Equine deworming at Cleary Lake
Equine Deworming at Cleary Lake Veterinary Hospital focuses on developing an individualized parasite control program based on your horse’s age, health, management, and risk factors. Rather than routinely deworming every horse on the same schedule, our veterinarians can use fecal egg counts and other diagnostic information to help determine when deworming is appropriate and which products are most effective. We also provide guidance on strategic deworming, parasite prevention, and pasture management to help reduce parasite resistance and protect your horse’s long-term health.
Deworming handout: Download our deworming guide (PDF)
What to expect from a fecal egg count
A fecal egg count starts with a fresh manure sample from your horse. The sample is examined to count the parasite eggs, which tells us whether your horse is a low, moderate or high shedder. Most horses stay in the same category over time, so the result helps us decide how often your horse truly needs deworming.
To check whether a dewormer is still working on your farm, we may also recommend a fecal egg count reduction test, with one sample taken before deworming and another about two weeks after. We'll use the results to build a plan that fits your horse and your barn.
Why a targeted deworming plan matters
For years, many horses were dewormed every couple of months on a fixed rotation. That approach helped parasites become resistant to the dewormers we rely on. A targeted plan helps you:
- Avoid unnecessary treatments for low-shedding horses
- Focus treatment on the horses that contribute the most eggs to your pastures
- Keep effective dewormers working longer
Foals and young horses are more likely to carry parasites and usually need a different schedule, which we'll tailor to them.
Build your horse's parasite control plan
Call us at (952) 435-8387 to set up fecal egg counts or to talk through a deworming plan for your horse or your whole barn.
Deworming - FAQ
Why not just deworm every horse every two months?
Parasites in horses, especially small strongyles and ascarids, have become widely resistant to several classes of dewormers. Because of this, recommendations have moved away from treating every horse on a fixed rotating schedule. Current guidance favors surveillance-based control that considers which parasites are present, how resistant they are and local conditions. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual
Does my horse still need deworming if its egg count is low?
Yes, but likely less often. Current guidelines recommend deworming all horses at a baseline of once or twice a year, then treating high shedders more often based on their fecal egg counts. Egg counts guide treatment decisions but aren't used to diagnose disease, and no dewormer removes every parasite stage from a horse. Source: American Association of Equine Practitioners
When should I collect a sample for a fecal egg count?
Timing matters. If the sample is taken too soon after deworming, the count reflects the dewormer rather than your horse's normal shedding level. Wait at least 12 weeks after ivermectin, 16 weeks after moxidectin and 9 weeks after a benzimidazole. Many owners pair fecal egg counts with spring or fall vaccination visits. Source: University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
What is a fecal egg count reduction test?
A fecal egg count reduction test checks whether a dewormer is still working. A fecal sample is tested before deworming, and a second sample is tested about 14 days after treatment. The egg count should drop by at least 95 percent. A smaller drop suggests the parasites on your farm may be resistant to that product. Source: Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
How can pasture management reduce parasites?
Parasite control programs aim to limit how many parasite eggs end up contaminating your pastures. Regularly removing manure from paddocks and pastures helps control parasites and may reduce the number of deworming treatments your horse needs. Periodic fecal exams also help confirm that your program is working. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual
