Equine parasite control using pyrantel embonate
Clayton, H.M.; Duncan, J.L.; Gilbert, G.A.
Veterinary Record 105(17): 389-391
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 552733 Document Number: 153757
The use of pyrantel embonate over 3 years for the control of intestinal nematode infections was monitored on a thoroughbred stud, a private horse establishment and a highland pony stud. All resident and visiting horses, plus foals from age 6 to 8 weeks, were treated, the drug being given either in supplementary feed at 19 mg/kg body-weight or as a paste at 5.18 g pyrantel embonate/272 kg body-weight. On the thoroughbred stud, treatment each month for the 3 years kept the faecal egg output of the horses very low (average <100 epg). On the private establishment, treatments were given monthly for the first 2 years. The egg output was greatly reduced by the 2nd year and this low output was maintained in the 3rd year when the interval between treatments was increased to 1.5 months. On the pony stud the 1.5 month interval was used continuously for the whole 3-year period. The faecal egg output was higher than on the thoroughbred stud and followed a seasonal pattern (low in winter, rising to a peak in summer). However, the maximum egg output declined markedly in the 2nd and 3rd years. No signs of resistance to the drug were apparent.