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Editor's Note: The topic of flea control and Bio-Spot was a recent topic of discussion in the VetMed forum. This article is actually a very informative reply in the forum that warrants placement here in the Viewer Viewpoint Medical Info area. Thanks for sharing this information, WildlifeMom!

Bio-Spot flea/tick treatment
by WildlifeMom

Bio-Spot® is manufactured by Farnam, and Drs. Foster & Smith are one of many retail places available to purchase it from. Nylar is a registered trademark of McLaughlin Gormley King Company, EPA Reg. # 270-278-43591, Veterinary Products Laboratory, Phoenix,AZ.

Bio-Spot® contains both a repellent insecticide (permethrin) and an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) (Biolar/Nylar--pyriproxifen.)

• Permethrin is a synthetic relative of natural pyrethrins, but more stable and with a relatively lower toxicity. Permethrin and natural pyrethrins work by disrupting insect's nervous systems, depressing nerve cell function and eventually causing paralysis.
• Nylar (pyriproxifen, the IGR) acts like an insect hormone and disrupts insect egg hatching and maturation of immature insect so they die before becoming adults. IGRs do not kill adult insects.

The drugs in Bio-spot collect in the pets hair follicles and are slowly released from there. As fleas or their larvae or eggs come in contact with or feed, one or the other ingredient becomes lethal to the flea.

Cats are extremely sensitive to permethrin, so a product labeled safe for dogs should not be used on cats, as levels of ingredients can be lethal to cats. Some dogs, too, can show sensitivities. If any problems occur (salivating, muscle tremors or twitching, dilated pupils, reddened skin, crying) use of a product should be discontinued, the animal bathed (and not all shampoos "cut" the active ingredients of all products out there that control fleas/ticks) and veterinary or animal poison control advice (1-800-ANI-HELP is the ASPCA poison hotline) should be sought immediately.

Pet owners also need to be cautioned on not mixing various types of flea/tick control, as the results can be toxic and deadly. If they are changing from one product to another, be sure to consult with a vet as well as both product manufacturers to determine how long after using one product is it safe to apply another, should the pet be bathed in-between, and are there any other cautions or restrictions.

An interesting site you may want to check into is http://web.missouri.edu/~vmicrorc/Arthropods/Fleas/Fleaprod.htm
It gives a good overview of various flea products currently on the market.

by WildlifeMom

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