QUEST® Gel
(moxidectin) 2% Equine Oral Gel - Contains 20 mg moxidectin/mL (2.0% w/v)
DEWORMER & BOTICIDE
FOR ORAL USE IN HORSES AND PONIES SIX MONTHS OF AGE AND OLDER
One administration of the recommended dose rate of QUEST® (moxidectin) 2% Equine Oral Gel also suppresses strongyle egg production through 84 days.
QUEST® is indicated for use in horses and ponies, including breeding mares and stallions, and foals six months of age and older.
STRATEGIC PROTECTION PROGRAMS
Consult your veterinarian for assistance in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of parasitism. For best control of parasites, all horses and ponies should be included in a strategic treatment program, with particular attention given to high performance animals, brood mares, stallions and foals. In foals, initial treatment is recommended at 6 months of age, after which they should be included in a recurrent treatment program. Because QUEST® provides effective control of the mucosal stages of small strongyles (encysted cyathostomes), it is useful in reducing the frequency of treatment required for successful strategic equine parasite control. A veterinarian can assist in preparing the best program for your needs.
QUEST® 2% Equine Oral Gel when used at the recommended dose rate suppresses strongyle egg production through 84 days following a single oral administration. This residual strongyle control reduces pasture contamination and provides a period of protection from reinfection for horses and ponies maintained on the same pasture.
MODE OF ACTION
QUEST® 2% Equine Oral Gel acts by interfering with chloride channel-mediated neurotransmission in the parasite. This results in paralysis and elimination of the parasite. Moxidectin is safe for use in horses and ponies because it does not have the same injurious effect on the mammalian nervous system.
ADMINISTRATION AND DOSAGE
QUEST® (moxidectin) 2% Equine Oral Gel is specially formulated as a palatable gel which is easily administered to horses and ponies. QUEST® Gel is packaged in ready-to-use SURE-DIAL® syringes (see diagram of the SURE-DIAL® syringe below). The syringe is calibrated in 50-pound increments, up to 1150 pounds. This enables the administration of the recommended dose level of 0.4 mg moxidectin/kg body weight by choosing a setting consistent with the animal’s weight.
HOW TO SET THE DOSE
Since the dose is based on the weight of the animal, you need to use a scale or weight tape to find each animal’s weight before treating with QUEST® Gel. Once the weight is known, set the dose for each horse or pony as follows.
1. Hold the syringe with the capped end pointing to the left and so that you can see the weight measurements and tick marks (small black lines) as shown in the diagram below. Each tick mark relates to 50 lbs. of body weight.
2. 2. Turn the green dial ring until the left side of the ring lines up with the weight of the animal. In the diagram below, the dial ring is set to dose a 500 lb. animal.
HOW TO GIVE QUEST® GEL TO A HORSE OR PONY
1. Make sure there is no feed in the animal’s mouth.
2. Remove the cap from the end of the syringe. Save the cap for reuse.
3. Place the tip of the syringe inside the animal’s mouth at the space between the teeth.
4. Gently push the plunger until it stops, depositing the gel on the back of the tongue.
5. Remove the syringe from the animal’s mouth and raise the animal’s head slightly to make sure it swallows the gel.
6. Replace the syringe cap.
TREATING A SECOND HORSE OR PONY WITH THE SAME SYRINGE
If the first animal you treat weighs less than 1150 lbs., there will be gel left in the syringe. You can use this gel to treat other horses or ponies. To set the next dose, add the weight of the animal you want to treat to the dose setting already on the syringe. For example, if the syringe was first used to treat a 250 lb. animal, the green dial ring is set on 250 lbs. To treat a 500 lb. animal next, move the green dial ring to the 750 lb. marking (250+500=750). You need more than one syringe to treat horses weighing more than 1150 lbs.
Each syringe of QUEST® 2% Equine Oral Gel may be used to treat more than one animal especially when dosing ponies and growing and lighter breeds of horses.
ANIMAL SAFETY
QUEST® (moxidectin) 2% Equine Oral Gel can be safely administered at the recommended dose of 0.4 mg moxidectin/kg body weight to horses and ponies of all breeds at least 6 months of age or older. Transient depression, ataxia and recumbency may be seen when very young or debilitated animals are treated. In these instances, supportive care may be advisable. Reproductive safety studies demonstrate a wide margin of safety when the product is used in the treatment of estrual and pregnant mares and breeding stallions.
To report adverse drug reactions or to obtain a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) call (800)477-1365.
ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
Care should be taken to avoid the release of significant volumes of moxidectin into either ground or free-running water since moxidectin may be injurious to aquatic life. SURE-DIAL® syringes and their contents should be disposed of in an approved landfill or by incineration.
PRECAUTIONS
QUEST® 2% Equine Oral Gel has been formulated specifically for use in horses and ponies only. This product should not be used in other animal species as severe adverse reactions, including fatalities in dogs, may result.
WARNINGS
Extreme caution should be used when administering the product to foals, young and miniature horses, as overdosage may result in serious adverse reactions. Do not use in sick, debilitated, or underweight animals. Do not use in horses or ponies intended for food.