Most have access to toltrazuril (Baycox, used as a anticoccidial medication) to treat coccidia in rabbits. The US does not have access to this product, but ponazuril (Marquis) is available and does just as well. Ponazuril (Marquis) is sold as a thick oral paste, in a large syringe (127 g, 15% w/w), to treat EPM in horses. Normally the paste is compounded (with distilled or sterile water) to achieve a concentration of 50 mg/mL when used with rabbits. Caution: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
Description
Ponazuril is an active metabolite of toltrazuril (the alternate chemical name for ponazuril is toltrazuril sulfone). While they are very close chemically they should be treated (dosed) differently. Most likely the bioavailability is different. “The baycox [toltrazuril] is much more likely to cross a cell membrane on its own over ponazuril that has got a different structure. Thus you would need less of it have the same effect on the liver parasites.
There are a number different treatment protocols currently for rabbits both with amounts and times given. Dr.H (HRS iHRS Center) recommends a 20 day dosing protocol (3 days on, 14 days off, 3 days on) dosing at 20 mg/kg with ponazuril for treatment. Dr.H & Dr.N’s (CVC) prophylaxis protocol is 50 mg/kg, once. This is the protocol that the math is based on below. If you have any questions please talk to your rabbit-savvy vet! The calculator will only show the dosing based on the data inputted.
Features of Ponazuril For Rabbits
Ponazuril (brand names: Toltrazuril sulfone®, Marquis®, Ponalrestat®) is an antiprotozoal medication used to treat equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) caused by Sarcocystis neurona. It may also be used to treat other protozoal parasites such as Toxoplasma spp, coccidia, and Neospora caninum.
While it is labeled for use in horses, it is also used in cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and reptiles to treat protozoal parasites ‘off label’ or ‘extra label’. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully as their directions may be significantly different from those on the label.
Direction
Ponazuril is given by mouth in the form of a paste. It may be given with or without food; however, if vomiting occurs when dosed on an empty stomach, give future doses with food. Measure doses carefully. This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 days; however, effects may not be visibly obvious and therefore laboratory tests may need to be done to evaluate this medication’s effectiveness.
Dosage
One of the dosage forms available for Ponazuril is Oral Powder. Wedgewood Pharmacy’s oral powders are an easy way to administer medications to horses. The powder can be used to top-dress feed, and the enclosed scoop makes it easy to measure the powder.
Other Dosage Forms Available:
Ponazuril is also available in these dosage forms. Different strengths may be available for different dosage forms.
- Anhydrous Oral Suspension
- Capsule
- Chew Treat
- Oral Paste
- Oral Powder
- Oral Suspension
Prices of Ponazuril For Rabbits
$36.00 – $98.90