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DE-WORM PROTOCOL FOR HORSES OF SOUTHERN OREGON

• IVERMECTIN: Eqvalan, Zimectrin, Rotectin I, Equell
• BENZIMIDAZOLES: Anthelcide EQ, Equipar, Panacur, Safeguard, Benzelmin
• MOXIDECTIN: Quest
• PYRANTEL: Strongid C, Strongid C2X, Strongid, Rotectin II
• IVERMECTIN/PRAZIQUANTEL combinations:  Equimax
• MOXIDECTIN/PRAZIQUANTEL combinations: Quest Plus

Ascarids (roundworms) are the major parasite problem. The first de-worming should be given at 6-8 weeks of age. If the first de-worming is given after 10 weeks of age, give half the calculated dose of Strongid paste followed in one week by a full dose. This helps to avoid impactions caused by the sudden death of a large number of adult ascarids.

Until one year of age, de-worm every 4-6 weeks.  Until six months of age, use Strongid paste, after 6 months, alternate between Strongid and an Ivermectin dewormer.

Horses OVER the age of  ONE YEAR  should use the following deworming program:

• JANUARY: *no deworming
• FEBRUARY: Quest Gel (End of February
• MARCH: *no deworming
• APRIL: *no deworming
• MAY: *no deworming
• JUNE: Strongid or Anthelcide EQ (June 1^st)
• JULY: *no deworming
• AUGUST: Quest Gel, or Panacur Power Pack (larvicidal dose of Panacur for 5 days.)
• SEPTEMBER: *no deworming
• OCTOBER:  Ivermectin/Praziquantel or Moxidectin/Praziquantel
• NOVEMBER: *no deworming
• DECEMBER: Ivermectin

• Careful handling of Quest Gel is required. Quest gel should not be given to horses under 6 months of age, sick or debilitated animals, or horse's that have not been on a regular deworming schedule. Dog's may have adverse reactions to Quest gel, therefore, careful disposal of any left over gel and packaging is important.
• When used appropriately, Quest is an excellent dewormer due to the fact that it suppresses strongyle egg counts for up to 90 days.  If you choose to omit Quest from your program,  we recommend that you substitute Ivermectin for Quest at the end of February and add Strongid or Anthelcide EQ  to the program in early to mid April. 
• The Larvicidal dose of Panacur is very effective in removing encysted small stongyles.  In some cases it may not be necessary and in others it may be recommended TWICE YEARLY due to certain stabling or pasture conditions.  Please consult with your Veterinarian if you have questions.
• Tapeworms have recently been recognized as a cause of recurrent colic and other intestinal problems.  Horses on irrigated pastures are more affected due to the life cycle of an intermediate host mite that lives on moist grasses.  Deworming with an Ivermectin/praziquantel (Equmax) dewormer in the late fall is strongly recommended
• Clean stables and paddocks regularly. Pile all manure and spread piles or drag pastures only during hot dry days or after several freeze thaw cycles in the fall. This will avoid spreading live parasites and infesting the entire pasture area. Rotate pastures with cattle or sheep if possible.
• When giving paste de-wormers, make sure that the horse’s mouth is empty. It is much easier for them to spit out the paste if they have feed in their mouths.  

Have fecal samples examined at least yearly to check on the effectiveness of your deworming program.