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  Discussion on Blood Worms
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New Member:
cameo128

Posted on Saturday, Apr 17, 2010 - 2:20 pm:

I know this subject has been discussed forever, however.....here's my dilemma on worming....I recently attended a worming clinic and learned what I feel is the proper way to go about worming. Worming according to the fecal egg count. I live in a very rural area and our vet options are limited to 2. I called to arrange the test for my 7 horses. Stressing that I want to know the count and have print outs for their files. The 1st test for Athena came back for Strongyles and hookworms. According to Dr. O these are one in the same. When I had asked about it they said they were different. ??? When I took the rest in today for testing, hookworms where pos for all. But then after they tested they tell me that they don't have the tech for the actual count just to identify the particular worm. So now I don't feel that I can worm properly. I'm ferrous!! I just spent $150 for something I already knew. I could have used that money towards sending it to a university or some place that will give me the info I asked for.
I'm not a difficult person at all when it comes to paying for what I owe.....but I'm seriously considering not paying due to they fact they KNEW what I wanted and didn't tell me they couldn't do it! So I'm back to square one! I tried explaining that I cannot worm properly unless I know the count. I'm pretty sure at least 2 are going to need a power pack (due to body condition and dehydration) but I'm at a loss for the others. They normally are on the typical 8 weeks, rotating brands and obviously it's not working. Please help!!!! So, are hookworms and strongyles the same? If not what's the best wormer for hookworms? Are hookworms common for horses? We no longer spread our manure on the fields....I know now it's a big no no. Also, if you could give me some web sites to look this type of stuff up would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time! :o)
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Apr 18, 2010 - 8:47 am:

Welcome Tracy,
The problem here is that common names can mean just about anything. In veterinary use however the term "hookworm" is the common name used to describe the common varieties of small animal intestinal parasites of the genera Ancylostoma and Uncinaria. These are fairly closely related to the "strongyles", another common name, that commonly infect horses. There are many genera of strongyles. However in common veterinary parlance these are two different parasites but very loosely you could call hookworms, strongyles (derived from the superfamily name) and you could call strongyles, hookworms (from the similarity to the dog hookworm). When they say you have hookworms and strongyles but they are different I do not know what they meant.

But I get ahead of myself Tracy. I believe we can help you with the most important question about proper deworming but let me get you started off right.

You will get more responses if you start your own discussion rather than post at the bottom on another member's discussion. Each discussion is "owned" by the original poster and all replies in that discussion should either directly or indirectly address the concerns of the original poster.

To start your own discussion using the navigation bar at the top of this page to back up one page. This will be a Article Page who at the bottom has a list of already present discussions. You will find the "Start New Discussion" button at the bottom of this page.

We do have a better article covering your questions about worming and you will find it at Horse Care » Worms, Deworming, Parasite Control » Overview of Deworming. It too will have a "Start New Discussion" button at the bottom as does every article. As to needing more information on the parasites themselves you will find a description of the parasites of horses by visiting Diseases of Horses » Colic, Diarrhea, GI Tract » Parasites and Worms.

Thank you for your help with keeping Horseadvice.com organized and easily searched.
DrO
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