Efficacy and safety of selamectin (Stronghold®/RevolutionTM) used off-label in exotic pets.

Abstract

Selamectin, a novel avermectin compound, is reviewed and discussed for its efficacy against naturally occurring infestations and infections of Ctenocephalides felis, Otodectes cynotis, and Dirofilaria immitis in ferrets; different flea species, Psoroptes cuniculi, Cheyletiella spp, and Leporacarus gibbus in rabbits; different chewing lice, Trixacarus caviae, and Chirodiscoides caviae in guinea pigs; Ornithonyssus bacoti and Demodex spp in hamsters and gerbils; Polyplax spp and fur mites in rats and mice; different flea species, Demodex erinacei, Crenosoma striatum, and Capillaria spp in hedgehogs; and chewing lice in birds. The efficacy and safety of selamectin used off-label in exotic pets are detailed and discussed in this paper. Practical experiences and results suggest that selamectin is effective against a variety of ecto- and endoparasites.