An open, self-controlled study on the efficacy of topical indoxacarb for the treatment of dermatitis and pruritus associated with flea infestation in client-owned cats suffering from flea-induced allergic dermatitis

Flea-induced allergic dermatitis (FIAD) is frequent in cats. Despite widespread availability of flea-control products, little is known about the speed of resolution of FIAD clinical signs after treatment of affected cats with only an effective flea adulticide. To evaluate the resolution of clinical signs and pruritus in cats suffering from FIAD, twelve cats with pre-existing flea-induced allergic dermatitis, which presented to a dermatology referral service, were enrolled in an open-label non-controlled study in which all cats were treated two times with topical indoxacarb at 4 week intervals, with no concomitant treatments and followed for 56 days. Eleven cats completed the study. Mean clinical scores (SCORing of Feline Allergic Dermatitis) were reduced by 52% at week 4 and 75% at week 8. Mean owner assessed pruritus scores were reduced by 57% at week 4 and 79% at week 8. A statistically significant improvement in pruritus was observed 14 days after the initial treatment. Mean flea counts were reduced by 100% at week 4 and week 8. Topical indoxacarb treatment applied every 4 weeks without any concomitant antipruritic therapy eliminated the flea infestation, improved the clinical signs of FIAD and reduced the owner perception of pruritus in all cats.