Chall, very good question. I also don’t understand that if these adult worms are in the horse, why no attempt by vets/clinics is done to expell or kill them.
My vet was here on Thursday and although she certainly didn’t deny the existence of onchocerca, she said they hardly ever still see clinical cases of it, since the use of ivermectin.
In the 1980’s she said they used to see summer sores due to onchocerca quite frequently, but not anymore since ivermectin has been on the market and horses have had a rotational worming program.
I showed her some articles and she recommended to check dates on the publication, if they date back to the 80’s or are from this century.
She figured that my one DD & 3 singles followed by now, have got to be sufficient and I should give it 2 months and worm with moxidectin, wait 2 months and again equimax. That in her mind ought to be sufficient.
Do note when she was here, my horse only had a tiny lump left high up in his neck, so not a severe NTW-case.
She’ll be back out in 4 weeks, so we’ll recheck any lumps at that time and see what’s ups.
She did not feel comfortable with the continuous weekly ivermectin dosing, as not enough research has been done on long term possible ill effect of continuous dosing or double dosing.
My guys had another single dose this morning and as I don’t wish to freak out about liver problems, considering I have one on and off on devil’s claw. I might quit here and go with moxidectin early Dec, equimax early Feb.
But have decided to give them the DD tomorrow morning as I’ll be home for the whole weekend to observe. Am thinking along the lines that if the contents of the PP are safe up to five times and it’s a recommended dose then hopefully the IG will be the same… I have to do something as Patch is not a happy camper.
