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Discussion on Deworming horses who haven't been on a regular schedule
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Member:
jamie111
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 18, 2008 - 2:35 pm:
Hi, Dr. O. I've read your articles, Deworming Overview and Deworming Schedules. I have two healthy adult horses who have been wormed, but not on as regular of a schedule as I think needed. One was last wormed with Equimax in the spring, the other with 5 day panacur at the beginning of August. Should I get a fecal test done and let my vet make a recommendation on how to proceed? What would you recommend for healthy horses who haven't been on a regular worming program and who are in poorly maintained fields (all horses are on different schedules at my boarding facility). I've been told that daily Strongid can cause digestive problems in some horses. Do you have any knowledge of problems associated with daily Strongid? Thanks for your advice on getting my horses on a regular, effective deworming schedule.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Friday, Sep 19, 2008 - 8:13 am:
Hello Amy,
Yes a fecal just prior to the next scheduled deworming would be the best way to evaluate your current deworming program. For a look at our recommended schedules see, Horse Care » Worms, Deworming, Parasite Control » Deworming Schedules.
You will find a complete discussion on Strongid at Treatments and Medications for Horses » Dewormers (Anthelminics) » Pyrantel (Strongid, Rotectin 2, etc). I do not know of any digestive problems associated with its use.
DrO
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Member:
jamie111
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Posted on Friday, Sep 19, 2008 - 2:59 pm:
Thanks for your response. I just got results back from the fecal test -- both my horses are negative. I asked the vet tech to clarify, and she said neither of my horses have any parasites / worms. I was shocked but happy to hear that. Not sure how to proceed, but I guess I'll start to follow the schedule for healthy adult horses. I left the samples outside their door last night. Would the samples be good if left out overnight (the temp was in the 60's I think)?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Sunday, Sep 21, 2008 - 8:40 am:
Yes the samples are fine overnight. But you need to consider the timing of the fecal and that not all worms are readily diagnosed on fecal sample so while a clean one is a good first start I would not sure we can say "neither horse have any parasites". The Overview article explains this and more deworming is not neccesarily better. If your horses fecals remain clean and you are using products that also cover those parasites hard to diagnose you should consider your program effective.
DrO
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