Comparative study of doramectin and fipronil in the treatment of equine chorioptic mange.

This research study compares the effectiveness of doramectin and fipronil in treating chorioptic mange, a common skin condition in equids (like horses) where there are no licensed medications for it in the UK. Researchers found both treatments to be effective in reducing mite numbers but not as effective in reducing skin lesions caused by the choriooptic mange.

Study Background

• This research examines chorioptic mange in equids, a skin condition that is common but doesn’t have any dedicated treatments licensed in the UK.
• The researchers tested doramectin and fipronil, two treatments used for controlling ectoparasites in other animal species, in order to compare their effectiveness in the management of choriooptic mange in equids.

Study Methodology

• The study involved 17 cases of chorioptic mange in 13 different equids.
• Only cases where mites were positively identified and where there were no other co-existing diseases that could affect the treatment response, were included.
• The participants were randomly split into two groups – group D was administered doramectin while group F received fipronil.
• Group D horses were given two subcutaneous injections of doramectin 14 days apart.
• Group F horses were sprayed with a solution of fipronil up to their stifle and elbow levels.
• The subjects of the study were assessed on treatment days, and then again on day 14 and 28, to evaluate behaviour indicating itchiness (pruritus) and the severity of the dermatological lesions.
• Acetate tape impressions from distal limbs were also taken to study the infestation levels of mites.

Study Findings

• By the end of the study period (day 28), there were no behavioural signs of chorioptic mange in any of the animals, indicating that the treatments had effectively dealt with the infestation.
• Both treatments were found to significantly reduce mite numbers.
• However, neither treatment led to a significant reduction in the mean score of skin lesions, one of the effects of chorioptic mange.
• It was also found that there wasn’t a significant difference between the effectiveness of the two treatments, doramectin and fipronil.

Study Outcomes

• The study indicates that both doramectin and fipronil could be considered for treating chorioptic mange in equids, as they both effectively reduced mite counts.
• However, it was evidenced that better solutions may be needed to address the skin lesions caused by this skin condition.
• The results also suggest doramectin and fipronil could be of equal effectiveness for the treatment of chorioptic mange, though further research may be needed for a conclusive determination.