Use of the drug Stronghold for cats

Purpose of the drug

Modern remedies for ectoparasites in the form of ticks and fleas can be represented by collars, powder and sprays, lotions and shampoos, tablets and drops, but it is the latter option that has now become especially popular among pet owners.

Important! The main difference between all effective antiparasitic drugs sold today is the type of active substance, on which their purpose depends.

Selamectin, part of Stronghold for cats, is a modern semi-synthetic avermectin . The main active component aimed at combating fleas in various stages, ticks and other parasites by blocking the transmission of nerve signals. Selamictin is able to be quickly absorbed at the sites of application, after which it enters the circulatory system through the skin and spreads throughout the pet’s body along with the blood.

Indications for use of insectoacaricidal agent:

• destruction and prevention of Stenocephalides spp;
• complex therapy of flea dermatitis of allergic origin;
• treatment and prevention of O. synotis;
• prophylactic use and treatment of S. scabiеi;
• deworming for Toxocara sati and Toxocara canis;
• Ancylostoma tubaeform therapy;
• prevention of Dirofilaria immitis.

According to the manufacturer's recommendations, the external insecticide should be used to combat ear mites and fleas, some types of internal parasites and ticks, and is also highly effective in preventing dirofilariasis. The active substance acts destructively on 97-98% or more of ectoparasites within one and a half days after application, and contact with the antiparasitic agent disrupts the ability of insects to lay viable eggs.

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Side effects and contraindications

Many users in reviews of the drug claim that Stronghold quickly solves problems with external and internal parasites of cats, and is absolutely safe for purebred, pregnant and lactating animals. The drops dry quickly and do not have an unpleasant odor, so there is no need to keep the treated pet away from other pets or people.

Side effects of Stronghold occur in rare cases and are expressed as:

• skin redness;
• mild itching;
• moderate hair loss at the site of application of drops or the appearance of severe stiffness;
• cosmetic defects (greasy, white deposits, discoloration of fur) associated with local application of the drug.

Reactions are usually observed within the first 24 hours after application.

Stronghold is not recommended for use on kittens under 6 weeks of age, animals suffering from other diseases (especially in acute form), weakened or underweight for their age. Cats expecting offspring can use drops.

Instructions for use

The contents of the pipette included with the drug are applied to the dry skin of the pet. The insectoacaricidal drug should be applied strictly to the interscapular area, at the very base of the neck.

In this case, the dosage of the drug is selected based on the body weight of the animal. The form of a 6% solution of the drug is packaged in polymer-type pipettes of 0.25 and 0.75 ml, and a 12% solution is packaged in 0.25 and 0.5 ml, as well as 1.0 and 2.0 ml. Blisters containing three pipettes are sold in convenient cardboard packaging boxes.

Standard dosage of insectoacaricidal drops:

• if the animal weighs less than 2.5 kg, treatment is performed using a pipette with a purple cap with a nominal volume of antiparasitic agent of 0.25 ml;
• when the animal's weight is in the range of 2.5-7.5 kg, treatment is performed using a pipette with a blue cap with a nominal volume of antiparasitic agent of 0.75 ml;
• if the animal weighs more than 7.5 kg, treatment is carried out using a suitable combination of pipettes filled with an insectoacaricidal antiparasitic agent.

Stronghold is most often prescribed once, and the dose is selected at the rate of 6.0 mg of selamectin for each kilogram of the pet's weight . If a four-legged pet is simultaneously infected with several types of ectoparasites, it is recommended to adjust the dosage:

• In order to effectively prevent dirofilariasis, the drug is prescribed to pets on a monthly basis. The first time the product is applied four weeks before the flight of mosquitoes and midges, and the last treatment is carried out a month after the active flight of the pathogens has ended. Stronghold does not completely destroy mature Dirofilaria immitis, but the volume of circulating microfilariae is reduced, and the number of larval stage of Dirofilaria is also minimized;
• deworming of an animal for therapeutic purposes is performed once, and for preventive purposes, treatment with insectoacaricidal drops is carried out monthly;
• therapy for otodectosis involves a single use, followed by cleaning the ear canals from accumulating scabs and exudate. If necessary, treatment is supplemented with antimicrobial or effective anti-inflammatory drugs;
• treatment of tocoscariasis involves a single application, and for preventive purposes, the insectoacaricidal agent is applied monthly.

Monthly use of an antiparasitic drug not only directly protects the pet from infection, but also destroys the entire residual flea population, including larvae and eggs in the room.

This is interesting! It should be noted that the external insecticidal preparation based on semi-synthetic avermectin dries quickly, is quite moisture resistant, and does not have an unpleasant or pungent, irritating odor.

Before applying the product, the pipette is removed from the blister and placed in a vertical position, after which the foil covering the pipette is pierced by pressing the cap. After the protective cap is removed, the drug is ready for use.

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Dosage for kittens drops Stronghold

Weighing up to 2.5 kg, the optimal dosage for kittens is one pipette with a purple cap. It is important to understand that this dose can kill the kitten if contraindications are ignored.

The basic rules for dosing Stronghold are as follows:

• Drops are applied only once, even if it seems to you that you missed, many drops have been absorbed into the wool, etc.
• The dosage corresponds to the color of the tube.
• Unless the veterinarian prescribes otherwise, the whole tube is used for treatment.

Dosage for flea treatment

Features of prevention when treating ear mites

The effectiveness of ear mite treatment depends on several factors:

• Correct diagnosis requires scraping and observation.
• Complex treatment – ​​ear mites are very contagious, so all animals in the house need to be treated.
• Hygiene and maintaining cleanliness in the house - it is important to keep your own hands clean, carry out wet cleaning of the room, if necessary, with disinfectant solutions.

• Release form and components of the drug
• Pharmacology and pharmacokinetics
• Indications for use
• Instructions for use
• Contraindications
• Side effects
• special instructions

Release form and components of the drug

In addition to the main active ingredient selamectin, the structure of the drug includes two auxiliary components - dipropylene glycol and isopropyl alcohol. The drug is packaged in 2 versions: with 6% and 12% selamectin content. Stronghold drops are available in polymer pipettes of 0.25 and 0.75 ml for a 6% solution and 0.25 ml, 0.5 ml, 1.0 ml and 2.0 ml for a 12% solution. The blister contains 3 pipettes with colored caps. The drug is sold in cardboard boxes.

Pharmacology and pharmacokinetics

The drug is characterized by a high rate of absorption at the site of application. It begins to act a day after the procedure. For animals, the drug is low toxic (for example, for mice, the semi-lethal dose of selamectin reaches 1600 mg/kg) and treatment with it is well tolerated by dogs of almost all breeds.

Indications for use

Stronghold drops are prescribed in the following cases:

1. in the presence of fleas (as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent);
2. infection with ear mites (otodectosis disease);
3. allergic flea dermatitis - in the presence of the disease, drops are part of complex therapy;
4. toxocariasis;
5. for the prevention of dirofilariasis - used in potential foci of infection with Dirofilaria immitis;
6. sarcoptic mange;
7. hookworm.

Instructions for use

Stronghold drops are intended for external use only. The drug is applied to the pet’s dry skin using a pipette. First you need to pierce the protective membrane on the tip of the pipette, press the cap and remove it. The procedure is carried out as follows: you should spread the hair in the interscapular area at the base of the neck, and then squeeze the medicine out of the pipette. In this case, you need to be careful that the product does not get on the exposed skin of your hands. You should not touch the place where the drops were applied.

• Puppies weighing less than 2.5 kg - 15 mg is prescribed.
• Dogs weighing 2.60 – 5.1 kg – 30.0 mg.
• Dogs weighing 5.2 – 10.1 kg – 60.0 mg.
• Dogs weighing 10.2 – 20.1 kg – 120.0 mg.
• Dogs weighing 20.2 – 40.0 kg – 240.0 mg.

In the case of otodectosis, the ear canal and auricle are cleansed from scabs and exudate. If complications develop (otitis media and other ear diseases), appropriate anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial medications are prescribed. If necessary, treatment should be repeated after a month.

For the purpose of prevention, stronghold is prescribed monthly in the same doses. In all cases, animals are treated once. An exception is sarcoptic mange: the medicine is used twice with a break of 1 month.

Contraindications

There are a number of contraindications to the use of stronghold. Drops are not recommended for use on the following categories of animals:

1. small puppies less than 1.5 months old;
2. dogs with infectious diseases;
3. animals that have not recovered from illness;
4. animals with hypersensitivity to any structural component of the drug.

After treatment, the dog should not be allowed near sources of high temperature or open fire until the treated area is completely dry. It is not recommended to bathe the animal on the first day. Contact of dogs with children is also prohibited during the first 3 hours after treatment.

When treating otodectosis, dripping the medicine directly into the ear canals is strictly prohibited. Do not apply drops to damp or wet dog skin. The medicine cannot be used by injection or orally.

Side effects

special instructions

When using the drug, the instructions for use and basic sanitary and hygienic rules must be strictly observed. If drops get on exposed skin or mucous membranes, immediately rinse the area with running water.

Used pipettes cannot be used for other purposes; they are immediately disposed of (thrown into trash containers).

Drinking, eating and smoking are prohibited while dogs are being treated. After the procedure, you need to wash your hands with soap and rinse them under clean running water.

Drug price

The price of the drug Stronghold varies widely and depends on the weight category of the animal and the required volume of solution. Thus, in Russia the drug can be purchased for 300 – 1785 rubles per package. In Belarus, the price of medicine varies from 114,000 to 212,000 rubles. In Ukraine, the cost of 1 package of stronghold is 97 – 911 hryvnia.

It is necessary to use Stronghold against worms for cats only externally. Before applying the mixture, remove the pipette from the blister and hold it vertically. Press down on the cap to remove the protective foil. Next, remove the lid and apply drops to the animal’s withers. To do this, spread the wool and completely squeeze the composition out of the pipette. Remember that your pet's skin should be dry. All manipulations should be carried out very carefully so that the mixture does not get on your hands.

There is no need to specially prepare the animal’s skin before applying the product. Keep in mind that you should not use the product on areas with wounds or abrasions. After applying the composition, it is not recommended to massage the treated area. Approximately 2 hours after applying the composition, the cat can be petted and washed in the bathroom using shampoos and other detergents. At the same time, the effectiveness of Stronghold will be fully preserved. This fact is explained by the rapid absorption of the drug, which is ensured by the absence of oils in it.

Composition and release form

The solution is colorless and odorless, which is its great advantage. When using the drug, the pet will not experience discomfort. Please keep in mind that there may be medications in packages of shades that are not listed in the table presented. These drugs are intended for animals weighing more than cats. When choosing, be careful: drops in lilac boxes are suitable for kittens, and in blue boxes for adult pets.

Pharmacological action of the drug

Indications for use

Before using the product, you should study in what cases it is prescribed. Your veterinarian may prescribe a formulation for:

1. Elimination of fleas, prevention of re-infection with them within 1 month after using the medicine.
2. Relief from allergic flea dermatitis. The drug is prescribed as an additional drug and is part of complex therapy.
3. Restoring the cat’s body in the presence of otodectosis (ear mites), sarcoptic mange. These diseases can be caused by Otodectes cynotis or S. Scabiei ticks.
4. Carrying out deworming for toxocariasis, hookworm. Diseases can be caused by Toxocara cati, Ancylostoma tubaeform, Toxocara canis.
5. Prevention of dirofilariasis in areas where heartworms – Dirofilaria immitis – are reported.

Stronghold for fleas

Stronghold for worms

The medication is recommended for hookworm in cats and other diseases in which helminths infect the animal. If any disorders are detected, do not hesitate to use the drug. Apply it once (note that the composition is effective against toxocariasis in cats). To prevent diseases, the medication is used monthly. To avoid side effects, do not apply the solution too often. If you use the composition once a month, it will remain in the pet’s blood in a concentration that is sufficient for effective and long-term destruction of worms.

From ticks

Against ear scabies

The medication can be applied to prevent and cure otodectosis. To restore the animal, the composition is used once. During treatment, you need to clean the ear canals from scabs. If a complication of otodectosis (otitis) is observed, the veterinarian will prescribe other drugs to fight microbes and relieve inflammation. If additional treatment for otodectosis is necessary, this therapy can be repeated after 1 month.

Prevention of dirofilariasis

Contraindications

The main contraindications to the use of Strongold for cats are increased individual sensitivity to the antiparasitic drug and a weakened condition after a long illness. The product is not used for the prevention and treatment of kittens under six weeks of age, as well as in animals during periods of severe infectious diseases.

This is interesting! The process of complete absorption of Stronghold takes no more than a couple of hours, but during this entire time you cannot bathe the animal or pet the areas that have undergone antiparasitic treatment.

Stronghold, based on semi-synthetic avermectin, is categorically not suitable for antiparasitic measures in convalescent pets. Among other things, you cannot use an insectoacaricidal drug for internal or injection use and direct injection into the animal’s ear canal. The product is not recommended for use on wet skin.

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Precautionary measures

When working with Stronghold for cats, you should strictly follow all generally accepted safety and personal hygiene rules, which are stipulated by the requirements for working with medicinal products for animals. All empty pipettes are strictly prohibited for domestic use and must therefore be placed in a plastic bag for further disposal. After carrying out work, wash your hands thoroughly with plenty of water and detergent.

If the drug gets on the mucous membranes, they are washed with running water . To store Stronghold, a dry and sufficiently dark place is allocated, inaccessible to children and other pets, which should be located away from heating or heating devices, as well as open flames. The antiparasitic drug should be stored separately from food, at a temperature within 28-30°C. The standard shelf life of insectoacaricidal preparations is three years.

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Description of the drug

Stronghold drops for cats are produced by one of the world's largest manufacturers of modern veterinary drugs and equipment - the international company Zoetis.

Stronghold is a semi-synthetic antiparasitic drug with a broad spectrum of action. The medicine is available in the form of a solution for external use.

Composition and release form

The main active ingredient of the solution is selamectin, auxiliary ingredients are isopropyl alcohol and dipropylene glycol. Selamectin acts on helminths, insects and ticks that parasitize cats and dogs. The substance destroys parasites within 36 hours and also blocks their ability to reproduce.

Release form

To treat and prevent infection in cats, Stronghold drops are used, which contain a selamectin concentration of 60 mg/ml. Drops of a 6% solution are available in two packages - 0.25 ml and 0.75 ml.

For convenience, the manufacturer has equipped polymer pipettes with caps of different colors - purple and blue, respectively. The cardboard box, in which 1, 3 or 6 pipettes are packed, is painted in a color similar to the color of the cap.

Storage conditions and periods

Stronghold should be stored in a dark, dry place, out of reach of children and pets, away from food, animal feed, and heating appliances. Storage temperature from +3 to +30⁰С. If the conditions are met, the shelf life of the drug is 3 years from the date of manufacture.