OK!!! This is why I go back and re-read threads like this. How I missed your little post about Doxy is beyond me but SHAZAM. 15 years??! Acck!!! :dead:
Makes me almost want to put my Percheron on a course of Doxy to see what happens. Fortunately I have a bottle conveniently stored away 
Hmmm, I see more interesting reading has been added to this thread. Argh I’m going to have to go three days without reading. For some reason my dial up at home can’t access COTH, it is so frustrating.
Any how, caught the 9 year old itching her belly last night and the 6 year old was itching her butt on the fence this morning. No more unexplained bumps or icky patches of skin though. On Wednesday they will be getting another double dose. Can’t seem to come soon enough after reading this thread.
I did catch the reference to doxy. Incidentally I do a run of doxy every few months myself, as I have chronic Lyme… or do I? Maybe I just have NTW’s. Anyone who wants to know what I intend to do about that can PM me :winkgrin:
THAT would be interesting! I really should have made sure that DOXY was in my post, not hidden in that link, sorry!
Ok, you KNOW I just GOTTA know!
Obviously double deworming works better 
I have no doubt after reading everyones results that this is why I don’t have this stuff going on at my farm… I have been double deworming on a short schedule for so long… THANK GOD!
NTw related to IR
Just to let you know I did some research on IR also. Horses in my study did appear to do much better when they were kept on a strict deworming schedule. It was odd but I can truly say that none of the horses that we studied had before been on a high ivermectin program. More studies would need to be done.
I did find one possible correlation for IR horses and that is the adrenal glands. this information came about quite oddly as I was diagnosed in feb 2008 with addison’s disease. which is exhausted adrenal glands. I have only been able to complete 1 test so far so dont run out and do this. remember most questionable studies are done on horses set to be put down. But we did see a significant improvement with prednisone which is the treatment for the adrenal gland exhaustion.
the adrenal glands are the primary place for the immune system. people who have deteriorated adrenal glands develop diabetes, cancer, heart attack, stroke, and much more.
since theres not enough inquiry into this it may be awhile before we see any progressive testing with this.
I know were talking horses but remember animals including horses are used for research due to their systems being much like our own.
Ok. I’m done re-reading again. Whew!
I’ve compiled a list of the folks that replied to this thread stating they are trying the Double Dose Equimax Protocol (“DDEP”) (or variation as needed due to "issues").
Calypsocapers
Hampton Bay
Baccus
JillTX
3 Spots
Hunter Two
Lori T
Short Strided
J Swan
Altamont Sport Horses
HD Farm
Europa
Ride 'em VA
LMH
Simkie
Spotteddrafter
Gabz
Anabug
Appychik
Cashela
Mety Ogre
Camelot
Auventera Two
Amchara’s “Friends”…(need to hear from them ;))
Pasolover
WW Queen
Pattnic
Some folks have already updated their progress, others haven’t had a chance yet. But I’d like to be able to compile the updates into something more coherent.
NOTE: If you’re not on the list, it’s not because I ignored you. Either I “missed” ya OR you didn’t make it obvious in your replies that you were going for it, so please do not feel left out. Participate and post your update!.
Please update as I have below!
POSTER = Chocomare:
1) 16 y/o Grade Percheron Mare. Chronic abscesses in front right hoof. Known Metabolic Syndrome, borderline IR. Was on regular deworming program with Equimax, Quest, QuestPlus and Ivermectin. While treating for deep sulcus thrush in the affected hoof, also administered first dose of DDEP in that the “Itchies” were observed…chest, belly, etc. Within 36 hours of administration, itchies stopped. BUT…dramatic, unmistakable change in front right hoof was seen. Central Sulcus, which had been constricted/contracted tight for years (despite barefoot), opened up! Dead/cheesy tissue removed with hoof knife. Hoof treated with antibiotic ointment & yeast infection cream, as well as Hoof Disinfectant.
Seven days after DDEP, hoof has changed dramatically again, as witnessed last night during hoof care. False sole sloughing off on its own. Horse is moving TRUE heel/toe and properly loading the hoof. (sidebar…: Chocomare is nearly in tears and absolutely GIDDY! sure wish we had the Dancing Banana emoticon cuz that’s the way I feel today :winkgrin:)
2) 11 y/o Clydesdale/Standardbred Cross Mare. For the last three springs/summers, witnessed said mare scratching her belly any way she could–back and forth on the dirt and gravel, a bush at the right belly height, etc. This summer witnessed bumps on chest and shoulders as well. Was on regular deworming program with Equimax, Quest, QuestPlus and Invermectin. Administered first dose of DDEP 14 days ago. Within 24 hours, itchies stopped and scabs/crusties/oozies started to heal. Have witnessed only minimal scratching. Will be doing Second Dose 8/29/08.
Profile
TUCKER: 5 year old PMU Percheron/QH gelding: Adopted at 6 months of age. At age 3, began exhibiting allergy and autoimmune disorders. First symptom at age 3, a sore on nose that would not heal. Constantly rubbing open. Finally healed after 6 months after using Prep H and lidocaine. While healed, there was a small indentation where sore had been.
At age 4, developed good case of itchies: rubbing tail raw, developing sores on lower legs, bumps and lumps all over. Allergy tested and results were positive for 26 items, including grass, hay, flax, beet pulp, culcoides, etc, etc. Started on allergy vaccine.
At age 4 1/2, developed typical sore on lower leg, right on ankle, due to grass allergy. However, unlike others, this one did not heal and grew. Treated with various meds. Did biopsy in fall of '07 and mostly revealed various autoimmune disorders. Sore at its peak was nearly 3 inches across and swelling was the size of at tennis ball. Sore nearly went away over winter, but in spring of '08, blew up again, sore became bloody and just plain nasty. Did another biopsy in June '08, this time sent to the lab we use at the vet dermatology center where I work. Results were for habronema. Treated with ivermectin mixed with DMSO and fura ointment. Immediately improved by 90%. But after a month, sore started growing again and getting raw and bloody again. In the meantime, we have been dealing with raw tail, bumps along midline, swollen sheath, raw chest, sores along crest and hairless face, and the sore on nose reopened.
Two weeks ago tomorrow (8/16) double dosed with Ivermectin. While no change in habronema, the tail is no longer raw and itchy. Sheath and midline improved though now swollen and lumpy again. Chest and mane look better. Will be double dosing with Equimax tomorrow, and am thinking I may need to double dose every 2 weeks for a while, especially in light of the conditions we are dealing with right now (flooding due to TS Fay).
IMP- 18 year old TB mare, retired eventer: raw, itchy tail. DD Ivermectin on 8/16. Tail noticably better and no longer itchy. Will DD Equimax tomorrow.
AM EDITING TO ADD BATES: I dd’d him 2 weeks ago with Ivermectin and everyone got dd’s with equimax today. Bates is a 12 year old TB we got about 6 weeks ago. Jen’s new eventer. Has CRAP feet and has that “on the track ribby look”…can’t seem to put more weight on him. So will be curious to see what he ends up doing too.
Also DD’s my others though they don’t exhibit any skin issues. Am going to get my boarder to DD her warmblood, he is broken out in bumps all over.
Thanks for allowing me to compile my thoughts! I will post pics of Tuckers habronema on my website this weekend as well.
Jake: 14 YO QH with sudden onset partial balding of his hips, scabby hip bones, very itchy chest/neck/back/shoulders/hips…but NOT an itchy mane or tail. double dose Equimax Saturday.
Update: zero change so I had the vet out yesterday and he’s now on Dex 10 cc 1/day X 5 days, got a cocktail of arsenic etc to drop this haircoat and grow a new one, plus a homemade fungal shampoo treatment daily X 5 days.
Chip: moderately itchy in the body but has had pea sized lumps just under the skin on his points of shoulder, lower neck since before I bought him in 2006. Double dosed Equimax Saturday as well.
Update: zero change in those lumps.
Choco, that deal with the foot expanding just has me :eek::eek::eek:
gabz: first round of “double dose” on 23 August 2008
21 yo QH-Bubba. No noticeable signs of itchiness. Has fly sheet. Cribber since age 14. Used 1 E’max & 1 Ivermectin. That day his cribbing dropped about 40%. No noticeable change in the week following. Will follow with a 1.5 Anthelcide at 2 week mark. (I don’t expect he has any major infestation.)
6 yo MFT-Bentley. Came from NASTY nasty farm. Questionable deworming background until November 2007 when I bought him. B&W color. had nasty small lumps on his chest and between front legs. Rubbing/scratching tail despite every 6 week deworming protocol. No crusties on midline. Used 1 E’max & 1 Ivermectin. Have noticed that tail isn’t being rubbed. Little bumps on chest gone. Will do a double E’max at 2 week mark.
10 yo Mtn Pleasure Horse-Amber Bock. Rescue from truck headed to Shipsy in Dec 07. poor haircoat, rat’s nest in tail. crusties on midline. Lumps at umbilical area and just in front of sheath. Used 1 E’max & 1 Ivermectin. Have noticed that tail isn’t being rubbed. Crusties … still there … but might be a little smaller. Will do a double E’max at 2 week mark and keep supplies on hand for additional 2 week dosing. This horse had SEVERE trust issues. Does not like to be touched. Flings head to avoid ear touching. Since Dec I have gained his trust… had a hard time trimming hind feet, etc., due to trust. This will be my “hard core” case to watch.
OK. I will compile my info.
Mikey, 6yo, TB, gelding- bred in TX has been in LA for at least 3 years. I have owned him since March.
Pre double dose- (I am just going to list all “issues” and see what eventually resolves and what doesn’t.) Low grade club left front, stiff to the left, “scar tissue” on left hind fetlock, stumbles behind, prone to fungus behind, wounds and scratches generally slow to heal, bumps on withers, neck and back, severe itching on head, neck, shoulder, chest and hind quarters. However, when he is not itchy he doesn’t really want to be touched at all. Very moody… I prefer to think of it as “personality”.
1st double dose- “Scar tissue” on right hind peels off to reveal some normal skin with small lesion in the middle, bald spots appear on both front fetlocks, frogs in both front feet appear different (not quite sure how to describe it), itching increases briefly but then subsides. Hair is growing in the bald spots on chest, shoulder and hindquarters. No new bald spots.
Toward the end of the two week period his frogs were back to “normal” and he was itchy again. His back right fetlock was starting to develop the “scar tissue again”
2nd double dose- 2 days ago- Very itchy right now, no more “scar tissue”, frogs contracted? again. Still an SOB.
Spiker: 17.2hh 1999 registered but unraced Thoroughbred gelding. Has had multiple health issues since June '07. They include (but are not limited to at this point) mild arthritis in the hock and some changes in both hocks, SI issues, and poor shoeing which exacerbated everything. He was in light work again (w/t) to strengthen hind-end/back however saddle fit issues has put riding on hold. He was wormed with praziquantal in the fall of '07 and then with Quest in the spring.
Current problem is poor body condition. Dull coat, no muscle (due to lack of work) and has dropped 100-150 lbs in a 6 month period. Is getting unlimited hay, 3 feedings of High Fat/High Fibre per day (at least 10 lbs per day if not more), a 30% fat top dressing, 1 cup of oil plus various joint supplements. Ribs, hips, spine are very visible. Little lumps on his skin “here and there” but hard to say if it’s bug bites or something else.
(Sidenote: My horse is built like a tank. On an “average” day he is mistaken for a chunky WB or even QH, typically thick neck, broad chest, wide barrel, muscled hindquarters. Now is starting to look like a rescue case!)
Suspected ulcers or worms. Due to his size I am always worried about barn managers/different vets administering “less than” the appropriate amount of dewormer due to his large size.
Aug 23 – give double dose of fenbenzadole x 5 days. Barn managers did not note any colic or itchiness, however at the barn last night I noticed he has 7-9 small (4 mm), hairless patches of skin, most on his neck and 3 along his spine.
Next step is to administer the Anthlecide at the 1.5x dosage on Sept 10th. I don’t know if he has had oxybendazole before (ever!) so I am curious to see the impact it will (or won’t) make.
Following that, I will administer the ivermectin at double the dosage six weeks after that.
If this doesn’t work, it’ll be back to the drawing board and most likely treatment for ulcers. 
Let’s see
Kit, 9 year old MFT. Trail horse, mainly does short rides about 2-3 times a week and at least 1 10-18 mile ride a weekend. Hates bugs, even though she has free access to turnout 24/7 365 days a year she stands in stall to get away from bugs. Will get down on ground and rub her belly like crazy. Has had slightly crusty line on belly but nothing nearly like some of the pics shown. Rubbing tail, no bare spots on tail. Sometimes rubs mane as well. Occasionally has runny eyes. Has been on rotating worming schedule. Power pac’d in March. Looks very healthy, nice shiny coat with dapples, good hooves, healthy appetite, looking at food makes her fat.
On Aug. 20th double dosed her with Equimax. Day after seemed mopey, didn’t come out of stall when called. Belly clearing up. Still itching though. Week after worming had spot on shoulder about the size of your palm where the skin is flaking off. Double dose planned for Sept. 3rd
Cricket is a soon to be 6 year old MFT, same work schedule as Kit. Same turnout and worming schedule. Cricket shows no signs of itchiness. Looks healthy, nice shiny coat with dapples, good hooves, healthy appetite, can get lanky looking not ribby though.
On Aug. 20th double dosed her with Ivermectin. Seemed ok day after. Noticed 2 bumps on belly that were about the size of a nickel with a crusty spot on top. Had not been off the property and hadn’t had bumps like this previously. Was itching tail on fence this morning:mad:
Blush: 10 yo 16.1 OTTB mare. Main symptom of concern: tail rubbing which began in the spring/summer. Tried all topicals with no result. Tried double dosing with ivermectin twice around July–tail rubbing stopped for a few days, but then came right back. Small odd spot on midline (looked like potential sarcoid) did disappear with the ivermectin double dose. Treated with 2x equimax on 8/21. Tail rubbing very bad on 8/25. Will double dose again around 9/4. Currently hard to say if Blush is still rubbing or if her tail is just shedding some hair. I am still seeing several dozen hairs on the brush when I brush the top of her tail.
Probably unrelated: right hind limb lameness of unknown origin. Bone scan scheduled on the 4th. Last night right hind limb was filled ONLY on the outside on the leg directly above the fetlock. She probably knocked herself, but who knows?
Will follow up with EqTrainer’s worming protocol in the future.
Currently trying to talk other owners at the barn into double dosing their horses
[QUOTE=HDFarm;3482565]
I too have double dosed my itchy herd with with ivermectin. I found a fabulous price at Jeffers for short dated (9/08) at $2.29 a tube.
Thought I’d pass the bargain along![/QUOTE]
Thats were I got mine. Great savings, I was able to double dose 12 horses thanks to their sale. Ordered it Tues. and got it her last night (Thurs.)
OK Here is my idea:
Once we get all of this information compiled, I would REALLY like to put a summary with all the information on my website! That way if the topic comes up, I can just link anyone to it, all in one easy to read place.
Chocomare, are you game to help me?
Choco-mare is my hero!
Seraphina now 29 yr TB Mare. Developed skin rash 4 years ago. First started on front of hind cannons, then moved up the hind legs, on face, over kidneys. At it’s worst, she was losing hair all over her body. No itching or scratching. Just gray ‘dust’ when groomed turned into hair falling off, often appearing as rain rot (white clomps of hair). So much hair was lost on her face that you could no longer see the star in the middle of her forehead!
Tried topical shampoos (both Vet supplied and OTC), MSG & Icthamol (sp) both made it more messy. Also did a round of anti-biotics.
Then she developed a swelling in left front fetlock that was deemed a cyst by local vet after x-rays done. As vet indicated, this is more common in young horses - not what he expected in an aged horse.
Mare is on worming routine as approved by vet for our area. Actually she is wormed more carefully now, since she is at home, than when she was boarded out.
Read Choco-mare’s post several years ago and tried the double does Equimax, wait 2 weeks & double dose again. Skin cleared up, hair grew back - fortunately no white hairs (scarring).
Had not really put it all togther until this thread, but her front lameness all but went away and that fetlock went down.
FYI - the de-worming never really helped my gelding who is horribly allergic to gnats & such. He lives in a fly-sheet + mask when outside during the day & has fan on in his stall all night.
Buying Equimax this weekend to do another round as her skin is acting up again.
Has anyone learned how to rid your pastures of these parasites? Also are they carried by deer? Wondering as we have a large population around & they appreciate our grassy pastures here in SC.
OK I am a little lost here-will someone summarize the doxy connection for me?
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