Efficacy of a fluralaner-based ectoparasiticide for the control of otodectic and sarcoptic mange in naturally infested dogs, evaluated in randomized, double-blind clinical studies

Abstract Background One of the most relevant parasitic mites is Sarcoptes scabiei, which causes sarcoptic mange, commonly known as scabies. This condition is highly contagious and leads to intense itching and skin lesions in dogs. Otodectes cynotis, the “ear mite,” is immensely relevant as well, being the primary cause of external otitis in domestic carnivores, causing severe ear itching. The treatment and control of both these forms of mange rely on the use of antiparasitic compounds, such as fluralaner, which acts by paralyzing and killing arthropods. This study aimed to determine the acaricidal efficacy of WellPet™ (Ourofino Saúde Animal Ltda.), a new commercial palatable tablet based on fluralaner, at a dose range of 10–22.5 mg/kg, against S. scabiei and O. cynotis mites parasitizing naturally infested domestic dogs. Methods Two clinical studies evaluate the acaricide efficacy against each mite species in naturally infested animals. Each study utilizes 14 animals each, divided into a Control Group (n = 7), treated with a reference product on the basis of sarolaner (a palatable tablet based on sarolaner, 2.0–4.0 mg/kg—Zoetis Indústria de Produtos Veterinários Ltda.), and a treated group (n = 7) treated with WellPet™ (a palatable tablet based on fluralaner, 10–22.5 mg/kg—Ourofino Saúde Animal Ltda.). Acaricidal efficacy is assessed in both trials through mite counts and evaluation of lesions resulting from the diseases. Results Against Sarcoptes scabiei, WellPet™ provided a significant reduction in mite counts from day 14 (p = 0.022) onward, reaching 100% efficacy by day 28 without need for retreatment. The control group showed significant reduction from day 7 (p = 0.045) onward, but required retreatment to reach 100% efficacy by day 44. In the Otodectes cynotis trial, the WellPet™ group showed significant reduction starting from day 3 (p = 0.036), with 94.1% efficacy by day 14 and 100% from day 21 onward. The control group showed significant reduction starting from day 7 (p = 0.022) and reached 100% efficacy by day 14. Conclusions The WellPet™ product, a novel ectoparasiticide based on fluralaner, proved to be highly effective in the treatment of both sarcoptic and otodectic mange, with results similar to those of sarolaner, the only isoxazoline, at the time of these trials, registered in Brazil for controlling these mites. The main advantage observed for WellPet™ is the ability to achieve complete cure of sarcoptic mange with a single dose, thereby simplifying disease management. For otodectic mange, both products were highly effective. Further trials must still be conducted to corroborate these initial findings, but in summary, data presented here indicates that WellPet™ is an effective and practical treatment option for sarcoptic and otodectic mange in dogs with a single administration. Graphical Abstract