Tolerability of the Supramil® emulsion in pregnant and lactating queens

This study evaluated the safety and tolerance of the anthelmintic drug Supramil® emulsion in pregnant and lactating queens. The formulation represents a novel liquid preparation containing a combination of R-praziquantel (levorotatory optical isomer) and milbemycin oxime. Unlike products containing racemic praziquantel, the use of the active enantiomer enables a 50 % reduction in cestocidal dose while improving the safety profile to hazard class IV (practically non-toxic) according to GOST 12.1.007-76. The objective was to assess tolerance of the drug at a triple therapeutic dose (7.5 mg/kg R-praziquantel and 6.0 mg/kg milbemycin oxime, equivalent to 1.5 mL/kg) administered orally once weekly throughout 9 weeks of gestation and 8 weeks of lactation. Twelve healthy non-breed queens (age 18…24 months, body weight 3.5…3.9 kg) were randomly allocated to treatment (n=6) or control (n=6) groups. Following quarantine, vaccination, and ectoparasite treatment at a boarding facility, queens were bred with three proven healthy toms; pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonography at 21±3 days after cessation of estrous behavior. The treatment group received Supramil® emulsion weekly during gestation and lactation; controls received vehicle without active ingredients. Clinical parameters, body weight, hematological and biochemical profiles, adverse events, parturition, and kitten development (n=43) were monitored. Result showed no clinically and statistically significant differences between groups in behavior, appetite, body weight, hemoglobin, erythrocyte counts, leukograms, or biochemical markers (p>0.05). No adverse events occurred. Gestation length (mean 61–62 days), parturition (uncomplicated), and reproductive parameters (3.5…3.67 live kittens per litter, zero mortality) were comparable (p=0.619; 0.575). Kittens (age 2…56 days) exhibited normal neurological, musculoskeletal, and growth development. These findings confirm that Supramil® emulsion at the recommended single-dose regimen is safe for use in pregnant and lactating queens, demonstrating excellent tolerance even with repeated administration at a triple therapeutic dose.