Revolution (Selamectin/Sarolaner): Is it the Right Choice for My Dog or Cat?
Here's a fact that might sting: even indoor pets aren't immune to parasites. Those pesky fleas and insidious heartworms don't care if your furry friend never sets paw outside. They'll hitch a ride on your shoes or breeze in through an open window, ready to wreak havoc.
Revolution and Revolution Plus are topical medications used to protect cats and dogs from a variety of parasites. Revolution contains selamectin, while Revolution Plus contains both selamectin and sarolaner. These medications are applied monthly and require a prescription from your veterinarian. They are effective against fleas, heartworms, and certain types of ticks and mites.
What Does Revolution Treat in Cats and Dogs?
Revolution, with its active ingredient selamectin, is a broad-spectrum parasiticide. It's designed to protect your cats and dogs against flea infestations and prevent heartworm disease. This medication ensures your pet is shielded from these common and potentially deadly threats.
For cats, Revolution goes a step further, treating and controlling ear mites, roundworm infections, and hookworm infections. It’s like a triple threat against the creepy crawlies that can make your feline miserable. For dogs, Revolution also tackles ear mites, sarcoptic mange (caused by *Sarcoptes scabiei* mites burrowing into the skin, leading to intense pruritus - that's vet-speak for itching!), and American dog tick infestations.
The Clinical Perspective (Biological ‘Why’)
Selamectin works by interfering with the nervous system of the parasites. Specifically, it increases the permeability of the parasite's nerve cell membranes to chloride ions. This disrupts nerve impulses, leading to paralysis and death of the parasite. When it comes to heartworm prevention, selamectin targets the larval stages of *Dirofilaria immitis*, preventing them from maturing into adult heartworms that can clog the pulmonary arteries and lead to heart failure. The monthly administration is mission-critical because it wipes out any newly acquired larvae before they can establish themselves.
Home-Care Hacks
- Calendar Reminders: Set a recurring monthly reminder on your phone or calendar to ensure consistent application.
- Application Spot Check: After applying, gently check the area in a few hours to ensure the medication has been absorbed and hasn't been licked off by your pet or another housemate.
- Vacuuming: Even with preventative medication, regular vacuuming of carpets and upholstery can help reduce the environmental flea burden.
The Red Flag Checklist
- Severe Skin Reaction: Excessive redness, swelling, or oozing at the application site.
- Neurological Signs: Tremors, seizures, or incoordination, especially after using Revolution Plus.
- Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea: Especially if accompanied by lethargy or loss of appetite.
What is Revolution Plus Used for in Cats?
Revolution Plus is a beefed-up version of Revolution, exclusively for cats. It prevents flea infestations and heartworm disease, just like the original, but with an added punch. It is formulated for kittens at least eight weeks old and weighing at least 2.8 pounds.
The addition of sarolaner, a second active ingredient, broadens Revolution Plus's spectrum of activity. This means it also treats and controls ear mites, roundworm infections, and hookworm infections. Furthermore, Revolution Plus provides added protection against fleas and tackles the Blacklegged dog tick, Gulf Coast tick, and the American dog tick.
The Clinical Perspective (Biological ‘Why’)
Sarolaner, an isoxazoline, takes a different approach to pest control. It blocks nerve signals in fleas and ticks by interfering with the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate-gated chloride channels. Honestly, this causes uncontrolled nervous system activity, leading to paralysis and death of the insects and arachnids. This dual-action approach, combining selamectin and sarolaner, is why Revolution Plus offers broader and more potent protection. The speed at which sarolaner works is genuinely impressive; it starts killing fleas within hours of administration, providing rapid relief for your feline friend.
Home-Care Hacks
- Weigh Your Cat: Accurately weigh your cat before each application to ensure you're using the correct dose.
- Separate Treated Cats: If you have multiple cats, separate them for a few hours after application to prevent them from grooming each other and potentially ingesting the medication.
- Observe for Reactions: Keep an eye on your cat for any signs of skin irritation or neurological issues in the hours following application.
The Red Flag Checklist
- Any Neurological Signs: Muscle tremors, stumbling, incoordination, or seizures. Isoxazolines, like sarolaner, have been linked to neurological side effects in some cats.
- Severe Allergic Reaction: Facial swelling, hives, difficulty breathing.
- Unexplained Illness: Lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea that persists for more than 24 hours.
Important Considerations Before Using Revolution or Revolution Plus in Cats and Dogs
Before starting your pet on Revolution or Revolution Plus, there are a few non-negotiable considerations. For Revolution, it's crucial to avoid use in sick, debilitated, or underweight animals. However, it's considered safe for pregnant and lactating females, as well as breeding males and females.
Revolution Plus requires extra caution. It should be used with caution in cats with a history of neurological disorders. If your cat is already receiving another flea or parasite preventative, proceed with caution. As of now, the safe use of Revolution Plus hasn't been fully evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats.
The Clinical Perspective (Biological ‘Why’)
The contraindication for sick or underweight animals stems from the fact that these patients may have compromised liver or kidney function. Selamectin is metabolized by the liver and excreted by both the liver and kidneys. In animals with impaired organ function, the drug may accumulate to toxic levels. The concern with neurological disorders and isoxazolines is rooted in their mechanism of action. By disrupting nerve signals, they can potentially lower the seizure threshold in predisposed animals. This is what I tell my own clients: always disclose your pet's full medical history.
Home-Care Hacks
- Full Disclosure: Provide your veterinarian with a complete medical history of your pet, including any pre-existing conditions or medications they are taking.
- Start Slow: If your cat has a history of neurological issues, discuss starting with a lower dose or a different preventative medication altogether.
- Monitor Closely: After the first application, observe your pet more frequently for any adverse reactions.
The Red Flag Checklist
- History of Seizures: Any prior seizure activity should prompt a discussion with your vet before using Revolution Plus.
- Concurrent Medications: Certain medications can interact with selamectin or sarolaner, increasing the risk of side effects.
- Known Allergies: If your pet has a history of allergic reactions to other medications, proceed with caution.
Revolution and Revolution Plus: Application Directions
Follow the directions on the drug label or as provided by your veterinarian. Revolution and Revolution Plus are given once a month, ideally every 30 days.
It’s absolutely mission-critical to use the correct species and sized medication for your pet. Cat medications on dogs or dog medications on cats can cause serious problems, including lack of efficacy or an overdose. Do not apply Revolution products to wet fur or skin. Part the fur and apply the full contents of the applicator to one location on the skin: between the shoulder blades in dogs, and at the base of the neck in cats. Wait two hours after applying Revolution or Revolution Plus before giving your dog a bath and 24 hours for cats. Also, do not allow your pet to ingest the medication.
Missed a Dose?
If you forget to give a dose of Revolution or Revolution Plus, give it when you remember. Do not give extra or double doses.
Possible Side Effects of Revolution and Revolution Plus in Cats and Dogs
Side effects are uncommon, but may include irritation or hair loss at the application site, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, drooling, increased breathing rate, tremors, conjunctivitis (in cats), sneezing (in cats), fever, generalized itching, hives, lack of coordination, and seizures (in dogs). Revolution Plus contains sarolaner, which is an isoxazoline. Although uncommon, neurologic side effects have been seen in cats after using medications in this class of drugs. These may include muscle tremors, stumbling, incoordination, collapse, and seizures.
Human Side Effects
This medication is not intended for use in humans. Avoid contact with the treated area on your pet until the area is completely dry and wash your hands after applying this product. Rarely, skin reactions such as hives, itching, and skin redness may occur in humans. If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, get this medication in your eyes, or a skin reaction has occurred, call your physician or the national Poison Control Center hotline at 800-222-1222.
Revolution and Revolution Plus Overdose Information
Overdoses are often more serious in dogs that have the MDR1 (ABCB1) gene defect. Topical overdoses do not typically show any additional symptoms beyond the listed side effects. Oral overdoses of this medication can cause the following symptoms in cats: loss of appetite, tremors, lethargy, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect an overdose, you used the wrong product on your pet, or you accidentally gave this topical product by mouth, immediately contact your veterinarian, seek emergency veterinary care, or call an animal poison control center.
How To Store Revolution and Revolution Plus for Cats and Dogs
Always confirm storage requirements by reading the label. Revolution products should be stored at controlled temperatures below 86 F (30 C). Store away from heat or open flames. Keep the medication in the provided container until ready for administration to protect it from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Revolution® for Cats and Dogs FAQs
Can I use Revolution® for dogs on my cat?
No, do not use Revolution® for dogs on cats. It’s important to use the correct species and sized medication for your pets’ exact weight.
The dose for dogs and cats is different for Revolution®. Always use the correct medication for the intended pet.
Do I need a prescription for Revolution®?
Yes, Revolution® is only available by prescription.
It’s important to work with your veterinarian to ensure the best external and internal parasite prevention plan for your pet’s specific needs.
Do indoor cats need Revolution®?
Yes, indoor-only cats are also at risk for parasites.
Revolution® is an all-in-one parasite preventative medication that helps protect your cat from external parasites like fleas, ticks, and ear mites, as well as internal parasites like heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms.