Afoxolaner (NexGard®) in pet snakes for the treatment and control of snake mites

[bcr229]

Afoxolaner (NexGard®) in pet snakes for the treatment and control of snake mites

This is incredible news. One oral treatment, which can be put into a f/t feeder, then 24 hours later the mites are all dead, and 14 and 28 days later no living or dead mites were found. It was also shown safe for gravid females.

https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-022-05611-1

 

[Martin Nowak]

Although you posted this a year ago ... just wanted to thank you for the paper.
Most interesting approach. Two aspects are interesting:
1. treating the snakes also eliminated mites in the environment (perhaps by the serum levels remaining high enough over ensuing days to also kill the mites hatching and feeding on the snakes(?))
2. the authors advocate monthly dosing of snakes similar to that in domestic mammals and agriculture mammals.
In any event - thanks.

 

[bcr229]

I'm not sure I would advocate for the second without knowing the long-term effects this has on reptiles. I could see doing the treatment if the snake has mites or as part of a quarantine regimen for new arrivals, but not monthly just because.

Treating for parasites regularly is different with dogs, cats, horses, cattle, etc. because they're outside where flies or mosquitos can spread parasites.

 

[Martin Nowak]

Last night I did a fairly extensive lit review to learn more about toxicology of Afoxolaner in mammals and snakes; as well as testudinidae. I found no contraindications for even higher doses than that recommended in veterinary literature for snakes (2.5mg/kg). Studies in mammals to reach side effects were such large dosages as to be illogical and unlikely. And the side effects were not fatal and also reversible. A number of papers from several countries indicated safety in giving reptiles a monthly dose. Not that I feel the need to do such - just a comment from the various papers. Some advocated routinely giving a dose upon receiving new animals as part of the quarantine process.

 

[EricIvins]

I’ve dosed everything that has come in with no unintended consequences. I also redosed species within 15 days and have gone above the recommended dosage. Not scientific, but it works better than anything else on the market.