Monday, September 17, 2012

Flea ,Tick and Heartworm products...some can kill if used incorrectly!

It is 8 PM on a lovely summer evening and a neighbour knocks on the door with a sick kitty in their arms. They thought their kitty had had a seizure in the afternoon. She continues to twitch and walks like she is intoxicated. On initial inspection it is noticed that she has a "greasy" area on the back of her neck. We ask the neighbour if she has applied a flea or tick product to this area. The answer is yes ...in the morning just before the kitty had the seizure!! When asked what product she used she was uncertain, however she knew she had used it before on her dogs and they were all fine.

This kitty was suffering from permethrin toxicity.

Permethrin is in many flea and tick products and it is highly toxic to cats. Without medical intervention they can die.

Permethrin products are labelled for use in dogs not cats. However people all to frequently do not read product labels.

At WBVC we try to avoid permethrin based products. Tick products with permethrins are sold only to households that do not have cats. Clients are warned that permethrins can kill cats.



Below is information about many parasite prevention products. Not all are approved for use in Canada.

FLEA PRODUCT CHARTS:

Confused about flea protection? The best advice is to consult with your veterinarian!


Table 1:Flea killing ingredient;
Flea sterilizing or additional ingredients;
For dogs or cats;
Youngest age or size approved for use;
Waterproof or water resistant

Table 2:Approved for pregnancy or lactation (nursing);
How long until maximum effect against  fleas is reached;
Other parasites killed, controlled or repelled;
How often applied or administered
Table 3:Oral or Topical, Prescription drug, non-prescription drug or insecticide;
LD50 (lethal dose to 50% of the population)
Table 4:Year first available in U.S.; Manufacturer,
Manufacturer’s website;
Additional cautions




TABLE 1
Flea Killing Ingredient
Flea Sterilizing or
Additional Ingredients
For Dogs
or Cats
Youngest Age or Size
Approved For Use
Waterproof or
Water Resistant?
Comfortis,
AcuGuard*
Spinosad
none
Dog
14 weeks; at least 5 lbs
Waterproof
Trifexis
Spinosad
Milbemycin (for add’l parasites)
Dogs
8 weeks; at least 5 lbs
Waterproof
Assurity
Spinetoram
none
Cats
8 weeks
Water Resistant

Vectra 3D,

SimpleGuard 3*,

FirstShield Trio*
Dinotefuran &
Permethrin
Pyriproxifen (flea sterilizer)
Dog
7 weeks;
at least 2.5 lbs
Water Resistant

Vectra for Cats,

SimpleGuard for Cats*, FirstShield for Cats*
Dinotefuran
Pyriproxifen (flea sterilizer)
Cats
8 weeks
Water Resistant
Revolution
Selamectin
none
Dog or Cat
6 weeks puppies
8 weeks kittens
Waterproof
Advantage II
Imidacloprid
Pyriproxifen (flea sterilizer)
Dog or Cat
7 weeks puppies
8 weeks kittens
Waterproof
K9Advantix II
Imidacloprid &
Permethrin
Pyriproxifen (flea sterilizer)
Dog
7 weeks
Waterproof

Advantage Multi

also called Advocate
Imidacloprid
Moxidectin
(for additional parasites)
Dog or Cat
7 weeks puppies
9 weeks kittens
Waterproof

Frontline

Fiproguard, PetArmor, EasySpot (cats)

Parastar (dogs)
Fipronil
none
Dog or Cat
8 weeks
Waterproof

Frontline Plus,

Fiproguard Plus, PetArmor Plus
Fipronil
Methoprene (flea sterilizer)
Dog or Cat
8 weeks
Waterproof
Program
none
Lufenuron(flea sterilizer)
Dog or Cat
4 weeks
Waterproof
Sentinel
none
Lufenuron (flea sterilizer) &
Milbemycin (for add’l parasites)
Dog
4 weeks; at least 2 lbs
Waterproof
Capstar
Nitenpyram
none
Dog or Cat
4 weeks; at least 2 lbs
Waterproof




TABLE 2
Approved for Pregnancy and Lactation (nursing)
How Long Until Maximum Effect Against Fleas Is Reached?
Other Parasites Killed, Controlled or Repelled
How Often Applied or Administered?
Comfortis,
AcuGuard*
Manufacturer recommends against use but not specifically labeled against
100% Fleas Dead
in 4 Hours
none
Monthly
Trifexis
Manufacturer recommends against use but not specifically labeled against
100% Fleas Dead in 4 Hours
Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms, Heartworm
Monthly
Assurity
Manufacturer recommends consulting with veterinarian first
98 - 100% Fleas Dead in
12 Hours
none
Monthly

Vectra 3D,

SimpleGuard 3*,

FirstShield Trio*
No
96% of Fleas Dead
in 6 Hours
Kills Ticks; Repels Flies
and Mosquitos
Monthly

Vectra for Cats,

SimpleGuard for Cats*, FirstShield for Cats*
No
98% of Fleas Dead
in 6 Hours
none
Monthly
Revolution
Yes
42 Hours to Zero Fleas
Dogs: Ticks (but is slow kill and disease transmission can still occur), Ear mites,
Sarcoptic mange mites & Heartworm Larvae
Cats: Round worms, Ear mites, Hookworm &Heartworm Larvae
Monthly
Advantage II
Manufacturer recommends consulting with veterinarian first
98% of Pre-Existing Fleas Dead in 12 Hours; Then New Fleas in 2 Hours
none
Monthly
K9Advantix II
No
98% of Fleas Dead
in 12 Hours
Kills Ticks; Repels Flies
and Mosquitos
Monthly

Advantage Multi

also called Advocate
No
98% of Fleas Dead
in 12 Hours
Dogs: Whipworms, Hookworms, Roundworms & Heartworm
Cats: Roundworms,Ear mites, Hookworms & Heartworm
Monthly

Frontline,

Fiproguard, PetArmor

EasySpot (cats)
Parastar (dogs)
Topspot Yes;
Spray No
24 Hrs to Translocate, then
4-18 Hours to Kill Fleas
Kills Ticks & Lice
Monthly

Frontline Plus,

Fiproguard Plus, PetArmor Plus
Yes
24 Hrs to Translocate, then
4-18 Hrs to Kill Fleas and
24-48 Hours to Kill Ticks
Kills Ticks & Lice
Monthly
Program
Yes
Peak activity at 6 Hours
none
Monthly for oral; Every 6 Months for Injectable
Sentinel
Individual ingredients Yes, but combination not approved
Peak activity at 6 Hours
Monthly
Capstar
Yes
Maximum Effect in 4 Hours
none
As Needed or Daily (no lasting activity)




TABLE 3
Oral or Topical?
Prescription Drug,
Non-Prescription Drug
or Insectcide
Lethal Dose to 50% of the Population
(the higher the number, the safer the product)
[What is LD50?]
Comfortis,
AcuGuard*
Oral (Chewable)
Prescription Drug
>3,000 mg/kg in rats; >2.000 mg/kg in rabbits
(translates to over 30 times recommended dose)
Trifexis
Oral (Chewable)
Prescription Drug
Spinosad: >3,000 mg/kg in rats; >2.000 mg/kg in rabbits
Milbemycin LD50 information unavailable
Symptoms of tremors and incoordination result at 19 times recommended dose
Assurity
Topical
Insecticide
Dermal and Oral LD50 in rats > 5,000 mg/kg
Vectra 3D,
SimpleGuard 3*,
FirstShield Trio*
Topical
Insecticide
>2,400 mg/kg in rats for Dinotefuran,
>4,000 mg/kg in rats for topical Permethrin
Vectra for Cats,
SimpleGuard for Cats*, FirstShield for Cats*
Topical
Insecticide
>2,400 mg/kg in rats for Dinotefuran
Revolution
Applied Topically, but rapidly absorbed through skin
Prescription Drug
>1,600 mg/kg in rats
Advantage II
Topical
Insecticide
Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats
Orally: 450 mg/kg in rats
K9Advantix II
Topical
Insecticide
Imidacloprid Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats
Imidacloprid Orally: 450 mg/kg in rats
>4,000 mg/kg in rats for Permethrin
Advantage Multialso called Advocate
Topical
Prescription Drug
Imidacloprid Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats
Imidacloprid Orally: 450 mg/kg in rats
>2,000 mg/kg in rabbits for Moxidectin
Frontline,
Fiproguard, PetArmor
EasySpot (cats)
Parastar (dogs)
Topical Topspot or Spray
Insecticide
Fipronil Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats
Fipronil Orally: 750 mg/kg in rats
Frontline Plus,
Fiproguard Plus, PetArmor Plus
Topical
Insecticide
Fipronil Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats
Fipronil Orally: 750 mg/kg in rats
Methoprene Orally: >34,600 in rats (virtually non-toxic)
Program
Oral; or
Injectable for Cats only
Over the Counter Drug
Orally: > 2,000 mg/kg in rats
Sentinel
Oral
Prescription Drug
Lufenuron Orally: > 2,000 mg/kg in rats
Milbemycin LD50 information unavailable
Symptoms of tremors and incoordination result at 19 times recommended dose
Capstar
Oral
Over the Counter Drug
Orally: 1,575 mg/kg in rats




TABLE 4
Year First Made Available in U.S.
Manufacturer
Manufacturer Website
Additional Cautions
Comfortis,
AcuGuard*
2007
Elanco
Should not be used in dogs with known seizure disorders
Trifexis
2011
Elanco
Puppies less than 14 weeks of age may experience a higher rate of vomiting
Assurity
2011
Elanco
none
Vectra 3D,
SimpleGuard 3*,
FirstShield Trio*
2007
Summit
none
Vectra for Cats,
SimpleGuard for Cats*, FirstShield for Cats*
2008
Summit
none
Revolution
2000
Pfizer
Pets should test negative for Heartworm before use
Advantage II
1996
Bayer
none
K9Advantix II
2003
Bayer
Do not use in cats
(cats are sensitive to Permethrin)
Advantage Multialso called Advocate
2007
Bayer
Pets should test negative for Heartworm before use
Frontline,
Fiproguard, PetArmor
EasySpot (cats)
Parastar (dogs)
1996 (Frontline)
2011 (all others)
Merial
Sentry
FidoPharm
none
Frontline Plus,
Fiproguard Plus, PetArmor Plus
2000
Merial
Sentry
FidoPharm
none
Program
1994
Novartis
Give with food
Sentinel
1997
Novartis
Give with food; Pets should test negative for Heartworm before use
Capstar
2000
Novartis
none






  • As of spring 2011, Pfzir has discontinued the manufacture of Promeris (active ingredients: mitraz and metaflumizone)




  • * VCA Animal Hospitals and Banfield Pet Hospitals market some products under their own hospital private label

    This chart compares many flea control products to assist you in determining which is right for your situation. These products are available at licensed veterinary hospitals. Over the counter products are not included in these charts. As there are 14 different products compared in 16 different categories, the information is divided between  4 separate tables.


    TICK PRODUCT CHARTS:


    American Dog Tick 2Brown Dog Tick singleAdult Female Lone Star Tickblackleggd tick
    American Dog Tick,
    Vector of: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
    Brown Dog Tick,
    Vector of: Ehrlichiosis
    Lone Star Tick (note the "star" on the belly),
    Vector of: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
    Deer Tick or Black-legged tick,
    Vector of: Lyme Disease, and Anaplasmosis 

    Confused about tick protection? The best advice is to consult your veterinarian!
    This chart compares the currently available tick control products to assist you in determining which is right for your situation. These are products made by reputable major pharmaceutical companies and most are available only through licensed veterinarians. Because there are 13 different products compared in 14 different categories, we have split up the information into 3 separate tables

    Table 1:Tick killing ingredient;
     Format (topical, collar or spray);
    For dogs or cats;
    Approved against which ticks
    Youngest age or size approved for use;
    How long one application lasts
    Table 2:Waterproof or water resistant;
    Approved for pregnancy or lactation (nursing);
    How long until maximum effect against ticks is reached;
    Other parasites killed, controlled or repelled;
    Other active ingredients
    Table 3:Prescription drug or insecticide;
    LD50 (lethal dose to 50% of the population);
    Manufacturer and product website;
    Additional cautions


    TABLE 1
    Tick Killing Ingredient
    Format
    For dogs
    or cats?
    Approved against which ticks
    Youngest Age Approved
    How long One Application Lasts
    K9Advantix
    Permethrin
    Topical
    Dogs only
    all shown above
    7 weeks
    1 month
    Revolution
    Selamectin
    Topical
    Feline product available but not labeled against ticks
    American Dog Tick only
    6 weeks
    1 month
    Scalibor Collar
    Deltamethrin
    Collar
    Dogs only
    Brown Dog Tick, American Dog Tick, and Deer Ticks
    12 weeks
    6 months
    Preventic Collar
    Amitraz
    Collar
    Dogs only
    all shown above
    12 weeks
    up to 90 days
    Frontline,
    Fiproguard, PetArmor, EasySpot (cats),
    Parastar (dogs)
    Fipronil
    Topical or spray
    Dogs and Cats
    all shown above
    8 weeks
    1 month
    Vectra 3D,
    SimpleGuard 3*,
    FirstShield Trio*
    Permethrin
    Topical
    Dogs only (feline product does not include a tick ingredient)
    all shown above
    7 weeks
    and 2.5 lbs
    1 month
    Certifect
    Fipronil and Amitraz
    Topical
    Dogs only
    all shown above
    8 weeks
    and 5 lbs
    1 month















    TABLE 2
    Waterproof or
    water resistant?
    Approved for Pregnancy and Lactation?
    Time to Reach Maximum Effect
    Other parasites controlled or repelled:
    Other active ingredients:
    K9Advantix
    water resistant
    No
    98% dead within 48 hours
    fleas, flies, mosquitoes
    imidocloprid
    Revolution
    water proof
    Yes
    48 hours
    ear mites, fleas, sarcoptic mange mites, heartworm
    none
    Scalibor Collar
    water resistant (remove collar for bathing)
    Not specifically labeled against, veterinary consultation recommended
    2 - 3 weeks
    fleas killed, flies and mosquitoes repelled
    none
    Preventic Collar
    water resistant (remove collar for bathing)
    Not specifically labeled against, veterinary consultation recommended
    100% dead in less than 24 hours
    none
    none
    Frontline,
    Fiproguard, PetArmor, EasySpot(cats),
    Parastar(dogs)
    water proof
    Yes for topspot, no for spray
    24 - 48 hours
    fleas
    methoprene
    in Frontline Plus,
    Fiproguard Plus
    and PetArmor Plus
    Vectra 3DSimpleGuard 3*,
    FirstShield Trio*
    water resistant
    No
    98% dead within 48 hours
    fleas, flies, mosquitoes
    dinotefuran, pyriproxifen (former kills fleas, latter sterilizes them until former product kills them)
    Certifect
    water resistant
    Yes
    18 hours
    fleas
    methoprene


















    TABLE 3
    Prescription Drug or Insecticide?
    Toxicity/LD 50
    (what is LD 50?)
    Manufacturer & product web site
    Additional Cautions
    K9Advantix
    insecticide
    Imidacloprid Dermal Dose:
    >5,000 mg/kg in rats
    Imidacloprid Orally: 450 mg/kg in rats
    >4,000 mg/kg in rats for Permethrin
    Bayer
    Permethrin is toxic to cats, use feline product only for cats. Avoid cat/dog snuggling.
    Revolution
    prescription drug
    >1,600 mg/kg in rats
    Pfizer
    Dog should test negative for heartworm before using
    Scalibor Collar
    insecticide
    oral LD 50 for dogs is 300 mg/kg,
    the dermal LD 50 in the rat is
    greater than 2,940 mg/kg
    Merck
    Deltamethrin is toxic to cats. Avoid cat/dog snuggling.
    Preventic Collar
    insecticide
    > 2,000 mg/kg in rats for Amitraz
    Virbac
    Amitraz is associated with an assortment of drug interactions, check with your vet. Also, collar is toxic if swallowed.
    Frontline,
    Fiproguard,PetArmor, EasySpot(cats),
    Parastar (dogs)
    insecticide
    Fipronil Dermal Dose:
    >5,000 mg/kg in rats
    Fipronil Orally: 750 mg/kg in rats
    Methoprene Orally: >34,600 in rats (virtually non-toxic)
    none
    Vectra 3DSimpleGuard 3*,
    FirstShield Trio*
    insecticide
    >2,400 mg/kg in rats for Dinotefuran,
    >4,000 mg/kg in rats for topical Permethrin
    Summit
    Permethrin is toxic to cats, use feline product only for cats. Avoid cat/dog snuggling.
    Certifect
    insecticide
    > 2,000 mg/kg in rats for Amitraz
    Fipronil Dermal Dose:
    >5,000 mg/kg in rats
    Fipronil Orally: 750 mg/kg in rats
    Merial
    Amitraz is associated with an assortment of drug interactions


















    As of spring 2011, Pfizer has discontinued the manufacture of Promeris (active ingredients: amitraz and metaflumizone)
    * VCA Animal Hospitals and Banfield Pet Hospitals market some products under their own hospital private label


    HEARTWORM PREVENTION CHARTS:

    Confused about Heartworm prevention options? The best advice is to consult your veterinarian!
    These two charts compare current heartworm preventive products side by side to assist you in determining which is right for your situation.


    For
    Dogs or Cats
    Heartworm Preventing Ingredient
    Other Ingredients for Control of Other Parasites
    Other Parasites Controlled
    Mode of Application
    Youngest Age to Start Using
    Heartgard
    for Dogs
    Dogs
    Ivermectin
    None
    None
    oral
    6 weeks
    Heartgard Plus
    Iverhart Plus
    Iverhart Max
    Triheart Plus
    Pet Trust Plus
    Dogs
    Ivermectin
    Pyrantel pamoate
    Iverhart Max also
    has Praziquantal
    Hookworms, Roundworms
    Iverhart Max also covers Tapeworms
    oral
    6 weeks
    Heartgard
    for Cats
    Cats
    Ivermectin
    None
    Hookworms
    oral
    6 weeks
    Interceptor
    Dogs
    and Cats
    Milbemycin Oxime
    None
    Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms
    oral
    4 weeks
    for puppies
    6 weeks
    for kittens
    Sentinel
    Sentinel Spectrum
    Dogs
    Milbemycin Oxime
    Lufenuron
    Sentinel Spectrum also has Praziquantal
    Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms, sterilizes Fleas
    Sentinel Spectrum also covers Tapeworms
    oral
    4 weeks
    Revolution
    Dogs
    and Cats
    Selamectin
    None
    For Dogs: Fleas, Ticks, Ear mites, Sarcoptic mange mites
    For Cats:  Fleas, Ear mites, Hookworms, Roundworms.
    topical
    6 weeks
    for puppies
    8 weeks
    for kittens
    Advantage Multi
    Dogs
    and Cats
    Moxidectin
    Imidocloprid
    For Dogs: Fleas, Ear mites, Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms
    For Cats: Fleas, Ear mites, Roundworms, Hookworms
    topical
    7 weeks
    for puppies
    9 weeks
    for kittens
    Proheart6
    Dogs
    Moxidectin
    None
    Hookworms
    injectable
    6 months
    (and no older than 7 years)
    Trifexis
    Dogs
    Milbemycin Oxime
    Spinosad
    Fleas, Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms
    oral
    8 weeks




    How Often Used
    Approved for Pregnancy and Lactation?
    Water-proof?
    Safe to Give to Heartworm Positive Animal?
    Manufacturer Website
    Heartgard
    for Dogs
    monthly
    yes
    yes
    yes
    10 mg/kg in rats orally according to MSDS sheet for Parade Equine Gel
    Heartgard Plus
    Iverhart Plus
    Triheart Plus
    Pet Trust Plus
    monthly
    yes
    yes
    yes
    10 mg/kg in rats orally for ivermectin; >690 mg/kg in dogs orally for Pyrantel Pamoate according to The Elephant Formulary by Mikota and Plumb
    Heartgard
    for Cats
    monthly
    yes
    yes
    yes
    10 mg/kg in rats orally
    Interceptor
    monthly
    yes
    yes
    In most cases yes but if microfilariae numbers are high then no
    LD50 information unavailable

    Symptoms of tremors and incoordination result at 19 times recommended dose
    Sentinel
    Sentinel Spectrum
    monthly
    yes
    yes
    In most cases yes but if microfilariae numbers are high then no
    LD50 information unavailable

    Symptoms of tremors and incoordination result at 19 times recommended dose
    Revolution
    monthly
    yes
    yes
    yes
    >1600 mg/kg in the rat orally
    Advantage Multi
    monthly
    no
    no
    yes
    Moxidectin: 106 mg/kg orally;
    Imidocloprid: 450 mg/kg in the rat orally
    Proheart6
    every 6 months
    yes
    yes
    No, in fact owner must agree to
    pre-treatment labwork including heartworm testing
    263 mg/kg in the rat when given by injection (the dose used therapeutically is 0.17mg/kg)
    Trifexis
    monthly
    Manufactuer cautions use, says to discuss with your veterinarian
    yes
    In most cases yes but if microfilariae numbers are high then no
    Milbemycin Oxime: LD50 information unavailable  Spinosad: >3,000 mg/kg in rats; >2,000 mg/kg in rabbits (translates to over 30 times recommended dose)


    Novartis products are temporarily unavailable from the manufacturer. At this time WBVC most frequently dispenses Revolution as a broad spectrum parasite control product. It covers adult and immature fleas, lice, most mites and over time ticks plus heartworm, roundworms, whipworm and hookworm. For more rapid tick control Preventick collars or K9Advantix are alternative options. Advantage and Program (with or without Capstar) are suitable options for flea control.

    The information in these charts is subject to change. For all parasite control choices we advise you consult with your veterinarian.


    6/2011

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