From:
williamsdvm@comcast.net
Date: 2004-01-18 03:52:42 UTC
Subject: RE: Information request
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <435106.1074397962807.JavaMail.root@indium.smartgroups.com>
Author wrote:
> Hi everyone, in case you didn't realise i am a new member to this group, =
so i
> will introduce myself a little, i am a teenage ferret owner from the uk. =
My
> reason for this posting is to request a little information from the knowl=
edgable
> members. In case you are not aware their has been an extremely heated
> request on some of the less factual ferret communities regarding the use =
of
> fiprinol based frontline in the ear canals of ferrets as a treatment of e=
armites.
> As i am y, any ideas?
> sure you are aware fiprinol has been proven to have neuro toxic propertie=
s,
> aslong with other adverse affects, and therefore i have extreme reservati=
ons
> regarding this use, and would like further scientific evidence to support=
the
> case either way, any ideas?
> Marc
Dear Marc:
Fipronil is widely used in ferrets in many counties for flea control, and t=
here has been no report of toxicity when used at recommended dosages. Stud=
ies are not performed by the manufacturer in these products on every specie=
s of animal - that is not a cost-effective practice. I have recommended it=
s usage in a number of publications, dosages are available in a wide range =
of publications including the most recend edition of Ferrets Rabbits and Ro=
dents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery.
Remember that you can find toxicity information on a wide range of products=
that we use on a daily basis - this is how appropriate dosages are recomme=
nded. Did you know that 100% oxygen is devastating to your lungs over a pe=
riod of only a couple of hours.
But you want scientific studies - =
Here is a clinical study in which it was used in a wide range of exotic spe=
cies, however, not in ferrets (Darn!)
The efficacy of fipronil (Frontline=AE) against ectoparasites: control of l=
ice, mites and mallophages in diverse small animals =
C W Beck =
Vet Str 13,D-80539 Munich,GERMANY =
Tierarztliche Umschau, 2000, 55, 5, 244-250 =
Nineteen clinical reports on the efficacy of fipronil (Frontline=AE spray a=
nd Spot On=AE) against a number of external parasites in different species =
of small animals are reviewed. In addition to dogs and cats the preparation=
was successfully administered to guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice, budger=
igars, pigeons and reptiles for the elimination of pest arthropods. Effecti=
ve parasite was observed for Etodectes cynotis, Sarcoptes scabei, Cheyletie=
lla yasguri, Neotrombicula autumnalis, Lynxacarus radovsky, Trichodectis ca=
nis, Felicola subrostraties, Lignognathus setosus, Trixacarus caviae, Polyp=
lax spinulosa, Polyplax serrata, Liperuus spp., Columbicula columbae and Ca=
mpanulotes bidentus compar. Fipronil kills these parasites rapidly and with=
a durable effect, allowing lesions of skin and feathers to improve and red=
ucing severe pruritus. Possible contraindications in animals species such a=
s the rabbit, squirrel, hedgehog and Galliformes are discussed. Frontline=AE=
spray is also effective as an environmental decontaminant. =
All the best,
Bruce Williams, DVM
=
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