Companion Animal Vol 17 June 201242 © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Fleas are the most common ectoparasites found ondomestic pets and yet attract little scientific study. InApril 2011, at the GEDAC (French DermatologyStudy Group) congress in France, Professor PatrickBourdeau presented the results of a vastepidemiological study. These results provide us witha good opportunity to correct a few misconceptions.

Q. Vets often say “just one flea bite is enough to

trigger and maintain clinical signs of FAD” but how

did this statement arise and why did it become

dogma?

A.Our understanding of the role of fleas in whatused to be called ‘summer eczema’ dates back tostudies (Kissilef, 1938, 1962), (Feingold and Benjamini,1961) demonstrating the involvement ofhypersensitivity mechanisms. The importance of thetriggering role of flea bites in sensitised animalsprovided a powerful but simplistic message tomotivate clients to treat their animals: “it takes justone bite”. In reality, there is not the slightest piece ofevidence to support this. On the contrary, most ofour information suggests that multiple, repeated bitesare needed. Furthermore, all our modern insecticideshave been found, in carefully monitored studies, tobe effective in controlling FAD, regardless of theirspeed of action or whether they act systemically.Most topical insecticides fall far short of preventingall flea bites. The role of insecticides is to reduce thenumber of fleas and the number of blood mealsrather than prevent flea bites (Dryden, 2009). Wehave been telling people about the dose effect and

speed of action for a long time but the dogma of ‘justone bite’ prevails to this day. Opinions have hopefullyprogressed on this point, but only recently.

Q. Why do we talk of FAD and not FBH?

A.The concept of allergy, often perceived as non-dose dependent, has become bound to this dogma.In fact, the hypersensitivity mechanisms involved aremultiple, complex and found in the majority ofectoparasitic infestations, until now not thought of asallergies. Today, the definition of allergy has, itself,become much broader. We prefer the term flea bitehypersensitivity and use it in our teaching.

Q. What are the results of your studies on

parasiticide distribution comparing spot-ons with

sprays?

A.Topical spot-ons have revolutionised flea controlin terms of apparent ease of administration.However, like other formulations, they have theirlimitations, in particular in relation to distribution.There has been virtually nothing published on thesubject. It is important not to confuse overall efficacyon the whole animal with equal efficacy in each partof the body. In big dogs, when the same dose is splitover several places on the body, a better performancein terms of residual effect may be achieved. Thisimproved performance should be apparent onlywhen the product is first applied, not at the end ofthe residual period. This is because after three weeks, the product has had more time to diffuse.However, we have shown persistence of insecticidal

Topical anti-parasitictherapy: A fewmyths dispelled

ABSTRACT: An interview with Professor Patrick Bourdeau from the National Veterinary School (Oniris) at Nantes University,France where he heads the dermatology, parasitology and mycology departments.

Professor Bourdeau has a unique perspective on ectoparasites being both a recognised European specialist in VeterinaryDermatology and a founder member of the European College of Veterinary Parasitology.

The following translation is adapted from an interview with Professor Bourdeau that appeared in the French veterinarypublication, L’Essentiel in 2011.

Professor Patrick Bourdeau VMD, Diplomate ESVD, Diplomate ESPC(np)NATIONAL VETERINARY SCHOOL (ONIRIS), NANTES UNIVERSITY, FRANCE

DOI: 10.1111/j.2044-3862.2012.00212.x

activity on the coat to be excellent at the point ofapplication whereas only 20-25 cm away (we are nottalking about distal limbs here), insecticidal activitywas very much lower, even inadequate (Bourdeauand others, 2003a). Consequently, it is moreadvisable to apply spot-ons at several sites. Sprays, in theory, offer many advantages because theyprovide, if well applied, much better insecticidalpenetration. However, with sprays too, there is a bigdifference in efficacy when applied by owners towhen applied under experimental conditions(Bourdeau and others, 2003b).

Q. You have investigated the attitudes of dog and cat

owners to fleas. A questionnaire was given to clients

awaiting consultation at the Nantes Veterinary

School (Oniris) for various problems with their pets.

A.The problem of fleas and flea control cannot beapproached by looking solely at the resultingdermatological problems. We have demonstrated thatflea control must be well carried out (Bourdeau andothers, 2000). In our study, 50% of dogs infested withfleas had received a reputable product in thepreceding month. We have also shown thatapplication of flea control products (spot-ons andsprays) by owners is often poor (Bourdeau andothers, 2003b). As there have been no studies intohow owners deal with difficulties in flea control, weconducted an independent study in 2009, involvingaround 1000 owners. This study (Bourdeau andothers, 2011) has revealed a wealth of information.

Q. What percentages of owners were confronted

with the problem of fleas?

A.“Sixty percent of owners were confronted withthe problem of fleas, pruritus being the mostfrequent sign reported in nearly 70% of these cases(24% no sign at all, occasional skin lesions in 9% andfrequent dermatoses in 5% only) “with only a fewrespondents recording both pruritus and skin lesions.(Bourdeau and others, 2011). Few of these animalswould be presented for a dermatology consultation.

Q. What results did you see concerning difficulties in

applying flea control products?

A.Over 28% of cat owners and 11% of dog ownersrecognised the difficulties of flea control. Fifteenpercent changed product when the product theywere using, a spot-on in 2 out of 3 cases and a sprayin 1 out of 3 cases, was judged to be ineffective. A quarter of owners mentioned various undesirableeffects around the use of the products.

Q. How frequently are people applying the products?

A.This varies as follows: never (14.5%), once ortwice a year (27.3%), or over 3 times a year (under40% of cases).

Q. What do these results tell you?

A.These results tell us that we are far from havingflea control that is well-thought out, easy toadminister and well-regarded.

© 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd

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Practice NewslettersPractice Newsletters

Fledgling birdsTHE spring and summer months can be a stressful time for some of our favourite garden birds.

The young of our common garden birds leave the nest (or fl edge) before they are able to fl y properly. Fledglings will have grown most or all of their feathers and are very mobile, being able to walk, run and hop onto low branches and other perches. They spend a few days on the ground whilst their feathers fi n-ish developing, before they start properly fl ying. Fledglings are fed by their parents who are rarely far away, hidden from view, keeping a watchful eye over their youngsters.

So, if you fi nd a young fully feathered bird out of its nest, its likely to be a fl edgling and there is no need to be worried. The parents are probably close by, waiting for you to leave before retrieving

their young. Young birds which are in immediate danger from a predator or traffi c (such as near a busy road or footpath), may be placed out of harms way, a short distance away. Birds have a poor sense of smell, so briefl y handling a young bird will not usually cause its parents to abandon it, but do make sure you leave it in hearing distance of where it was found. A fl edgling should only be removed as a last resort – for example if it is injured or has been genuinely abandoned. In this case put it in a dark, warm box and bring it to us or your local rescue centre.

Further information on fl edgling birds can be found on the RSPB website at: www.rspb.org.uk

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NEWSDon’t get the summertime blues!

AT LAST – summer’s here! But whilst we enjoy the lovely summer weather, it’s worth sparing a thought for our pets. Here we look at a few steps you ca Slip slap slop! Cats just love white ear tips and noses are and subsequent cancer (see p be reduced by keeping them o proof sunblock to these areas

Grass seeds of the mead time of year. They are com may become embedded in the this, thorough inspection of the Bee and wasp stings problem. Som may require p Fleas and ticks up your guard and fi nally – NEVER leave your pet in a car on a hot day.

Tel: 01225 445561 www.petcare-centre.co.uk

Make sure your pets stay worm free!DOES worming your pets seem like a constant battle? Unfortunately you can’t vaccinate against worms, so regular worming treatment is the the only way to ensure your pets stay worm free! Until recently, our main concerns regarding worms have been with roundworms and tapeworms. However a new and serious threat to dogs is lungworm infection with Angiostrongylus vasorum.Roundworms are spaghetti like in appearance and live in the small intestines. The adult worms shed thousands of tiny eggs which pass out in the faeces and con-taminate the environment. Dogs and cats are re-infected by unwittingly eating the eggs. The eggs also pose some risk to children if accidentally swallowed.Tapeworms also live in the small intestines and shed segments containing eggs, which pass out in the faeces. The eggs may then be eaten by an intermediate host, including small rodents and fl eas. Cats catch and eat small rodents and both cats and dogs swallow fl eas as they groom, so re-infecting themselves with tapeworms.Lungworm – caused by the parasite Angiostrongylus vasorum, only affects dogs. Adult

lungworms live in the pulmonary arteries and right ventricle of the heart. Affected dogs can show a wide range of symptoms – some severe, including coughing, fi ts, blood clotting problems and lethargy. However many pets may show no obvi-ous symptoms. The lungworm parasite is carried by slugs and snails which act as an intermediate host. Dogs sometimes eat snails, but even snail slime trails left on grass and dog toys can be infected with lungworm eggs.The good news is that worms can be controlled by following a few simple rules: worm your pet regularly, use regular fl ea control, try to prevent dogs eating snails and slugs, and clean up faeces. Finally, please let us advise you on the best worm and fl ea treatment for your pets.

a young bird will not usually cause

Roundwormsadult worms shed thousands of tiny eggs which pass out in the faeces and con-taminate the environment. Dogs and cats are re-infected by unwittingly eating the eggs. The eggs also pose some risk to children if accidentally swallowed.Tapeworms

taminate the environment. Dogs and cats are re-infected by unwittingly eating the

, including small rodents and fl eas. Cats catch and eat small rodents and both cats

only affects dogs. Adult

Ear tip of a cat showing early cancerous changes. If your pet is showing any skin changes, please arrange a check-up

Fledglings will

feathers and are very mobile, being

proof sunblock to these areas during the summer months.Grass seedstime of year. They are commonly trapped in dogs’ ears, or may become embedded in the feet or other areas. In view of

Flies pose a big problem for rabbits as the weather warms up. Flies are very attracted to rabbits if they have soiled bottoms – here they lay their eggs which rapidly hatch out into fl esh eating maggots. It is important to check bunnies’ bottoms on a daily basis and call us at once if you are worried. Also remember that pets in outside runs need a shaded area to get away from the sun.

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18 Charles Street, Bath BA1 1HXTel: 01225 445561

SUMMER 2012

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pets. Here we look at a few steps you can take to keep them fi t and well. Cats just love sunbathing, however pets with ear tips and noses are particularly at risk from sunburn and subsequent cancer (see photo bottom right). This risk can be reduced by keeping them out of the sun or applying water-proof sunblock to these areas during the summer months.

of the meadow grasses are an issue at this time of year. They are commonly trapped in dogs’ ears, or may become embedded in the feet or other areas. In view of this, thorough inspection of the coat is advisable following walks.Bee and wasp stings are another seasonal problem. Some pets are allergic to them and may require prompt veterinary care.Fleas and ticks – do remember to keep up your guard against these pesky parasites NEVER leave your pet in a car on a hot day.

Make sure your pets stay worm free!DOES worming your pets seem like a constant battle? Unfortunately you can’t vaccinate against worms, so regular worming treatment is the the onlyonly way to ensure your pets stay worm free! Until recently, our main concerns regarding worms have been with roundworms and tapeworms. However a new and serious threat is lungworm infection with Angiostrongylus vasorum. are spaghetti like in appearance and live in the small intestines. The adult worms shed thousands of tiny eggs which pass out in the faeces and con-taminate the environment. Dogs and cats are re-infected by unwittingly eating the

Ear tip of a cat showing early cancerous changes. If your pet is showing any skin changes, please arrange a check-up

weather warms up. Flies are very attracted to rabbits if they have soiled bottoms – here they lay their eggs which rapidly hatch out into fl esh eating maggots. It is important to check bunnies’ bottoms on a dailydaily basis and call us at once if you are worried. Also remember that pets in outside runs need a shaded area to get away from the sun.£85

+ VAT

From just

Reinforce your client bond with a practice newsletter

for 250 copies

Companion Animal Vol 17 June 201244 © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Q. Fleas are the most common ectoparasites found in

dogs but there is very little data on their prevalence.

Do you have any data on prevalence?

A.It is perhaps surprising that despite theirimportance and practical impact, fleas attract verylittle research, especially in the field of epidemiology.Since 1996, we have systematically looked for andrecorded all infestations in every dog and catpresented. We use two procedures: thumbing andcombing to look for evidence of infestation. Datahave been presented in 2000, 2007 and 2011(Bourdeau and others, 2000, 2007a & b, 2011a, b & c).It is interesting to note that the monthly incidencediffers in the dog and cat. We have seen the sameresult in all three studies. There is a strong seasonalvariation in the dog, with the incidence beinghighest in late summer/autumn and lowest inFebruary. In the cat, on the other hand, the incidenceof flea infestation is high all year round. In total,nearly 23% of dogs and 56% of cats have fleas or skinproblems linked to fleas, on the day of consultation.

Q. In your studies you show that the prevalence of

fleas has increased since 2006. Can you explain your

findings?

A.If we look at changes in prevalence over time, wesee that between 1996 and 2005/6 (Bourdeau andothers 2007a&b), there was a regular reduction inthe annual infestation level in the dog (from 7% to4%) and in the cat (from 33% to 15.5%). However,between 2007 and 2010, levels increased to 15% inthe dog and over 30% in the cat. In 2010, fleas or

flea-related skin diseases were seen in 27% of dogsand 65% of cats in our clinics (see graphs). It wouldbe unwise to offer a simple explanation for thisincrease. These original studies provide us with abetter understanding of the difficulties of flea control,what motivates owners, and what determines productsatisfaction and ultimately compliance. The results ofsuch studies could be considered when choosinginsecticides to improve prevention and treatment offlea infestations.

REFERENCES

BOURDEAU, P., LARHANTEC, B., MARCHAND, A. M. Insecticidal

activity of haircoat of dogs treated by their owners with fipronil spot-

on or spray. Proceedings of the 19th International Conference of the

World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology

August 10-14, 2003 New Orleans (b).

BOURDEAU, P., LARHANTEC, B., MARCHAND A. M. Diffusion and

residual activity of insecticide formulations in haircoat of dogs: An

example with fipronil spot on and spray. Proceedings of the 19th

International Conference of the World Association for the

Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology August 10-14, 2003 New

Orleans (a).

BOURDEAU, P., BLUMSTEIN, P., FROMEAUX, C. Non-seasonal

prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of flea infestation in

dogs and cats. Veterinary Dermatology 2000; 11: 37.

BOURDEAU, P., ROUSSEL, A., TRAVERS, F., IMPARATO, L., La

problematique des puces chez le chien et le chat: aperçu général des

résultats d’une enquête auprès de 1000 propriétaires. GEDAC Poitiers

2011. (a) Fleas in dogs and cats: overview of the results of a survey of

1000 owners.

BOURDEAU, P., IMPARATO, L., BRUET, V. Evolution de parasitisme des

puces sur une population de 3505 chiens et chats entre 2007 et 2010:

vers une augmentation? GEDAC Poitiers 2011(b) The incidence of flea

infestation in a population of 3505 dogs and cats between 2007 and

2010: has it increased?

BOURDEAU, P., IMPARATO, LI., TRAVERS, F.T., BRUET, V. B. Evolution

of flea infestation in dogs and cats from 2007-2012 in western France;

towards an increase? Proceedings of the 25th Annual Congress of the

ESVD-ECVD, 2011(c). p204.

BOURDEAU, P., BRUET, V., TRAVERS, F. Flea infestation in cats:

Evolution on an eleven years period through a prospective/

retrospective evaluation. WAAVP congress 2007a.

BOURDEAU, P., BRUET, V., TRAVERS, F. Evolution of flea infestation in

dogs in an eleven years period in west of France. WAAVP congress

2007b

DRYDEN, M. W. Flea and tick control in the 21st century: challenges

and opportunities. Veterinary Dermatology 2009; 20: 435-440.

FEINGOLD, B. F., BENJAMINI, E. Allergy to flea bites. Clinical and

experimental observations. Annals of Allergy 1961 Nov; 19: 1275-89.

KISSILEF, A. The dog flea as a causative agent in summer eczema.

Journal of the American Veterinary Medicine Association 1938; 93 21.

Subs hotline: 01865 476071email: subs@ukvet.co.ukFig. 1a and 1b: Flea infestation (1996-2010) – the

results of a 15 year study evaluating the prevalence offleas on 13,874 dogs and cats in France (Bourdeauand others, 2000, 2011b, 2011c).