Drenching (or deworming) is an essential part of any equine health plan, and it’s especially important for Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) who are transitioning to new careers. Understanding when to drench, and how to use fecal egg counts (FECs) effectively, can make a significant difference in your horse’s health, resilience, and overall performance. This post explores why drenching is important, the role of fecal egg counts, and how these practices contribute to optimal health for your OTTB.
Why Drenching Is Crucial
Drenching, or deworming, involves administering a wormer/drench to help eliminate internal parasites, such as roundworms, tapeworms, and strongyles. OTTBs, like all horses, are susceptible to parasites, and high parasite loads can lead to serious health issues. OTTBs often experience new stresses as they adjust to life off the track, which can make them more vulnerable to parasite-related health complications, including:
Colic Risks: Severe infestations increase the risk of colic, which can be fatal if not managed swiftly.
Weight Loss: Parasites can prevent your horse from absorbing essential nutrients, leading to weight loss and a dull coat.
Poor Performance: Parasites can cause lethargy, gut discomfort, and general discomfort, which impacts your OTTB’s performance and ability to adapt to retraining.
The Risks of Overdrenching
While drenching is necessary, over-drenching can lead to resistance, where parasites become immune to certain dewormers. Deworming OTTBs based on outdated schedules may contribute to resistance, which is a growing concern in New Zealand. Fortunately, this is where fecal egg counts come into play.
The Benefits of Fecal Egg Counts (FECs)
1. Targeted Drenching
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- FECs allow you to deworm based on actual need, targeting horses with higher parasite loads instead of blanket-drenching all horses.
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- A targeted approach helps reduce unnecessary deworming and slows the development of resistance.
2. Cost-Effective Management
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- Regular FECs can save on deworming costs over time. By only drenching when necessary, you reduce the need for excessive treatments, which benefits both your budget and your horse’s health.
3. Improved Health and Performance
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- Horses with lower parasite loads are generally healthier and more energetic. By keeping track of parasite levels, you can adjust your drenching schedule to better support your OTTB’s health and energy levels, crucial for retraining and conditioning.
4. Early Detection of Resistance
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- FECs help identify potential drench resistance by showing whether a dewormer has been effective in reducing parasite levels. This allows you to adjust the type of drench used and prevent resistance from taking hold in your herd or yard.
How to Incorporate Fecal Egg Counts into Your OTTB’s Health Plan
To effectively use FECs as part of your OTTB’s care, consider the following steps:
Step 1: Establish a Baseline
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- Begin with an initial FEC to establish your OTTB’s baseline parasite level. Horses vary in their susceptibility to parasites, so it’s helpful to know your horse’s specific requirements.
Step 2: Schedule Routine FECs
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- Every 2–3 months, collect a sample to monitor changes in parasite levels. Spring and autumn are ideal seasons to conduct FECs, as parasite loads often increase during these times.
Step 3: Customise the Deworming Schedule
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- Based on the FEC results, work with your veterinarian to create a tailored drenching plan. Horses with low egg counts may need less frequent deworming, while high egg count horses can be managed more intensively.
Step 4: Monitor and Adapt
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- As you continue FEC testing, keep an eye out for signs of resistance, such as high egg counts following a deworming treatment. If resistance is suspected, consult with your vet to adjust the drench type or protocol.
Choosing the Right Dewormer
Not all dewormers are created equal, and the effectiveness of each type varies by parasite. Work with your veterinarian to choose a drench that effectively targets the specific parasites indicated by the FEC results. Rotation between different classes of dewormers can also help manage parasite resistance.
Popular Dewormers Used in New Zealand
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- Benzimidazoles (like fenbendazole): Effective against large strongyles and pinworms but may have resistance issues with small strongyles.
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- Macrocyclic Lactones (like ivermectin and moxidectin): Broad-spectrum and effective against many parasites, including strongyles and bots.
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- Pyrantel: Effective against roundworms and tapeworms but not typically used for small strongyles.
Best Practices for Drenching and FEC Management
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- Pasture Management: Regularly remove manure from pastures to reduce re-infestation.
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- Isolate New Arrivals: Perform an FEC and administer deworming as needed before introducing new horses to your herd.
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- Rotate Grazing Areas: Moving horses to new pastures can reduce exposure to parasites and help prevent infestations.
Drenching OTTBs is essential for maintaining optimal health, but adopting a strategic approach using fecal egg counts can enhance the effectiveness of your deworming program. By managing parasite loads in a targeted way, you reduce unnecessary treatments, prevent resistance, and support your OTTB’s health and performance. Regular FEC testing, combined with responsible pasture and herd management, offers a cost-effective, health-focused approach that is beneficial for OTTB owners and their horses in New Zealand.
Drenching with a purpose will ensure your OTTB is healthier, happier, and better equipped to excel in its new career. For personalized advice, always consult with your veterinarian, as they can provide tailored guidance based on your OTTB’s specific needs.
Using fecal egg counts is a proactive and sustainable strategy for managing OTTB health—protecting your horse from the harmful effects of parasites while maintaining the efficiency of your deworming treatments.