Using herbal wormers

[paulineh]

As my boy was diagnosed with both Fore-Gut and Hind- Gut ulcers I want to keep things as natural as possible so was thinking of using the Verm-X Herbal wormers. what do people think about them and do they think them a good idea.

 

[Shay]

I'm usually a fan of alternatives and natural therapies. But in these circumstances I'd talk to your vet. I can't imagine a herbal wormer would do much for encysted redworm for example. Worm counting might be an idea to cut down on unnecessary wormer use?

 

[PorkChop]

Does he need worming? I would have an egg count done and go from there - I have never used a herbal wormer so would be very interested to hear whether they are any good. Tbh I worm twice a year at the most, but I realise I am lucky having my own land so that I can rest it etc.

 

[be positive]

They will not do encysted red worm and make no mention of what worms they help control, tapeworm can now be tested for so I would not worm unless testing showed he needed doing, the saliva test and regular egg counts should keep worming to a minimum which would be the best way forward for most horses.
In fact looking on the site they recommend correct pasture management and egg counts so really if you are on top of things the product is superfluous in my view.

 

[nianya]

A. Herbs found in Verm-X include: Garlic (Allium Sativum), Peppermint (Menta Piperita), Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zelandicum), Tansy (Tanacetum Vulgare), Cayenne (Capsicum Minimum), Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare), Cleavers (Gallium Aperine), Nettle (Urtica Dioica) and Slippery Elm (Ulmus Fulva)

All of that may be perfectly ok for their gut (though cayenne upsets my ulcers so...) but it's not likely to do a thing to parasites. Also, natural doesn't necessarily mean it's not going to upset his gut or that it's safe, arsenic and cyanide are natural after all. In fact, tansy is extremely toxic to horses. We had to be very diligent about removing it from pastures back home as several died (and it's not a plant they really enjoyed eating so it took very little). It is toxic to parasites as well, but if they want their product to be safe I doubt there's a high enough dosage to do anything.

I'd have the horse checked twice a year and worm strategically and/or talk to your vet about this because surely they have to deal with this issue frequently. It's better in the long run for resistance too but soon that's probably a moot point soon enough for all of us. There may be something you can give with the wormer.

Or perhaps the vet will tell you not to worm until the ulcers have healed.

 

[Firefly9410]

They were made to change their advertising wording on the packet a few years ago, they are not allowed to sell it as a wormer. I think that says it all really!

 

[paulineh]

They will not do encysted red worm and make no mention of what worms they help control, tapeworm can now be tested for so I would not worm unless testing showed he needed doing, the saliva test and regular egg counts should keep worming to a minimum which would be the best way forward for most horses.
In fact looking on the site they recommend correct pasture management and egg counts so really if you are on top of things the product is superfluous in my view.

I am quite aware of regular worm counts and good pasture management. Mine have always come back <50 other than a little New Forest Colt and a rescue filly which had a high worm count and these were dealt with and now have a low count.
I was only asking and Shay I have a very good relationship with my vet, if I am at all concerned I speak to him.

 

[glenruby]

They don't work and are therefore dangerous IMO. I have seen many many cases of colic that can be attributed to their absolute failure to treat any type of worms.

 

[JFTDWS]

what do people think about them and do they think them a good idea.

Nope, not even a little bit. Natural does not mean safe, though in this case, it simply means ineffective to the point of a joke. Unless you're only using them to rid yourself of some money, in which case, go for it..

 

[WelshD]

They were made to change their advertising wording on the packet a few years ago, they are not allowed to sell it as a wormer. I think that says it all really!

This.

They had their knuckles rapped a few years back and had to reword everything. Some people still refer to it as a wormer and a few online and offline retailers have it listed as a wormer. Obviously the company in question does little to condradict this!

 

[Goldenstar]

To use such products on a horse with ulcers is madness IMO in fact I think it's a bad idea period .
Speak to your vet do a wec and start a sensible regime under veterinary advice .

 

[paulineh]

To use such products on a horse with ulcers is madness IMO in fact I think it's a bad idea period .
Speak to your vet do a wec and start a sensible regime under veterinary advice .

Won't bother replying Now

 

[HaffiesRock]

Won't bother replying Now

You asked for opinions. You have had opinions?

 

[Silverfire]

Have a friend who used a monthly herbal wormer for her four horses for nearly three years, then they started to look ribby so she did worm counts. Three of the horses were around 2000epg, the fourth 2500epg. She uses chemical wormers now.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

A friend went to see a horse a few years ago. She came back really really upset as had seen a horse in really poor condition on the yard where she'd gone.

The horse was I think 5 a mare. The YM was "into natural worming". Apparently this poor little filly was all skin and bone and obviously worm-ridden, basically a welfare-case - this in spite of being given "herbal/natural worming".

A lot of effort and research has gone into producing safe worming products; whilst I appreciate OP your position I think your first source of advice needs to be your vet who will know what products will be best for your horse.

PLEASE don't "go natural". Its not just about them not doing any harm, they basically don't do any good, which causes harm.

The poor mare in question had to be PTS.

 

[Tnavas]

They were made to change their advertising wording on the packet a few years ago, they are not allowed to sell it as a wormer. I think that says it all really!

The manufacturers were prosecuted in New Zealand a few years back as the product was unproven to work.

Agree with what many others have said, natural doesn't always mean safe.