Sarolaner/selamectin spot-on: An effective treatment of generalized demodicosis due to Demodex cati in a cat.

Abstract

Feline demodicosis is a rare parasitic skin disease. The clinical signs, which may range from mild and localized to severe and generalized, include alopecia, erythema, macules, pruritus, and hyperpigmentation. Although many studies have evaluated the safety and efficacy of different miticidal agents for canine demodicosis, there have been no controlled or conclusive studies on feline infection. Recommended medications for cats include organophosphates, lime sulfur, some macrocylic lactones, and isoxazolines, which may be administered as rinse, injection, oral or spot-on formulations. Most of these treatments are poorly tolerated by cats and have been associated with some adverse effects leading to treatment failure. Isoxazolines including sarolaner and fluralaner were introduced to veterinary medicine in 2014 and have gained remarkable popularity due to the rare occurrence of side effects with these treatments. However, literature reviews reveal only a few published reports of the effectiveness of this medication class on Demodex infestation in cats. To the authors' knowledge, this case report documents the first successful treatment of the generalized form of demodicosis caused by D. cati in a cat achieved with 2 monthly doses of topical application of sarolaner-selamectin combination. This may be a useful reference for practitioners. Key clinical message: There is no consensus on an ideal treatment for feline demodicosis due to lack of published data in cats. This report provides support for sarolaner/selamectin spot-on treatment (Revolution Plus; Zoetis) as an effective, safe, and practical treatment for Demodex mange in cats.