Wormers

[lauragreen85]

What wormer is best that will cover everything? Is it true that some worms counts wont be accurate and some worms dont show?

 

[poiuytrewq]

Worm poo counts don’t show up tape worm or encysted red worm
Tape worms show on an Equisal test.
I believe you can blood test for encysted red but I just worm for them yearly anyway as I hate to think what bloods cost for 4!
Pramox covers everything but is pretty harsh. I don’t tend to use it as one of my ponies is 32 and a bit delicate.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

No wormer really covers everything and I'm a bit on the fence about how accurate worm counts are so I often use Equimax in spring and autumn as it will target tapeworm and quite a few others as well.

I won't use pramox had one get really ill afterwards and known a few horses react to it, but that will cover tape and encysted but you can worm for both separately.

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

Mine has a delicate tummy after a wormer which dealt with an (unknown) encysted red worm problem.

I have a chat with the vet before worming but generally just Equest in January then test through the year and discuss the results with the vet and decide which wormer to use if one is required.

 

[ycbm]

What wormer is best that will cover everything? Is it true that some worms counts wont be accurate and some worms dont show?

Nothing will cover everything except Pramox and I won't use that because of the number of problems reported with it. It can cause serious issues in a horse with a heavy worm burden as everything dies at once.

You should also rotate wormer use to avoid resistance. Do you know what was used on the horse last? Rotating Equest and Equest Pramox doesn't count as rotation, as there is only one drug in it for any one worm type.

Yes, all types of worm test can be inaccurate, even blood tests for encysted red, I believe only show a recent history, not a current burden. Others can give a false low count, which is worse as it leads to not treating when treatment is needed.

As a result, I would always worm any new horse whose management isn't known, no matter how it tests. Then go by the tests when I know how the horse and pasture has been managed.
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[dorsetladette]

Nothing will cover everything except Pramox and I won't use that because of the number of problems reported with it. It can cause serious issues in a horse with a heavy worm burden as everything dies at once.

You should also rotate wormer use to avoid resistance. Do you know what was used on the horse last? Rotating Equest and Equest Pramox doesn't count as rotation, as there is only one drug in it for any one worm type.

Yes, all types of worm test can be inaccurate, even blood tests for encysted red, I believe only show a recent history, not a current burden. Others can give a false low count, which is worse as it leads to not treating when treatment is needed.

As a result, I would always worm any new horse whose management isn't known, no matter how it tests. Then go by the tests when I know how the horse and pasture has been managed.
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this in spades!

After taking on the pity purchase a couple of years ago I will always worm and observe, before thinking about worm counts. with the PP it took approximately 8 months to clear the various worms the poor lad came with. My phone gallery is packed with photos of worms and piles of poo! I don't think you could name a worm or parasite that this lad didn't bring to the party.

My wormer of choice is 5 day panacur rotated with an ivermectin wormer. Although working with the vet to sort the above mentioned issue we used Equest pramox at 3 week intervals for 9 weeks to break the cycle, followed by 2 rounds of 5 day panacur.