Cestal for dogs

Cestal Plus is an anthelmintic medication for dogs developed by a French company. Its broad spectrum of action makes it suitable for treating and preventing various roundworms and tapeworms. Cestal is safe for dogs if the dosage is not exceeded, but it is important to read the instructions included with the medication.

Composition and release form

Cestal comes in round, yellow-gray tablets with a score line. This makes it much easier to divide the tablets to measure out the correct dose. Owners of small breed dogs will appreciate this convenience.

The tablets are packaged in aluminum blisters of 2. A cardboard box contains 5 blisters (10 tablets) and instructions for use. Each tablet weighs 700 mg. The active ingredients are:

• fenbendazole (concentration - 200 mg in 1 tablet);
• pyrantel pamoate (144 mg);
• praziquantel (50 mg).

Each of the active ingredients has a detrimental effect on worms that parasitize the gastrointestinal tract of animals. The composition also includes excipients. One of these is a liver flavoring agent, which gives the tablets a pleasant odor for animals.

Pharmacological properties

Cestal Plus is used to kill and prevent nematodes and cestodes. Its broad spectrum of action is due to a combination of three active ingredients, each of which affects both adult and larval worms:

1. Praziquantel is lethal to cestodes. Cell membranes become more permeable to calcium ions. This causes contraction of the worms' muscles, leading to paralysis and, ultimately, death. Praziquantel is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. Its half-life in the body is 24 hours.
2. Pyrantel pamoate is dangerous to nematodes. It disrupts nerve impulse transmission. This "information block" causes paralysis, which leads to death. It is absorbed in the intestines and has a long-lasting effect. It is excreted from the body after metabolism in the feces.
3. Fenbendazole is primarily effective against nematodes, although it also creates unfavorable conditions for tapeworms. It kills the parasites quickly due to the disruption of energy metabolism. It is virtually not absorbed in the intestines and is eliminated from the body over a long period of time, primarily through feces and urine.

The anthelmintic does not have a mutagenic effect and does not have embryotoxic properties.

Indications for use

Cestal is used to treat helminthic infestations caused by roundworms or tapeworms. These infestations occur in the gastrointestinal tract. Their presence may be indicated by vomiting and other gastrointestinal disturbances, failure to gain weight, and poor health.

The medication is also prescribed prophylactically to prevent worm infestations. It is used for deworming before mating and vaccination.

Veterinarian consultation is required!

Instructions for use

Cestal for dogs should be used according to the instructions. The dosage is calculated based on the animal's weight:

1. For puppies and small dogs weighing less than 2 kg, a quarter of one tablet will be required.
2. Pets weighing from 2 to 5 kg should be given 0.5 tablets.
3. For dogs weighing from 5 to 10 kg, 1 pill is needed.
4. For animals weighing from 10 to 20 kg, take 2 tablets.
5. If the animal weighs 20-30 kg, you need to give 3 pills.
6. If your pet's weight is between 30 and 40 kg, you need to take 4 tablets.
7. For large animals weighing over 40 kg, 5 pills will be required.

To get rid of worms, the medication is administered once. For severe or mixed infestations, the treatment is repeated after 2 weeks. For preventative purposes, Cestal is administered to dogs at the above-mentioned doses once per quarter.

The drug can be administered in one of the following ways:

1. Hide the tablet in the food and feed it to your pet. You can mix it with ground meat or hide it in a piece of meat or another treat your dog likes.
2. Force the product onto the root of your pet's tongue to prevent it from spitting out.
3. Crush the tablet into a powder and dissolve it in a small amount of water (boil and cool first). Inject the medicine directly into the mouth using a syringe without a needle.

The medication should be administered to your pet before the morning feeding. Deworming with Cestal requires no special preparation. There is no need to put your pet on a special diet, give laxatives, or administer an enema.

Preventive measures against worm infestation should begin after the puppy is 21 days old.

Our website also contains information about others deworming tablets for dogs, and also about how often it is necessary deworm a dog.

Contraindications and side effects

There are times when using Cestal Plus for dogs is not recommended. Contraindications include:

• age up to 3 weeks;
• infectious diseases;
• intolerance to the components;
• the recovery period after surgery and serious illnesses.

The medication is approved for use during the first half of pregnancy. Consulting a doctor is essential in this case. They will be able to determine the correct dosage.

Do not combine the use of Cestal with medications containing piperazine and other anthelmintics, as increased toxicity may negatively impact health and cause serious side effects.

Side effects from this medication are rare. Exceeding the dosage may result in decreased appetite or food refusal, diarrhea or vomiting, or depression. In such cases, consult a doctor immediately. They will prescribe symptomatic treatment.

Sometimes the medication causes allergic reactions. If this occurs, antihistamines and symptomatic treatment are prescribed. Pets with hypersensitivity should be given the medication with caution and after consulting a veterinarian.

Precautions and storage rules

Since Cestal Plus contains toxic substances, general guidelines for handling veterinary medications should be followed. After handling, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

If an allergic reaction occurs after contact with the medication, seek medical attention. People with hypersensitivity should exercise extreme caution.

According to the instructions, Cestal Plus should be stored at a temperature of 5 to 20°C in a dry place protected from sunlight. The medication can be stored for 2 years from the date of manufacture, but only in the original manufacturer's packaging.

Keep anthelmintics out of reach of animals and children. Do not store them near food or pet food.

Price

Many pharmacies sell individual Cestal tablets for dogs. The price per tablet ranges from 80 to 100 rubles. A pack (10 tablets) costs between 800 and 1,000 rubles.

Owner reviews

Alena, owner of a one-year-old dog:

"Ever since we adopted our little puppy from a friend, he'd had digestive issues. We tried different foods and feeding schedules, but to no avail, so we took him to a clinic. After testing, we discovered worms. We initially treated him with Milbemax, but the worms remained. Then the vet prescribed Cestal Plus. A follow-up check revealed no worms. We now use the medication regularly every three months for prevention. We're pleased with the results."

Victor, the beagle's owner:

"We went to the countryside for a vacation with our dog. On the third day, he started vomiting heavily, refused to eat, lay down, and didn't want to go for a walk. We went to the vet, where they found worms. The doctor recommended Cestal. The next day, we found several worms in his stool. We repeated the procedure two weeks later. I recommend it."

Maria, owner of a German Shepherd:

"We regularly use Cestal before mating and vaccinations. The dog tolerates the medication well. The only drawback is that we have to administer several tablets (forced; our beloved dog didn't appreciate the liver smell). We've had several tests done, and everything is clear. The medication does its job."

Veterinarian Reviews

Anastasia, a veterinarian with 5 years of experience:

"Cestal is a modern and effective anthelmintic drug. Its main advantage is its broad spectrum of action. I recommend using it not only to treat worms but also to prevent them. I prescribe it in combination with Enterogel, as it contains substances toxic to the liver. Side effects are rare."

Alexey, veterinarian:

"The imported medication Cestal is excellent for combating internal parasites, which are dangerous not only to animals but also to humans. Although its price is quite high, its effectiveness more than makes up for it. In my experience, I've never encountered a case where this medication failed to kill worms. I recommend it, but remember that it is a poison, and don't exceed the recommended dose."

Tatyana Mikhailovna, veterinarian in Yekaterinburg:

"I consider Cestal to be one of the most effective anthelmintic medications. I often prescribe it to my furry patients for both treatment and prevention. In my experience, this medication has never failed and has always helped get rid of parasites."

Read also:

• Milbemax for dogs
• Nexgard Spectra for dogs
• Helavit for dogs