Target species
Cattle (dairy cows and heifers)
Indications for use, specifying the target species
For the reduction in the incidence of ketosis in the peri-parturient dairy cow/heifer which is expected to develop ketosis.
Contraindications
Do not use in animals weighing less than 300 kg bodyweight.
Do not use in cases of hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.
Special warnings for each target species
Identification of animals for treatment should be at veterinary discretion. Risk factors may include a history of energy-deficiency-related diseases, high body condition score and parity.
In the event of early regurgitation, identify the animal by matching the animal ID number with the number on the intraruminal device and re-administer an undamaged intraruminal device (See Special Precautions).
Special precautions for use
Special precautions for use in animals
Hold treated cattle in a confined area for 1 hour after administration to observe for failure to swallow or regurgitation. If this occurs re-administer the intraruminal device if undamaged. If damaged, administer a new intraruminal device. Recheck cattle for up to 4 days after dosing to observe for signs of an intraruminal device lodging in the oesophagus.
Signs of lodging may include bloat which may be followed by coughing, drooling, inappetence and unthriftiness.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal product to animals
Exposure to the active substance may elicit an allergic response in susceptible individuals. People with known hypersensitivity to monensin or any of the excipients should avoid contact with the veterinary medicinal product.
Do not eat, drink or smoke when handling the veterinary medicinal product.
Use gloves when handling an intraruminal device, including during retrieval of a regurgitated intraruminal device.
Remove gloves and wash hands and exposed skin after handling intraruminal devices.
Other precautions
Ingestion or oral exposure to monensin can be fatal in dogs, horses, other equines or guinea fowl. Do not allow dogs, horses, other equines or guinea fowl access to veterinary medicinal products containing monensin.
Due to the risk of bolus regurgitation, do not allow these species access to areas where treated cattle have been kept.
Keep dogs away from treated animals. Accidental ingestion of active ingredient by dogs has resulted in fatal consequences. In case of suspected ingestion by dogs, seek veterinary advice immediately.
Adverse reactions (frequency and seriousness)
In rare cases, digestive signs (e.g. diarrhoea, ruminant stomach disorder) have been observed.
In very rare cases, oesophagus obstruction has been observed.
The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention:
- very common (more than 1 in 10 animals treated displaying adverse reaction(s))- common (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 100 animals treated)- uncommon (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals treated)- rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 animals treated)- very rare (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports).
Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
Can be used during pregnancy and lactation.
Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
None known.
Amounts to be administered and administration route
Intraruminal use.
A single intraruminal device is to be administered to a dairy cow/heifer 3-4 weeks prior to expected calving, using an appropriate administration tool.
Kexxtone delivers an approximate average dose of 335 mg of monensin per day for approximately 95 days.
Follow instructions carefully.
Adequate animal restraint is required to properly administer this intraruminal device. Such restraint must limit forward/backward motion and allow the animal’s head to be held in the forward extended position and without pressure on the neck to prevent choking.
1. Each intraruminal device has an individual number along the device body. This should be recorded with the corresponding animal identification number so that, should an intraruminal device be regurgitated, the animal can be identified.
2. Fold wings down along the intraruminal device body and insert the device into an appropriate administration tool, orifice end first.
3. Restrain the animal with its head and neck stretched forward. Grasp the animal with one hand in the corner of the animal’s mouth. Introduce the administration tool into the mouth avoiding the front teeth. In order to avoid trauma and damage to the pharynx and oesophagus, do not use excessive force.
4. Insert the administration tool past the base of the tongue making sure to avoid the molar teeth. As the animal swallows, the administration tool will move easily over the base of the tongue. DO NOT USE EXCESSIVE FORCE. If resistance is encountered, withdraw the tool slightly and repeat the procedure.
5. Be sure the head of the administration tool is past the base of the tongue. When the animal swallows, eject the intraruminal device from the administration tool.
Overdose (symptoms, emergency procedures, antidotes), if necessary
Accidental administration of more than one intraruminal device could result in some adverse reactions which are typical of monensin overdose, including decreased appetite, scouring and lethargy. These are generally transient. The highest tolerated dose is typically between 1 mg and 2 mg monensin/kg bodyweight/day.
Withdrawal period(s)
Meat and offal: zero days
Milk: zero days