Enhanced Ivermectin Nanoemulsion for Transdermal Treatment of External Parasitic Infestations in Dogs

Ectoparasites such as fleas and mange, are a significant health concern for dogs, affecting their overall health and quality of life. This experimental study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a Nanoemulsion loaded with ivermectin in the treatment of dogs infested with fleas and mange. Seventeen dogs were included in the trial, divided into three groups: a control group of seven healthy dogs, a group of five dogs suffering from flea infestations, and a group of five dogs with mange infestations. Blood samples were collected before treatment and at weekly intervals over four weeks to assess changes in hematological parameters (CBC), liver function (ALP, AST), and lipid profile (triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, albumin, and globulin) before and after treatment at weekly intervals over four weeks. Before treatment, the results of the flea group showed a decrease in HCT, neutrophil, triglyceride and HDL. While in the mange group there was a decrease in Hb, RBCs and HCT. After treatment there was an increase in WBCs count, AST, ALP, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, triglyceride, and HDL in the flea infestation group. On the other hand, the mange infected dogs; showed a significant decrease in Hb, HCT, triglyceride and increase in LDL level compared to premedication levels. In conclusion, the use of ivermectin-loaded Nanoemulsion proved to be highly effective in treating external parasitic infestations, particularly fleas and mange, in dogs, providing a promising therapeutic approach for improving the health and quality of life of affected animals.