Worming program - Someone please help me figure out a good worming program I have two minis, no pasture just two large lots. I would like a general idea in simple terms on what I should be doing.

• Our worming program we use has worked for 10 years for our minis. We worm every 8 weeks. We rotate 3 different wormers throughout the year. In the fall and winter we use Zemectrin, 2 months later we use Strongid paste, and then 2 months later we use Safe-Guard or Panacur. Worming is done by the weight of the horse so pick up a pony weight tape, measure around the mini just behind the front legs and it will give you the weight of your animal. Be sure not to overdose. And make sure the ring on the wormer does not slip. With young foals I never worm before 3-4 months.

Worming Pregnant Mares - I'm about to deworm my mare who is 10 months pregnant; any advice on favorite brands?

• This is my method I use on all my mares. If she is a new mare and I am unsure of her previous worming history I use Strongid or Safe Guard. I do this in case she has a infestation then the kill rate will not be as likely to endanger her from a overkill at one time. Then I do a fecal exam 2 weeks later and give her Ivermecterin depending on the results at that time. If okay, I deworm her with Ivermecterin on the next due date with every body else. - Now, if I have owned the mare for some time I worm her every 2 months with one of the 2 above products. Anytime you are concerned about your program I advocate consulting your vet and with fecal exams you can plan an effective program of control on his advice.
• There are a lot of dewormers out there that you can use on pregnant mares. Right now I'm using Strongid-C which is a daily wormer which is safe for pregnant mares. Strongid is safe and I know Zimectarin is also safe. But before you purchase a wormer for your mare, just check over the label quick and see if it's safe for pregnant and/or lactating mares.

Shots (reactions) - As spring approaches, it will again be time to have the vet give our minis their yearly shots. My problem last year was that all of our horses were sick afterwards. I held my breath when the vet said he was going to give them each 3 shots, but felt he was the expert. The next day the two minis and our POA-Welch mix and Welch -Shetland mix were all tired looking lethargic. We finally had to give the mini mare Bute, because her neck had swollen up so bad. Any suggestion for this year. I am terrified of giving shots myself, so I must use a vet. Has anyone else had this problem? The vet said their large horse do this sometimes, but he thought in part for attention. What do you think?

• Hi. The only time I give shots in the neck is when I have used up the hind end. There is so much nice deep muscle in the rump, that is the ideal spot on a mini. It can be dangerous on a big one, but I used to give the shots in the butt of the big ones too. I sure wouldn't want a shot in the neck! I try to give two shots at a time. And I ALWAYS watch for reactions. I give the shots on a day when I will be home, give it early in the day so I can watch and if I have to call the vet it isn't overtime!
• I've used Fort Dodge products most years since we've had horses, & the only problem was a swollen spot on the neck if I gave the shot there, my vet said it was caused by failing to get the injection firmly in muscle where it could be absorbed. with the smaller muscle mass on the minis, he recommends the butt site. Most years I've bought the tanks from Jeffers, the EWT & the Rhino-flu in separate injections. My vet has since offered to sell the shots at a tank price for me to give myself, and I went with that. We have a new law in ARK mandating that all horses in the state must have a coggins test for EIA at least once a year, so Monday, we lined everyone up, and the vet came out and drew blood from all eleven, then we followed with the two shots, one in each butt-cheek. Tuesday morning several failed to eat all their grain, but by evening, everyone was back to their normal ravenous appetite, running and bucking in the sun.
• Rhino shots are known to produce this swelling sometimes especially when given in the neck. Any vaccine marked Intramuscular Injection is best given in the large muscles of the rear end along the back of the leg. Do not give them in the top of the hip/croup, or the "side" of the hip as the sciatic nerve runs between the gluteal muscles in that area. Your vet can show you the safe places to give injections, and you will save alot of money!
• There is a new vaccine on the market, which has just about everything you want to give in one shot. I have used it in weanlings on up and love it! It includes: Eastern, Western, Venezualan Encephalitis, Influenza A1 &A2, Rhinopneumonitis (both strains), and Tetanus. These are the primary equine immunizations and up till now the Rhino had to be a separate shot. So you had to give 2 shots not to mention if you were giving Potomac Fever vaccine etc. --- The depression you saw is pretty normal, vaccines stimulate the antigen/antibody complex (which is why vaccines work) and some animals show a few symptoms of feeling a little depressed for a day or so, unless it is excessive I wouldn't worry about it. If it was the Rhino vaccine your vet gave in the neck that is probably why the swelling occurred. I have been giving my own shots for years and (knock on wood) have not had an adverse reaction yet. If you are going to give your own vaccines have your vet show you the sites and how to do it. I also recommend having epinepherine on hand in case a true anaphalactic reaction should occur BUT, you need to know exactly WHEN, WHY, and HOW to use it, as it can save a life when used correctly, or kill if used incorrectly. You need a vet who is willing to show you these things and, it is not so bad once you get used to it. --- If you stay in horses very long there will probably come a time a horse needs shots daily and then you can do it without having the vet out daily! --- If the amount of a med to be given is more than 2cc I also divide the dose so there isn't such a large amount that must be absorbed from one site. ALWAYS wet the intended injection site with alcohol to avoid introducing bacteria into the site as the needle penetrates the skin, this one simple, and often not done, act can prevent many abcesses and infections!
• Several of you e-mailed me wanting this info so I will post it here for all to see. --- I order my vaccines through Jeffers Vet Supply and have always been satisfied with the service and prices. You can request a catalog at 1-800-533-3377. The vaccine is made by Fort Dodge and is called Triple-E FT+EHV this one contains the Venezuelan strain. They also make one without the Ven. strain called Double-E FT+EHV. --- I have literally cleared up all my weanlings snotty noses by switching to this product, I use the first one by the way. Have not had any adverse reactions so far. --- Cost is a bit cheaper than buying the vaccines separate like I used to. I get it by the 10 dose vials which, saves a little more too.