Anthelcide® EQ Paste (Oxibendazole) Paste

Paste medications are thick and sticky, usually given by mouth using a syringe or tube. They’re often used for dewormers or other oral meds in horses, dogs, and cats. The key is to aim for the back of the mouth so your pet swallows the paste instead of spitting it out.

For Horses:

1. Set the dose on the syringe if it has markings (usually based on weight).
2. Stand beside your horse, not in front, and have someone hold them if possible.
3. Gently insert your thumb into the side of the horse’s mouth (between the teeth) to open it.
4. Insert the syringe into that gap and squirt the paste toward the back of the tongue.
5. Lift the horse’s head slightly and encourage swallowing by stroking the throat or gently blowing on the nostrils.
6. Watch for licking or chewing—that means they swallowed. If paste spills out, check how much was lost and contact your vet if unsure.
7. You can offer a little water afterward and reward them with a treat like a carrot if allowed.

For Dogs & Cats:

1. Gently open your pet’s mouth or slip the syringe into the side of it.
2. Aim toward the back of the tongue and squirt the paste in.
3. Hold the mouth closed briefly, and rub the throat or blow gently on the nose to encourage swallowing.
4. Give praise or a treat afterward to make it a positive experience.

Aftercare:

1. Wipe your pet’s mouth if needed.
2. Clean or recap the syringe as instructed.
3. Store the tube according to label directions.

Tip: Paste can feel weird to pets at first. For horses, try giving applesauce by syringe ahead of time so they get used to the sensation.

Veterinarians most commonly consider Anthelcide® EQ Paste as part of a strategic deworming protocol to address various nematode species. It is frequently a point of discussion for the management of large strongyles (Strongylus edentatus, S. equinus, S. vulgaris), small strongyles (Cyathostomum spp., Cylicocyclus spp., Cylicostephanus spp., Triodontophorus spp.), large roundworms (Parascaris equorum), pinworms (Oxyuris equi) and threadworms (Strongyloides westeri). Your veterinarian may utilize diagnostic advances, such as fecal egg count testing, to determine when this specific medication is appropriate for your horse's equine health regimen.

At a pharmacological level, oxibendazole acts as a selective inhibitor of microtubule assembly in the parasite. By binding to tubulin, the structural protein of the parasite's microtubules, the medication may help address the absorption of glucose and other essential nutrients. This metabolic disruption leads to the depletion of the parasite's energy reserves and its eventual death. oxibendazole is formulated to manage both adult and certain larval stages of specific nematodes. Your veterinarian will determine the suitability of Anthelcide® EQ Paste based on the horse’s age, weight, health status and the results of diagnostic testing.

The actions described here reflect the product's FDA-approved labeling; your veterinarian determines the appropriate use for your animal.

Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring.

Commonly observed effects following the administration of Anthelcide® EQ Paste are rare, though some equines may experience localized digestive changes such as loose stools or mild colic-like symptoms. While benzimidazoles are noted for their wide safety margin in equids, including pregnant mares and breeding stallions, your veterinarian will weigh the clinical context of the individual patient before prescribing. Owners should monitor for any unexpected behavioral changes or physical shifts following administration and contact their veterinarian promptly with any concerns.

This medication is typically used with caution in horses with a history of liver sensitivity or those presented with a massive parasite burden, as the disruption of a large number of parasites simultaneously can sometimes lead to secondary physiological challenges. Because parasite resistance is an ongoing clinical concern in veterinary medicine, your veterinarian is the right person to determine the most commonly considered rotation and monitoring schedule for your horse. Ensure you provide a complete health history to your veterinarian before beginning any new prescriptions to ensure the management approach remains appropriate for your horse’s individual health status.