Changes in flea and tick infestation following topical fipronil, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide, and pyriproxyfen in naturally infested dogs: an exploratory uncontrolled field study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Flea and tick infestations impair canine welfare and may have public-health relevance in rural settings. Objective: To describe temporal changes in ectoparasite infestation and associated clinical signs after a single topical application of fipronil, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide, and pyriproxyfen (PROTECH) in naturally infested dogs. Methods: This prospective, uncontrolled exploratory field study enrolled 44 privately owned dogs in Tahdziú, Yucatán, Mexico. Dogs received one topical application at Day 0 and were reassessed on Days 15 and 30. An approximately 5-min whole-body examination documented ectoparasite presence or absence. Field-recorded numerical skin-lesion and pruritus scores and observed adverse events were summarized. Results: = 15), positivity decreased from 15/15 to 3/15 and 2/15. Mean lesion and pruritus scores also declined in all subgroups. No adverse reactions were observed. Conclusions: A single application was followed by marked temporal reductions in ectoparasite positivity and clinical signs through Day 30. Because the study lacked a comparator and used non-validated clinical scores, the findings are descriptive and exploratory; they do not establish a causal treatment effect or comparative efficacy.
Source: Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7221713264