Animal Health Solutions

14 Covetrus | covetrus.com Oral preventatives: Broad canine coverage, more limited for cats (e.g., milbemycin oxime, moxidectin, fluralaner, sarolaner, etc.)* For canine patients, several oral preventative options exist that can address heartworms, fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites with a single monthly dose. These may be favored by dog owners who want a one-and-done deal; however, compliance issues still exist. Oral preventative options for cats exist, though they're more limited, in part because pet parents often find it challenging to administer oral medications to cats. For both species, the veterinary team will need to consider the pros and cons of the formulation. Long-acting injectables: A new compliance model for canine patients (e.g., moxidectin and fluralaner)* For pet parents who struggle to remember monthly preventatives, a long-acting injectable administered by the veterinary clinic at the time of the wellness exam may be an appropriate solution. Unfortunately, this solution currently only exists for dogs. Injectable options for dogs include a long-acting macrocyclic lactone for heartworm prevention (6- and 12-month moxidectin) and an extended-release isoxazoline (fluralaner) for flea and tick control, given every 8–12 months depending on tick species in the area. 2,3,4 As with the topical and oral preventatives, the veterinary team needs to consider the benefits and potential drawbacks of these products when choosing the best option for the individual canine patient. BENEFITS • Can be administered at home by clients who prefer self-administering their pet's prevention • Options are available that cover heartworms, fleas, ticks, certain mites, and intestinal parasites • Options are available for both dogs and cats • All-in-one products exist for dogs • No residue left in the fur • No limitations on bathing or swimming • Flavors may be enjoyable to the pet • May be a good option for pets who have skin reactions to topical medications or who are reactive to needle pokes THINGS TO CONSIDER • More frequent administration may be riskier if client struggles with compliance • Flavoring may trigger an allergic reaction in pets with food allergy dermatitis • Patient may not get full dose if they spit the product out or vomit after consumption • Increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects • Overdose is possible if excess products are consumed by the pet or another animal in the home • Feline patients will usually require a combination of products for full coverage BENEFITS • Removes the at-home compliance variable • Administration in clinic reduces risk of improper administration technique • In-clinic administration may encourage wellness visits • Veterinarian maintains direct oversight of dosing and scheduling • Simplifies inventory management • No residue left in the fur • No limitations to bathing or swimming • May be a good option for pets with food allergies that react to flavors in oral preventatives • May be a good option for pets who develop skin reactions to topical products or who are resistant to taking oral medications THINGS TO CONSIDER • Not currently available for cats • Pet may be reactive to the poke of the needle, and injection site swelling and pain are possible • Does not offer intestinal parasite prevention, though injectable moxidectin does treat existing Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala infections 2,3 • Only available long-acting injectable flea/tick preventative is an isoxazoline, which may not be an option in dogs with neurological conditions 4,5 • Administration of a shorter-acting product may be recommended to monitor for adverse effects prior to shifting to long-acting injectable

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