Persistent worm problems

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chaps89

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Pony has pretty much always had 0 eggs seen/low equisal results, then from March this year has returned consistent medium counts for fecal tests and high tests on equisal.
Nothing changed in March, I cannot work out why on earth this has become a problem?
I poo pick religiously, I kept them in for 36 hours after worming and have used different chemical groups.
He has controlled cushings with half a tablet a day.
He’s fine and cheery in himself and the results aren’t horrific but I’d rather get him back down to nothing.
Any ideas?
 
Are you turned out in a herd? Or moved to a new grazing area? New horse in an adjacent field? Eggs lurk around in the grass, and the obvious cause is an unwormed horse. I can't remember whether Cushings affects the ability to process worming medication, it rings a bell that worming can become problematic but I can't remember why - I'll have a look through Google.
 
Most research seems to date from 2010, and agrees that Cushings ponies and horses have higher egg counts and need more frequent worming. All cite Cushings as being the link with high egg counts, but no conclusion as to why this should be.
 
Sadly Cushings affects the immune system which may not deal with worms as it should. It’s very common for horses with this disease to have repeated positive tests. I would definitely be doing some resistance checks about two weeks after dosing to be sure your worming is being effective. At least you know what is going on and are aware of a problem which needs treating. My own Cushings pony was just the same.
As for a youngster, you need to know which worms are the problem. I would suggest talking to Westgate Labs who will be able to help. No need to cry just ask for good advice and you will get there!
 
One of my ponies has persistent 200 count all the others consistently less than 50. I accidentally gave him a double dose when the ring thing on the plunger didn't lock, His counts now come back at less than 50. Years ago a youngster counts came back as no worms seen but a day later ascarids were passed in his droppings.
 
Equisal is an antibody test so you need to leave a decent amount of time between tests for that to give a true result.

Are you using the same product each time? A change can be useful.
 
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