My horses have been on a regular worming schedule, following Chocomare’s original roatation. For the double dose protocol, both horses were double-dosed with ivermectin, as it is less costly, and I am not fully convinced of the role of praziquantel in this protocol. The gelding was also severely injured a few weeks prior to the initial double dose, and I did not want to tax his system more than necessary. There was actually a full month between the two double doses, as life interfered with my ability to get to the barn for a while. Both horses gained at least some weight after the initial double dose :rolleyes:; whether this was due to the DD or the new hay, I cannot be for certain. Damn easy keepers – I want some of the worms back!
[B]12-year-old Morgan mare
Recurrent “Sweet Itch” this summer (diagnosed by vet as allergy to Culicodes), leading to itchy skin (rubbed off a lot of hair on neck/chest and some on face), flaky skin, and linear urticaria. Tail rubbing. A very few “knots” of the variety (a bit smaller than an eraser) that make one think “worms.”
Date of first DD: October 2, 2008
No major clearing noticed due to DD, as most recent “sweet itch” was already clearing up.
Tail itching stopped.
Mare gained weight. =(
Date of second DD: November 1, 2008
One week later, noticed flaky skin on neck in location of previous sweet itch.
“Worm knots” no longer present.
4-year-old Morgan gelding
No symptoms other than a few “wormy knots” and some tail rubbing as worming was due.
Date of first DD: October 2, 2008
“Wormy knots” disappeared and tail rubbing stopped.
Some weight gain.
Date of second DD: November 1, 2008
One week later, no further improvement or symptoms to report[/B]
No further DD or weekly ivermectin followed the original DD protocol.
Come spring, I believe I will DD ivermectin again, to see if my mare’s “sweet itch” is prevented, or if any difference is noted in severity. I think I may also try the pyrantel/oxibendazole as part of my rotation as well, slightly altering what I currently use. Maybe.
While I am not yet fully convinced that “it worked” beyond their normal rotation, it certainly didn’t hurt anything. I feel the true test will be this spring with my mare.
