De-worming Program
Protecting Your Horse
Important Notice!
In an effort to address the very serious issue of parasite resistance, please see the new recommendations regarding quantitative fecal testing and de-worming on our news page. As you will see from this article we will be adopting some changes to our de-worming protocols over this spring and summer. We want to make it clear that we do not want clients to stop de-worming at this time! Throughout this spring and summer we will begin evaluating quantitative fecal results and will then customize de-worming recommendations based upon those individual results. Please continue following the current schedule until otherwise posted or advised on the farm at our spring and summer appointments.
The strategic de-worming program offered by Equine Veterinary Service is designed to protect horses against specific parasites that we have found to be problematic for horses in this area. In order to prevent the parasites from causing damage to the horse, the program targets parasites which develop during certain times of the year. Yearly fecal exams are recommended for horses that are part of our strategic de-worming program to monitor individual response.
When purchasing de-wormers, purchase products that contain the active ingredients (chemical names) listed below. Keep in mind that the individual product names may vary. (The chemical name of the de-wormer will be listed with the brand name in parentheses).
This de-worming program is recommended for horses one (1) year of age or older and in good health. If you have any questions, please contact our Equine Veterinary office.
Equine De-Worming Program Outline
| When To Dose | Product (Chemical Name) |
| January 1: | Broad Spectrum de-wormer such as fenbendazole (Panacur, Safe-Guard); oxibendazole (Anthelcide EQ) |
| March 1: | Ivermectin 1.87% (Equell, Equimectrin, Eqvalen, Ivercare, Zimectrin), for general de-worming. |
| April 15: | Moxidectin plus praziquantel (Quest Plus or Combo Care), to treat encysted strongyles and tapeworms. |
| June 15: | Either double dose pyrantel pamoate (Strongid, Strongyle Care) OR single dose praziquantel combination product with either ivermectin or moxidectin (Equimax, ComboCare, Quest Plus, Zimectrin Gold), to treat tapeworms. |
| August 15: | Ivermectin 1.87% (Equell, Equimectrin, Eqvalen, Ivercare, Zimectrin) for bots; first dose. |
| October 15: | Ivermectin 1.87% (Equell, Equimectrin, Eqvalen, Ivercare, Zimectrin) for bots; second dose. |
| November 25: | Broad Spectrum de-wormer such as fenbendazole (Panacur, Safe-Guard); oxibendazole (Anthelcide EQ) |
For foals 60 days to 1 year of
age:
Please contact the office for
recommendations specific to your foal’s needs.