Who to use for a worm count?

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klom81

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I hope I have posted this in the right section.

I was wondering who everyone would recommend for doing a worm count. I have never done a worm count before.

I bought a new horse at the end of January and wormed her with Equest when I brought her home. I don't know how often she was wormed in her previous home (I suspect not often) and she has started itching her tail a bit over the last couple of days.

Now it might be that she is just a bit warm (lighter weight rug going on tomorrow) but I also thought maybe the wormer might not have been completely effective.

As Equest has a 13 week interval I don't want to go shoving more wormer in her. Also I would just be guessing at which one to use so thought a worm count would be the best way to go.

Westgate Labs are the only ones I have really heard of before but when I googled them there was a warning saying "this page may have been hacked" so I didn't click on it (don't really fancy getting my card details stolen if you know what I mean) So are there any others that people have used and how long does it usually take to get the results.

Thanks
 
I use Westgate, results always arrive by email within 24-48 hours.

I have used Abbey Diagnostics in the past - they were great to start with but it took them longer and longer to send the results, last time I waited 10 days! before calling them and the man I spoke to was incredibly rude.
 
I am concerned you have had that message Klom, but I'm not sure where you have seen it? I've just googled and all was fine. It is my business and I can assure you that we have never had any problems like that and ordering is secure. You can also simply ring up directly or use the FB page. Thank you everyone for your endorsements,
 
Most people use Westgate Labs, for good reason. They are quick, efficient and not too expensive. You will get your results far quicker than you'd expect! I've always been very impressed with their service!

ETA Borderretriever I just googled the site and got the "This site may be hacked" message too. Not sure what that means, but you might want to look into it!
 
Another vote for Westgate, they really are fantastic. Such a quick service and always so keen to help give customers the correct and most useful advice.
Borderreiver you should be very proud of your company, it really is fab!
 
I also use westgate.
I have just been into their "shop" as if to order something and got thro to the pay part with no problems, no messages re hacking etc.

about 90% of the time with Westgate I get the results the following afternoon after sending the samples.
 
http://www.westgatelabs.co.uk/info-zone/index.html

I tried it and had no trouble, sometimes your browser sends you to strange places, use another browser.

I can only say they are very helpful, very efficient, and specialist, so I would prefer them over the vets [the profession that previously got us all hooked in to mass worming!]

Briefly there are roundworms [egg count, which is EPG: Egg Per Gram of poop.
and tapeworms [saliva test]
and encysted redworm [do not show on EPG] essential to worm all horses in autumn.
there are pinworms, which are not common, and need a different approach

There are several worming ingredients for different worms, and many brands, some wormers have two or more ingredients, so write up all your worming history on a spreadsheet, for reference.
 
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Goldenstar said:
Westgate have a great reputation .
But we use our vets as part of an overall horse health management plan .
Click to expand...


I agree that vets should ideally provide a health management scheme, but round here, they don't.

One local vet practice seemed to employ a vet who had no idea about how to handle either horses or people, they seemed to use me as part of their staff training program, I don't like it. Their locum was far better than their local representative. They don't provide staff with a speculum for rasping or EDT training, their receptionist is pretty weak [told vet she was to go to a client to "clean teeth" lol

Another practice had one good equine vet, but he was well known for giving insured horses a lot of attention. I can cope with that, he was old school.

I have total confidence in only one of three practices round here, they have one good horse vet, this practice does not use locums, and do not beat around the bush.

In case you wonder, I am central to three practices, and over a period of years, had horses in several locations, so I ended up with three accounts and experience of four practices.
 
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I used Intelligent Worming as a friend recommended them. Also, it says on their website that they have worked in conjunction with University of Liverpool. Had 4 WECs done by them and happy so far
 
Borderreiver said:
I am concerned you have had that message Klom, but I'm not sure where you have seen it? I've just googled and all was fine. It is my business and I can assure you that we have never had any problems like that and ordering is secure. You can also simply ring up directly or use the FB page. Thank you everyone for your endorsements,
Click to expand...

Apologies Borderreiver I didn't mean to cause offence. You have obviously got a lot of happy customers. It is probably just my internet browser. It came up just below the web address on the google search results. I'm sure its nothing but I will pm you a screen shot just for your info.

Apologies again. I will be in touch soon to order a worm count kit.
 
Not at all, don't worry, I am pleased you have alerted us to this little glitch. As far as we can tell it is something to do with Internet Explorer so we will be investigating!
 
I can't send a pm for some reason but it sounds like you are on it anyway.

Just for info I used google chrome if that helps
 
I'm getting the warning that the Westgate site may be hacked warning too, using an IPad and safari. I tried to post a screen shot but couldn't. Here's a copy and paste of the text instead.

Westgate Laboratories Postal Worm Egg Count Service - Better ...
www.westgatelabs.co.uk/
This site may be hacked.
Westgate Laboratories Postal Worm Egg Count Service. Answering your questions about organising and using worm counts to help you care for your horse.
 
Depends also on how well the field is managed,poo picked daily etc.and if the horses in the same field are wormed regularly.My local vet hospital gave results in a few days.Came back regularly with very low worm count which put my mind at rest but didnt stop worming altogether just not as frequently.
 
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