Choosing antiparasitic agent for cats, we are guided by information about the manufacturer, reviews, doctor's recommendations.
And, of course, pay attention to the active substance and the range of problems with which it copes.
It is the last parameter that objectively distinguishes Stronghold from other means from external and internal parasites: only selamectin has no agrochemical analogs. It is used exclusively in veterinary medicine.
Who are we fighting with
Even fully relying on the advice of the veterinarian, before visiting him it is useful to stock up with minimal knowledge about the perpetrators of our concern.
Ectoparasite - the word is difficult. Ecto - means "external". With the second part - everything is clear: living at the expense of others. Endoparasites, on the contrary, harm from within.
A particular nuisance is that the former can play the role of master for the latter. And it would be their personal problem if it were not for the temporality of this coexistence: the external parasite is only an intermediate host for the internal parasite.
Ectoparasites of cats
Insects parasitize cats (fleas) and arachnids (pincers).
They not only feed on cat's tissues, but also cause diseases:
- cause disease (mites - ear scab);
- carry pathogens: both infectious and parasitic (fleas - plague, helminths).
Fleas
The kind of ordinary fleas that chose a cat to be their master, lives no more than two months. All this time they spend on the animal, eating or just walking through the fur.
On the cat litter are, as a rule, eggs, maggots and pupae. Of these, only the larvae - eat. But not a cat, but decaying organic skin particles, animal saliva or adult flea feces. In other words, what we get rid of, doing wet cleaning of the apartment, washing and ironing things, blowing fresh air and sun rays into the house.
Pliers
From arachnid parasite Sarcoptes scabiei the cat will get sarcoptic. Suffer most often skin on the ears, elbows, lap, stomach. Without treatment, the entire surface of the body is affected. A symptom that overshadows all others (redness, peeling, etc.) is a very severe itching.
Mite Otodectos cynotis causes ear scabs or otodectosis. He will not go beyond the ear and ear canal. Except (or instead of) intensive carding of the cat's ears shake their heads, rub it about items. By postponing a visit to the vet, you can wait for complications - the disease will reach the meninges, hitting the middle and inner ear on the way. Then the cat will have no time for carding.
When itching inevitably secondary infection of the skin (for example, staphylococci).
Important! Only the doctor diagnoses invasion in the laboratory. Take the animal to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible.
Consequences of cat infection with ectoparasites:
- bites cause dermatitis;
- scratches become infected, causing more and more severe itching and new infections;
- helminths are transmitted to the cat's body.
Endoparasites of cats
These are roundworms, otherwise - nematodes. Their presence in the body is called helminthiasis.
Cats and dogs chooses Ancylostomacausing hookworm. The larvae enter the body: by mouth, skin or mother placenta. Place of life choose the intestines, the diet - the blood of the host. Symptoms of invasion are local and general: from intestinal dysfunction to severe anemia and general weakness.
Harm to a cat hookworm inflict "on all fronts":
- skin and hypoderm react to the introduction of the larvae by urticaria;
- body migration causes tissue diseases;
- adult helminth injures intestinal walls (before formation of bleeding wounds);
- waste products of parasites cause intoxication of the body.
Toxocar larvae enter the host through the mouth. Symptoms - the same, plus frequent vomiting, sometimes - signs of bronchopneumonia, epileptic seizure.
But dirofilariasis is transmitted by insects, most often by mosquitoes, including “basements”. Less commonly, carriers of the pathogen are ticks, gadflies, lice and fleas.
The consequences are serious: the blood vessel lumens are narrowed, muscle tissue is reborn, the respiratory system suffers (manifested by a weak, dry cough) and the liver.
Detected by blood tests and clinical signs.
Treatment and Prevention by Stronghold
From all of the above diseases treats and protects the active ingredient drops from fleas, otic and itch mites, helminths for cats Stroghold - selamectin. Ticks were not included in this list. But for a cat that lives only in an apartment, the probability of meeting them is very small.
In the case of dirofilariasis, Stronghold is a prophylactic drug. The timing of its monthly use will be determined by the doctor.knowing about the presence and period of activity of the pathogen in the region.
Helminthiasis is treated in one time, prevented - monthly.
In the case of otodecosis without complications, a single treatment is also sufficient - a previously cleaned ear.
Note:
- bury in the ear, like ear drops, Stronghold can not;
- and if otitis starts, you will first need to cure him.
Attention! Assign simultaneous intake of different drugs can only doctor! A "simultaneity" can be calculated not in days, but in weeks.
The need to apply the drops again (after a month) will also be determined by the veterinarian.
Treatment of sarcoptosis requires double application of drops with a monthly period, and the prophylactic regimen is usual once a month.
Selamectin is well absorbed from the site of application (between the shoulder blades, on dry skin) and its action saves a month; in recommended doses well tolerated by animals, including pregnant and nursing females.
Available in pipettes of different volumes. for two "weight categories" cats, and the volume for heavyweights is two pipettes of different dosages.
Stronghold sold without a prescription, in boxes with 3 pipettes of the same volume and detailed instructions.
Sellers conditionally refer it to the category of “flea drops (and ticks) for cats”, “insecticidal preparations for cats”. The average cost per pipette packing is 0.25 ml - approximately 1300 r., 075 ml - 1500 r. One pipette (in retail) can be bought a little more than a third of the set price. Accordingly, the price of one pipette is from 400 to 500 rubles.
Goden Stronghold 3 yearsShould be stored in a dark dry place at a temperature of 3-30 degrees.
All parasites fear:
- Regular de-worming: once a quarter (pregnant cats and kittens during the feeding period - as prescribed by a doctor).
- Hygiene.
- Daily wet house cleaning, airing, sanitation.
- Wash, including high-temperature, and timely replacement of sun beds, houses, toys.
- "Quarantine" for a new petif he came from the street or from an unfamiliar family.
- Attention to the cat - inspections, feelings, combing, monitoring the behavior, maintaining immunity. And, of course, visits to the veterinarian: for ailments, doubts and for prevention.
In conclusion, we invite you to view a video with instructions on how to apply the stronghold drops:
