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Gailforce -- Another old lady rediscovering her inner cowgirl]
LOL! Yup, that's me too.
I never had to do the tube up the nose, but I was riding at a stable when it was being done that way. Thankfully, by the time I got my first horse, it was the much simpler syringe. I have to admit, I really liked the idea of a daily dewormer when it first came out, not for myself, but it made so much sense for the horses that no worm load could be established and doing damage. But ... it means they don't have a resistance either.
Sigh -- now after much research online, I still am pondering what's best for my two. Turns out I haven't yet found anything about a clinical trial. Considering how often I read, in Horse Journal and elsewhere, that 'there hasn't been much testing on ..', maybe that shouldn't be a surprise. What I did find in several iterations was that the main cause of resistance to any drug was underdosing. Well, maybe the wonderful Horse Journal staff will have some updates in the future, if and when more research is done! As serious as this problem is, I would hope there would be more research. On the other hand, it sounds like a lot of the problem is because owners don't know about and understand the proper application. Education is probably going to have the most impact. Meanwhile, with my growing 2.5 yo, I'll remind myself to check his weight regularly and adjust accordingly. And do a fecal in another 3 months.
Sorry to hear you lost one recently. The saddest thing with having animals is their shorter life-span. They give so much in their brief time with us, and each is memorable. My old guy is still going strong, and he's mourned the passing of several companions. This last time, before acquiring the baby, he clearly told me it was time for him to have another friend. After several months of being happy to see me and seemingly enjoying the extra attention (well, I do feed him! <G>), he suddenly started running to the gate and whickering whenever one of our pickups came home. And he stopped as soon as we delivered the baby. He's a retired steeple chaser, and has been both a challenge and a delight throughout his long life with me. Sounds like you're enjoying much the same with your off the track .. um .. 'dingbat' Oh how true! Aren't thoroughbreds wonderful? Oh, I'm assuming it is a thoroughbred you're talking about. Funny side note, my baby is a Paso Fino (shorter horse, less distance to fall <g>). When I was inquiring at a local farm that trains walkers if they could take him on, the initial response to 'Paso Fino' was 'oh! little horses on crack!' Yep, he's a bit high strung, but after years with thoroughbreds/control freaks I'm finding him a joy!
Randi
