What is Ponazuril Marquis used to treat in horses?

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.

How long does it take for Marquis to work?

Better outcomes seem to be associated with starting treatment early, with the most significant improvement generally seen within the first four weeks. MARQUIS is easy to administer, making it even easier for clients to deliver a precise dose.

What is the best treatment for EPM?

There are two treatment options for EPM.

A six-month course of antibiotic (trimethoprim-sulfonamide) and antiprotozoal agent (pyrimethamine).
A 28-day course of antiprotozoal (ponazuril). Horses may need a second round of ponazuril in some cases. This is the only FDA-approved treatment for EPM.

What drugs are used to treat EPM?

How is EPM treated? Treatment to control infection should include an FDA-approved anticoccidial drug (Ponazuril, Diclazuril, Sulfadiazine/Pyrimethamine). Additional treatments should be provided as needed based on the severity of the clinical signs and any associated complications.

What drug compound is Marquis?

Ponazuril is a metabolite of Toltrazuril, and is available in the United States as Marquis Paste, produced by Bayer (800-633-3796). Anecdotally, this drug has been used off-label successfully for treatment of coccidia at a dose of 15-30 mgs/kg.

What is Marquis used for?

Marquis (ponazuril) is indicated for the treatment of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) caused by Sarcocystis neurona.

How much vitamin E should a horse with EPM get?

5,000-10,000 IU per day
Kathleen Crandell, Ph. D., senior nutritionist at KER, states, “The vitamin E recommendations for EPM range from 5,000-10,000 IU per day through the course of treatment. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recommends 10,000 IU/day.

What should I feed my horse with EPM?

High quality, highly palatable forage should be fed as many horses with EPM suffer weight loss. High fat and soluble fiber rations should be utilized when feeding horses that are recovering from EPM. Excellent quality protein and amino acids are required to help rebuild damaged nerve and muscle tissue.

Can you ride a horse with EPM?

A Horses that recover completely can return to their original intended use. For horses that do recover, the improvement is based on the initial severity of the clinical signs (see box). However, not all horses that “improve” according to the clinical scale are able to be safely ridden again.

How long does it take toltrazuril to work?

This medication should start having effects within 1 to 2 days; however, you will not see the effects of this medication outwardly. Your veterinarian will need to run further tests to determine if the medication is working appropriately.