A Pile of Manure and an EPG

Huh?

Yep, that's right.  A pile of fresh poop and $25 are all that's needed for your local vet tech, mine is Mindy, to conduct an eggs per gram fecal count.  I know you're probably asking, but why would you want to do that?  The most current research has revealed that worms, and there are a variety of types, are becoming resistant to the few classes of dewormers that we have available, due to OVER-administration of dewormers.  Dr. Blanton, of Bakersfield Vet Hospital, gave a very interesting lecture on the subject which you can watch here (You'll need to scroll down a bit).

Based on current research, BVH is now recommending twice a year deworming using ivermectin products: once in the early summer when then grass turns brown, and once in the late fall when the weather turns cool (check your area for local recommendations).  Before administering the ivermectin, pull a fecal sample and have it checked for worm eggs.  Give the ivermectin whether the horse is shedding eggs or not.  

A negative fecal count DOES NOT mean worm-free.  It just means that the horse is not currently shedding eggs.  There may still be encysted eggs which can cause severe colic and death.  IF the the horse IS shedding eggs, repeat the fecal check two weeks later to verify that the ivermectin is working on your farm.  If it's NOT, a consult with your vet will be required to devise a plan for treating your specific class of worms.

And now, for your entertainment, here is how to conduct a fecal count.  Enjoy!

The Molasses Chaser

He sucks the molasses water out of the syringe as though it is a "straw!"

If you're still reading, I promised an explanation for the molasses chaser after the ivermectin.  I already blogged about Speedy's less-than-enthusiastic attitude toward all things icky being placed in his mouth (read it here), but anytime I am required to give him something that tastes gross, I follow it up with a chaser of something yummy.  I do the same thing after his monthly Adequan injection, except that the chaser is a handful of cookies.  I always want his last memory of me touching him to be associated with something pleasant!

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