Which is better for rats: Stronghold or Selafort? - briefly
Stronghold offers higher protein and fiber levels, which better support rat nutrition and digestive health than Selafort. Consequently, Stronghold is the preferred option for rats.
Which is better for rats: Stronghold or Selafort? - in detail
When evaluating the two formulations for rodent health, several criteria must be considered: active ingredient, dosage regimen, spectrum of activity, safety profile, and cost efficiency.
Stronghold contains the macrocyclic lactone milbemycin oxime combined with praziquantel. Milbemycin oxide targets nematodes and ectoparasites, while praziquantel eliminates cestodes. The product is administered orally at a single dose of 1 mg/kg for milbemycin and 5 mg/kg for praziquantel. Efficacy studies show >95 % reduction in common intestinal worms and >90 % control of mite infestations within seven days. Adverse reactions are rare; mild gastrointestinal upset occurs in <2 % of treated animals. The price per kilogram of body weight is moderate, making it suitable for routine prophylaxis.
Selafort is a combination of ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate. Ivermectin provides broad-spectrum activity against nematodes and some ectoparasites, while pyrantel specifically addresses hookworms and roundworms. Recommended dosage is 0.2 mg/kg ivermectin and 5 mg/kg pyrantel, delivered as a single oral dose. Clinical data report >90 % efficacy against nematodes, but limited activity against tapeworms. Side effects include transient lethargy and occasional hypersalivation in <3 % of cases. The formulation is typically less expensive per dose than Stronghold, though the need for additional tapeworm treatment may increase overall cost.
Comparative points:
- Spectrum: Stronghold covers nematodes, cestodes, and ectoparasites in one product; Selafort lacks cestode coverage.
- Dosage simplicity: Both require a single administration, but Stronghold combines three actives, reducing the number of products needed.
- Safety: Both have low toxicity; Stronghold shows slightly fewer reported adverse events.
- Cost: Selafort is cheaper per unit, but may require supplementary tapeworm medication, potentially offsetting savings.
- Regulatory status: Both are approved for use in laboratory rodents; Stronghold holds a broader label for multiple parasite classes.
In practice, the choice depends on the parasite burden profile of the colony. For environments where tapeworms are prevalent, Stronghold offers comprehensive control without additional agents. In settings with primarily nematode infections and limited budget constraints, Selafort may be sufficient, provided tapeworm prophylaxis is managed separately.