Boehringer Ingelheim, a global leader in animal health, has launched the parasite treatment, NexGard® COMBO for cats. With nearly 20 years of expertise in controlling parasites such as fleas, ticks, Lyme disease and more in dogs, NexGard® is now adding a cat-specific product to the NexGard® family. The new treatment is designed to protect cats from a wider range of parasites than any other product on the market, covering external parasites and internal parasites such as fleas, ticks, ear mites, face mange, hookworm, roundworm, vesical worm, lungworm, heartworm prevention, as well as tapeworm infections that affect their health and quality of life.
Parasitic infections are common in cats and are widespread throughout Asia. According to an epidemiological study of more than 1,000 cats in East and Southeast Asia, 43% of domestic cats suffer from external parasites such as fleas, ticks and mites and 14% harbor deadly internal parasites such as hookworm, heartworm and roundworm.
“Boehringer Ingelheim has always been at the forefront of research and development in the parasiticide space. Trusted by pet owners and veterinarians, our NexGard® family of products is now ranked as the best-selling of animal parasites worldwide. In Asia where over 26% of pet owners own cats, we are pleased to expand our line of feline parasite control, which includes Broadline® and FRONTLINE PLUS® Cat, with NexGard® COMBO for cats. It is an innovative one-and-done formula with esafoxolaner, the first isoxazoline parasiticide formulated for cats plus eprinomectin and praziquantel for the broadest external and internal parasite coverage to date,” said Sukje Sung, Head of Boehringer Ingelheim. Animal Health Philippines, Inc.
Common misconceptions about parasites in catsParasitic infections are often dismissed as unimportant issues but can cause serious health complications in cats such as bloody diarrhea, dehydration, skin inflammation and anemia. Ear mites are a common cause of ear infections in cats which are usually picked up when walking around outside and can cause itching, inflammation and swelling of the ear canal.3 In addition, some internal parasites such as hookworms can attach themselves to the intestines and feed on blood.
of cats. If left untreated, hookworm infections can result in potentially fatal blood loss, weakness, and malnutrition.4
Despite the high prevalence of parasitic infections, many pet owners remain unaware of how common they are. In fact, according to the veterinary specialist Dr. Ross Antonio Banayo, Technical Manager for the Companion Animal Business Segment of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines, Inc. pet owners remain misinformed about how these parasites are transmitted and affect their cats. These common misconceptions include:
- Indoor cats are less susceptible to parasites and do not require regular vet visits.
- Cats only need treatment if they are infected with parasites. Preventive treatment is not necessary.
- Parasitic infections are self-limiting and do not cause serious health issues.
- Removal of ticks and fleas can be effectively managed using parasite control shampoos alone.
According to Dr. Ross Antonio Banayo, Technical Manager for the Companion Animal Business Segment of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines, Inc. Common behaviors of cats such as grooming and roaming outdoors put them at a higher risk of contracting various parasites. Often, cats develop symptoms later in the infection, which results in more serious complications. This highlights the need for us to change our views and move to a preventive approach to parasite infection to protect their health.
Parasites can be transmitted and affect human health as well
Parasitic infections not only affect the health of cats but can be transmitted to humans to cause complications such as skin infections, anemia, stomach ailments and more. Fortunately, transmission can be effectively prevented by administering regular parasiticide treatment for cats and following regular follow-up with a veterinarian.
“The lives of pets and people are so intertwined that their health issues can affect ours. As we move to a preventive approach to human health, NexGard® COMBO is our preventive solution to preserve health of cats. This represents the next step we are taking to improve the health of animals throughout the region and bring a positive impact on our own health in the future,” said Sung.
Monthly treatment protects pet cats and their homes from deadly, debilitating, and transmissible internal and external parasites.
Important Safety Information
NexGard® COMBO is for topical use in cats only. The most frequently reported adverse reactions include vomiting, application site reactions, and anorexia. If ingested, hypersalivation may occur.
Avoid direct contact with the application area for 4 hours or until it appears dry.
Esafoxolaner belongs to the isoxazoline class. This class is associated with adverse neurologic reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures in cats with or without a history of seizures.
Use with caution in cats with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders.
The safety of NexGard® COMBO has been tested and approved in breeding, pregnant, or lactating queen (cats) in the Philippines. Product safety has not been established in breeding male cats.
NexGard® COMBO is for use in cats 8 weeks of age and older, weighing 0.8 kg or more.
