Rearguard

Rearguard, from Novartis, is for the prevention of flystrike (maggot infestation from the blowfly Lucilia sericata) in domestic rabbits for 10 weeks after dosing. Rearguard is a clear solution containing 6% cyromazine.

Please note: this product is an authorised veterinary medicine in the category NFA-VPS.
The Hay Experts are regulated and licensed by the The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and this includes both premises approval and inspection of on-site Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) who have undertaken the appropriate training and examination in veterinary medicines in order to supply this product.

You will be required to complete a medical questionnaire on behalf of your rabbit before we can dispatch.
Please contact us if you have any questions on this or product use.

Please also note we are only allowed to send this product to a UK address.

Pack size: 25ml bottle

Dosage and administration Rearguard comes supplied ready-to-use in a bottle with built-in applicator sponge. Gently depress the sponge to break the valve before applying.

Apply the product using the sponge applicator, ensuring that the rabbit fur is thoroughly wetted with the solution from the middle of the back to the tip of the tail. Ensure that the entire bottle is applied. Special attention should be paid to the areas under the tail and between the back legs. Do not allow the product to run off the animal. Discard any unused product after application.

Rabbits should be first treated in early summer before any flies are seen. Rearguard will not kill adult maggots but works by preventing any eggs laid by flies developing. Rabbits should be treated at 8-10 week intervals under conditions of repeated blowfly challenge.

Rearguard does not repel flies but it will prevent any maggots from forming and damaging the animal. If the rabbit is continually attractive to flies, this may be due to an underlying disease e.g. diarrhoea or incontinence, or a lack of hygiene within its housing. In such cases further advice should be sought from your veterinary surgeon.

In cases of existing flystrike, adult maggots should be removed by mechanical means and appropriate supportive treatment given. Rearguard should then be applied to the fur to prevent development of new larvae and re-strike.

Contra-indications, warnings, etc Treated rabbits may show a temporary reduction in appetite in the 24-48 hours following treatment. Not to be used in pregnant or breeding females. Do not apply to broken skin. Not to be used in rabbits intended for human consumption. Not to be used on rabbits less than 10 weeks of age. For external use only. For animal treatment only. Wash hands and exposed skin after use. Wash splashes from skin and eyes immediately. Do not smoke whilst using this product. Care should be taken in the treatment of old, sick or debilitated rabbits.

Pharmaceutical precautions Protect from frost or direct sunlight.
Do not store above 25°C.
Shake container before use.
Store in tightly closed original container.
Unused product should be returned to a veterinary surgeon.
Dispose of used packaging in the household refuse.
Store away from food and drink.
Keep out of reach of children.

Further information Bathing the animal may result in reduction in efficacy of the product and may require more frequent application. In cases of existing flystrike, adult maggots should be removed by mechanical means and appropriate supportive treatment given. Rearguard should then be applied to the fur to prevent development of new larvae and re-strike.

Pharmacological Properties Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antiparasitic products, insecticides and repellents.
Other ectoparasiticides for topical use.
ATC Vet Code QP53AX
Pharmacodynamic Properties
Cyromazine is an insect growth regulator. It is not pharmacologically active in mammals.
Pharmacokinetic particulars
Dermal absorption rate a maximum of 10% of dose over 8 hours.
Cyromazine rapidly excreted in mammals and birds.


Pharmaceutical Particulars List of excipients:
Methyl parabenzoate
Ethyl parabenzoate
Propyl parabenzoate
Lactic acid edible 80
Acetic acid glacial
Propylene glycol
Octylphenol ethoxylate
Silicone emulsion
Water de-ionised


Incompatibilities
None known
Shelf Life Shelf life of veterinary medicinal product as packaged for sale: 3 years.