Worming Advice

At first glance, the array of wormers to choose from appears mind-boggling. However, by looking at the active ingredient it can be seen that many of the brands contain the same drug and perform the same function. Below is a summary of the active ingredients available in the most commonly used wormers.

Drug Groups

1) Benzimidazole - Panacur - These wormers deal with some worms like small and large redworms, large roundworms, seatworms (pinworms), lungworms. It does not treat tapeworm or Bots. Larger doses may be needed for lungworms and encysted (forming a protective membrane around themselves) migrating small redworms.

2) Pyrantel - Nemetal & Embotape - These are very effective against large and small redworms, large roundworms and seatworms (pinworms) but not bots, lungworms or encysted redworms. A double dose is effective against some tapeworms.

3) Ivermectin - Bimectin, Eqvalan, Eqvalan Duo, Eraquell, Equimax, Dugmectin & Noromectin - Historically, a good general purpose wormer which treats against large and small redworms, large roundworms and seatworms (pinworms), lungworm and bots, except tapeworms and encysted small redworms. Please note that Equimax and Eqvalan Duo also contain Praziquantel.

4) Moxidectin - Equest & Equest Pramox - The best & longest lasting drug available which treats against large and small redworms, large roundworms and seatworms (pinworms), lungworm and bots, except tapeworm. Moxidectin stays up to thirteen weeks in the body killing worm eggs and larvae for that period. Controls ALL stages of encysted small redworms.

5) Praziquantel - Equest Pramox, Eqvalan Duo, Iverpraz & Equimax - Is a specific tapeworm treatment and is effective against all three species of tapeworms with a standard dose. Please note that Equimax, Iverpraz and Eqvalan Duo also contain Ivermectin as well as Praziquantel. Equest Pramox also contains Moxidectin.

Worming Advice

1. Treatment for encysted redworms should be done at least once per year.

2. Treatment for tapeworms should be included in the autumn and spring.

3. Bot treatments should be timed for the autumn/winter

4. Do not underdose as this can encourage resistance. Use a weight tape.

5. Rotate Wormers to prevent the possibility of drug resistance forming for a particular drug group.

6. Contact your Veterinary Surgeon for advice regarding worming your animal.

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