Efficacy of Oral Afoxolaner (NexGard®) Against Natural Infestations with Heterodoxus Spiniger (Phthiraptera: Boopiidae) in Dogs Under Field Conditions

The study assessed the effectiveness of oral afoxolaner (NexGard®) against Heterodoxus spiniger lice infestations in dogs in Kenya, involving 36 dogs, with 32 completing the study. Dogs were split into two groups, one receiving NexGard® and the other Frontline Combo®. Both treatments achieved 100% efficacy, eradicating lice by day 30 without reinfestation. Significant improvements in symptoms like hair loss, pruritus, and scaling were noted in both groups. The study underscores the effectiveness of isoxazoline-based treatments for parasite control, despite limitations such as the small sample size and absence of a placebo group.