SAFETY EVALUATION OF IVERMECTIN, CYPERMETHRIN, NEEM SEED OIL AND CITRUS OIL APPLICATION ON DOGS INFESTED WITH SARCOPTES SCABIEI VAR. CANIS: SERUM BIOCHEMICAL FINDINGS

Abstract

The serum changes accompanying the use of Citrus oil, Neem seed oil, Ivermectin, and Cypermetrin in ameliorating the effects of Sarcopticosis in dogs is scanty in literature. Hence, this study weighs the safety of these therapeutic interventions on dogs. Thirty dogs were enrolled for the study out of which twenty five were infested with sarcoptes mites and the other five were sarcoptes free. Botanical preparations were made and oils were extracted for use. Infested dogs were grouped in fives and were treated as recommended for six weeks. The main effects of the anti-parasitic agents, study duration and their interactions on the plasma biochemistry was evaluated. Total Protein was influenced significantly (P < 0.05) by the study duration while Albumin amount was significantly influenced (P < 0.05) by the anti-parasitic agent. The anti-parasitic agent and their interactions significantly influenced (P < 0.05) the Globulin concentration in dogs. The ALT and ALP were however influenced significantly (P < 0.05) by the anti-parasitic agent, study duration and their interactions. The findings of similar miticidal activity from the use of either a synthetic or botanical Acaricide goes to strengthen the need for study especially in the light of therapeutic failures and environmental toxicity.

Keywords: Serum, Botanicals, Synthetic, Acaricides, Sarcoptes, Dogs