Drontal For Cats

The presence of tapeworms is indicated by the observance of tapeworm segments passed in the cat's feces. Tapeworm segments are white, pinkish-white or yellow-white in color and are similar in size and shape to flattened grains of rice. The segments are most frequently observed lying on a freshly passed stool. Segments may also be found on the hair around the anus of the animal or on the animal's bedding. Cats become infected with tapeworms after eating fleas or small mammals (rabbits, mice) which may be infected with tapeworm larvae.

Hookworms are small whitish or reddish-brown worms less than one inch in length that live in the intestinal tract and feed on blood. Cats can become infected with hookworms by swallowing infected larvae while grooming or when larvae from the environment burrow through the skin. Cats infected with hookworms may have poor physical condition, dull hair coat, and reduced body weight and diarrhea, sometimes with the presence of dark blood.

Large roundworms are white or yellow-white strands 2-7 inches in length (similar in size and color to smooth strings of spaghetti) that may be observed in the cat's vomit or feces. Cats become infected with large roundworms by swallowing infective eggs, particularly while grooming, or by ingestion of mice that may be infected with larval stages.

Large roundworms and hookworms pass eggs in the feces of the cat that can only be observed with the aid of a microscope.

The presence of these parasites should be confirmed through identification of parasite eggs in the feces.
Consult your veterinarian for assistance in the diagnosis, treatment and control of parasites.
Large roundworms and hookworms may be observed in the feces of the cat a day or so after the cat has been treated with Drontal Tablets. The majority of tapeworms, however, are digested and are not found in the feces after treatment.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:
To assure proper dosage, weigh the cat prior to treatment. Select the number of whole or partial tablets needed for the cat from the following table.

*NOT FOR USE IN KITTENS LESS THAN ONE MONTH OF AGE OR WEIGHING LESS THAN 1.5 LBS.

Drontal Tablets may be given directly by mouth or offered in a small amount of food. Do not withhold food from the cat prior to or after treatment.

EFFICACY:

A total of 93 cats with naturally acquired parasite infections were included in two well-controlled laboratory studies to establish the efficacy of Drontal Tablets. In addition, 85 cats and kittens of various sizes, ages and breeds were included in clinical field studies conducted at six veterinary clinics at different geographic locations throughout the United States. Data indicate 98% of the cats were completely cleared of parasite infections within 7 days of treatment. These studies demonstrated Drontal Tablets are safe and efficacious for the removal of the parasite species indicated on the label when used as directed.

SAFETY:
Cats treated with 10 times the highest recommended Drontal Tablet dosage during safety studies showed signs of vomiting and salivation without other adverse effects. Eighty-three of 85 cats treated with the recommended dosages of Drontal Tablets in a clinical field study did not exhibit any drug related side effects. A temporary loss of appetite was reported for one cat and transient loose stools were observed in a second cat.

RETREATMENT:
Steps should be taken to prevent parasite infections, otherwise retreatment will be necessary.
Tapeworms transmitted by fleas will likely reoccur unless measures are taken to control fleas. Flea control procedures must include insecticide treatment of the cat's environment (i.e. bedding and resting areas) as well as direct treatment of the cat with dips, powders, sprays or other approved insecticides.
Roundworms and hookworms are controlled in cats by maintaining an environment free of infective eggs and larvae. Feces and soiled litter should be removed on a daily basis to prevent build-up of eggs and larvae in the environment.
Certain parasites such as tapeworms and large roundworms are transmitted to the cat after they eat infected rodents. Controlling the predatory habits of cats, i.e., catching and eating rodents, will prevent these parasite infections.
Cats maintained under conditions of constant exposure to parasite infections should have a follow-up fecal exam within 2 to 4 weeks after the first treatment.
If reinfection with tapeworms, hookworms or large roundworms occurs, treatment with Drontal Tablets may be repeated.

WARNING:
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Consult your veterinarian before administering to sick or pregnant animals.