Trichuris vulpis

A single dose of febantel has good efficacy against adult whipworms, while a single dose of milbemycin oxime can remove >90% of adult worms in the GI tract.⁷

Fenbendazole

Dose: 50 mg/kg PO once a day for 3 consecutive days^1-4

A broad-spectrum benzimidazole anthelmintic safely used in multiple species, fenbendazole is labeled for dogs 6 weeks of age and in pregnant bitches. In the absence of ongoing monthly anthelmintic therapy (see Milbemycin oxime), retreatment is recommended 30 and 60 days after the first treatment because of the long prepatent period.³

Although there are no known contraindications, hypersensitivity reactions can occur secondary to antigen release by dead and dying parasites.¹ Diarrhea, vomiting, and salivation may occur infrequently in dogs and cats.<sup1  sup>

Febantel

Dose: 25 mg/kg PO one time^1,3,4 (combination formulation)

Febantel, a prodrug, is converted to fenbendazole and oxfendazole after oral administration. It is not available in a single-product formulation but rather in combination with pyrantel and praziquantel. A single dose of febantel has good efficacy against adult whipworms.⁵

This drug is contraindicated in pregnant animals.

Milbemycin oxime

Dose: 0.5 mg/kg PO once a month⁶

Milbemycin oxime is available in several combination and stand-alone formulations for monthly administration. A single dose removes >90% of adult worms present in the GI tract,⁷ with subsequent monthly doses removing worms that have developed from reexposure.

A heartworm test should be performed, with results below detectable limits before administration of milbemycin oxime.

Moxidectin

Dose: 2.5 mg/kg (topical) once a month⁸

Topical moxidectin (in combination with imidacloprid) is labeled for the treatment and control of Trichuris vulpis infection.

Like milbemycin oxime, a single dose of moxidectin removes >90% of adult worms present in the GI tract⁷; however, in this formulation, levels of moxidectin remain in the system until administration of the next monthly dose, whereas other medications demonstrating efficacy aginst T vulpis are metabolized and eliminated more rapidly.

A heartworm test should be performed, with results below detectable limits before administration of moxidectin.  

GI = gastrointestinal