THE PET PHARMACY By Wendy C. Brooks, DVM, DipABVP Educational Director, VeterinaryPartner.com

(for veterinary information only)

Brand Name: Marquis

Available as 150 mg/gram oral paste for equine, canine and feline formulas. Must be compounded. 

Background

Coccidia are single-celled organisms that attack intestinal cells and cause a potentially life-threatening diarrhea. Most mammals and birds can be infected, pets and livestock alike. Some species of coccidia can be transmitted to humans. The traditional medications are called coccidiostats, meaning that they interfere with coccidian reproduction. Coccidia are not killed by these medications but stopping reproduction buys time for the host's own immune system to respond and have fewer organisms to defeat. The host depends on a competent immune system to cure the infection and the time required to remove the infection is dependent on the number of organisms the host has when treatment begins.

Ponazuril represents a new approach to treatment. Ponazuril actually kills the coccidia, which makes for a faster response to treatment and a shorter course of therapy. The problem for dogs and cats is that ponazuril is manufactured for horses and comes in a paste that is impractical for small animal use. The paste can be diluted and used orally in dogs and cats. It is common for animal shelters and other areas where coccidia are common to automatically treat puppies and kittens at intake.

How this Medication is Used

The compounded formula is given orally for 1 to 5 days.

Side Effects

Horses sometimes get an upset stomach or even a rash around the mouth where the medication is delivered. (In horses, ponazuril is often given for 28 days as their target parasite requires a longer course.) So far this medication has not been formally studied in small animals despite its wide use in shelter situations.

Concerns and Cautions

Ponazuril has not been studied in pregnancy, even in horses.

It is our policy not to give dosing information over the Internet.

Date Published: 9/8/2008 10:19:00 AM