worming advice

[julies518]

Just got a new horse with unknown worming history but it's safe to say that it has been years, age 25, in great shape, by herself in a barn with 2.5 acre pasture that is sandy in areas..... What is the best procedure for starting a worming regimen?

 

[ycbm]

Definitely NOT Pramox for a first wormer. Far too harsh.

I'd start with a work egg count from Westgate then ask their advice.

 

[julies518]

Thanks!!

 

[ester]

I wouldn't base a decision not to worm on a single <50epg count for a horse with no worming history - it is hard to get a representative sample due to the way worms lay eggs that appear in the faeces.

but it might well be worth doing for interests sake, and if you do have a higher count you can check that you've successfully reduced that by worming.

I'd use panacur 5day, or maybe ivermectin. With a tapeworm dose to follow.

 

[julies518]

I can get my vet to do FEC correct?

 

[Equi]

You can do it yourself via many internet labs, some vets offer it some do not but its not expensive online (depending where you live of course)

With a total unknown what i usually do is a 5 day fenbendazole course, or ivermectin granules. Followed a few of weeks later by a double dose pyrantel.

 

[julies518]

If there is something I can do in the form of pellets it would be easier, she is really shy when you get around her mouth or face and I'm not sure if she would tolerate an oral wormer

 

[ester]

The 5 day is usually given on feed (it's liquid). Unfortunatley I think strongid p have stopped doing granules for tape worm.

I do often recommend an easiwormer too, in 16 years our tricky one is yet to work it out.

 

[Equi]

As said the 5day is liquid and depending how savvy you are you can get the cheap one (cow drench 10% fenbendazole) for a lot less money than the panacur one which is just the same thing with an apple flavour. I have never had an issue getting the cow one into any horse.

 

[julies518]

Thank you all so much, I really appreciate it!!!!

 

[Summit]

I can get my vet to do FEC correct?

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