Advice needed on worming youngster please

[LazyS]

A filly that I bred has just changed hands again after I sold her in December last year and is now with a lady who has been looking for a horse for some time now but that’s another story....

The filly is now 28 months old - she is looking a bit poor with feet that need attention. I have been talking to the new owner on the phone, the previous owner apparently wormed the filly with Equest last week and the new owner was asking my advice about worming.

I have suggested that regardless of the Equest she should have a five-day Panacur Equine Guard - I am sure this would not be a problem - I just want to clarify this with someone on here who will know more than I. I also suggested a worm-count which should help confirm if she has been wormed recently (before the 5-day course obviously).

Just to add that she was wormed, feet trimmed and all jabs up-to-date when I sold her in December and she was looking fat (ready for winter) sleek and bouncing having been on good grazing for four months previous. I realise that this summer’s lack of grass has affected lots of young horses - I have the filly’s full brother at home and it has been a struggle putting weight on him. I spent last weekend at our breed show and noticed youngsters looked less ‘rounded’ than they should be, shall we say.

 

[CMMB]

I would suggest do a worm egg count. If she has had the Equest it should be very low / 0 for at least 3 weeks after the worming as Equest has persistent activity. On the result make a decision, however best person to get advice from would be her vet or SQP. I would also seriously consider dosing for tapeworm if not done lately - this will not show up on a wec.

Unfortunately worm resistance to the active drug in Panacur is well reported in the UK, and at a high level. So it may be a waste of time and money using it in this instance.

In my opinion loss of weight or a poor doer due to worms is rare in horses post 2 years of age, unless they are very heavily infected.