How to use Unidox Solytab for ticks? - briefly
Unidox Solytab is intended for bacterial infections and is not approved for ectoparasite control; administer it only following the veterinarian‑prescribed dosage. For tick management, use a licensed acaricide or seek veterinary advice.
How to use Unidox Solytab for ticks? - in detail
Unidox Solytab, a long‑acting injectable formulation of ivermectin, is employed to control tick infestations on livestock. Proper use requires adherence to dosage calculations, injection technique, and post‑treatment monitoring.
The recommended dose for cattle is 0.2 mg kg⁻¹ body weight, administered subcutaneously in the neck region. For sheep and goats, the dose is 0.2 mg kg⁻¹ as well, with injections placed in the thigh or lumbar area. Accurate weighing or estimation of live weight is essential; under‑dosing reduces efficacy, while overdosing increases the risk of adverse reactions.
Administration steps:
- Prepare a sterile syringe and needle appropriate for the animal’s size (e.g., 18‑20 G, 1‑2 inches).
- Withdraw the calculated volume of Unidox Solytab, ensuring no air bubbles remain.
- Restrain the animal securely to prevent movement.
- Disinfect the injection site with an alcohol swab.
- Insert the needle at a 45‑degree angle, aspirate to confirm absence of blood, then inject the solution slowly.
- Withdraw the needle, apply gentle pressure, and monitor the site for swelling or discharge.
Timing of treatment aligns with the tick life cycle. Administer the product at the onset of the tick season, then repeat every 30 days throughout the high‑risk period. This schedule maintains plasma ivermectin concentrations above the therapeutic threshold, preventing attachment and feeding.
Safety considerations:
- Do not use in pregnant animals beyond the first trimester; embryotoxic effects have been reported.
- Observe a 48‑hour withdrawal interval for milk and a 7‑day interval for meat, as stipulated by regulatory guidelines.
- Record any signs of hypersensitivity (e.g., facial swelling, respiratory distress) and report them to a veterinary professional promptly.
Storage guidelines:
- Keep the vial in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight.
- Do not freeze; temperature should remain between 2 °C and 8 °C.
- Use within 12 months of the manufacturing date, checking the expiration label before each batch.
Monitoring efficacy involves inspecting animals weekly for live ticks. A reduction of ≥90 % in tick counts after the first treatment indicates successful control. Persistently high infestations may signal resistance; in such cases, rotate to an alternative acaricide class after consulting a veterinarian.
By following the dosage regimen, injection protocol, and safety measures outlined above, Unidox Solytab provides reliable tick management for a range of livestock species.