on local rates of clinical cases. However, even subclinical leptospirosis infections have zoonotic potential.

Examining the role of macrolides and host immunity in combatting filarial parasites.

Macrocyclic lactones (MLs), specifically the avermectins and milbemycins, are known for their effectiveness against a broad spectrum of disease-causing nematodes and arthropods in humans and animals. In most nematodes, drugs in this class induce paralysis, resulting in starvation, impaired ability to remain associated with their anatomical environment, and death of all life stages. Initially, this was also thought to be the ML mode of action against filarial nematodes, but researchers have not been able to validate these characteristic effects of immobilization/starvation of MLs in vitro, even at higher doses than are possible in vivo.

Assessment of afoxolaner efficacy against Otodectes cynotis infestations of dogs.

Background: The efficacy of a single 2.5 mg/kg dose of afoxolaner (NexGard®, Merial) against induced Otodectes cynotis infestations was assessed in eight afoxolaner-treated dogs, compared to eight untreated dogs.

Methods: After O.

Efficacy of a proprietary formulation of fipronil/(S)-methoprene/cyphenothrin against Ixodes scapularis tick infestations on dogs.

Background: Efficacy of FRONTLINE TRITAK For Dogs (fipronil/(S)-methoprene/cyphenothrin, Merial, Inc., Duluth, GA) against Ixodes scapularis was evaluated in two separate, but concurrent laboratory studies.

Methods: One day after topical treatment with placebo or active, dogs (n = 24) were infested with 50 unfed adult Ixodes scapularis ticks, with repeat infestations on Days 7, 14, 21 and 28.

Evaluation of afoxolaner chewables to control flea populations in naturally infested dogs in private residences in Tampa FL, USA.

Background: A study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of afoxolaner chewables to control flea populations in naturally infested dogs in private residences in Tampa FL, USA. Evaluations of on-animal and premises flea burdens, flea sex structure and fed-unfed premises flea populations were conducted to more accurately assess flea population dynamics in households.

Methods: Thirty seven naturally flea infested dogs in 23 homes in Tampa, FL were enrolled in the study and treated with afoxolaner chewables.

Efficacy of a single dose of a novel topical combination product containing eprinomectin to prevent heartworm infection in cats.

Cats may be infected by heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, through mosquito bites. They can develop severe heartworm disease when infective D. immitis larvae migrate and develop into adults in the pulmonary vasculature or other tissues.

Switching NSAIDs in practice: insights from the Previcox (firocoxib) Experience Trial.

Veterinarians currently have a choice of six registered NSAIDs for use in the management of canine osteoarthritis. There is a need for data to clarify whether there is an increased risk of side effects occurring in the event of a switch between different members of the NSAID class. In this retrospective analysis of extensive data collected in the 1,000 dog Previcox (firocoxib, Merial) Experience Trial, the incidence of side effects in dogs reported as treated with an NSAID 7 days or less before enrollment was compared with that in dogs reported as not having received an NSAID in the equivalent period.

Clinical effectiveness and safety of a new NSAID, firocoxib: a 1,000 dog study.

For the Previcox (firocoxib, Merial) Experience Trial, practicing veterinarians across the United States were asked to enroll dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA). At an initial visit, owners of dogs deemed suitable for NSAID therapy were given Previcox and instructed to maintain a daily diary and to return 10 and 40 days after treatment began. Approximately 86% of the 1,002 enrolled dogs completed the study.