Herd & Hoof FEC Diagnostics - Worm counts

11/09/2026

Another glorious Friday view 😍

Still a few appointments left for next week, drop me a message if you would like to get your horse checked.

10/09/2026

Really excited to have been asked to take part in this fantastic open evening at Carrs Billington Kendal!

I’ll be testing samples on the night, so don’t forget to bring yours along with you.

The brilliant team from Zoetis will also be there talking all things worming and parasite control, while the team from North West Equine Vets will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Join us on Monday 28th September, from 5:30pm to 8pm, for expert advice, demonstrations and exclusive in-store savings.

📍 J36 Rural Auction Centre, Crooklands, LA7 7FP

10/09/2026

10/09/2026

A day of in lab testing today!

09/09/2026

Simple and effective ways to minimise parasite risk.

Scroll to find out more.

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09/09/2026

What is this I spy this morning!

We have hit 200 followers 🤗

Now this might seem like a small number to some people but to me it means everything, I'm so grateful to each and every one of you for following along with what I get up to out and about keeping horses and livestock happy and healthy.

Heres to the next milestone!

08/09/2026

𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐊 𝐓𝐀𝐏𝐄𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐒 🪱

There are 3 main tapeworms that will affect horses, donkeys and other equines.

🟣Anoplocephala perforliata
🟣Anoplocephala magna
🟣Paranoplocephala mamillana

These all form part of the cestoda parasite class and belong to the Anoplcephalidae parasite family.

A.Perforliata is found at the Ileocecal junction, while A.Magna and P.Mamillana are found in the Jejunum.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝?

Mature segments are passed in faeces and disintegrate releasing eggs. These eggs are then ingested by the forage mite (tapeworms intermediate host) where they develop to the cysticercoid stage within the mite.
Horses will then ingest the mite which is found in haylage, hay etc. Adult tapeworms can then be seen in the intestines within 1 - 2 months after injestion.

𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐭𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

- Unthiftiness
- Diarrhoea
- Inflammtion of the intestines
- Colic
- Intestinal obstruction
- In severe cases perforation of the intestines

Horses of all ages may be affected but clinical cases have been reported mainly in animals up to 3 - 4 years of age.

𝐒𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐚 𝐭𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?

There are number of ways to do this;
Faecal egg counts - can be used but are not always the most effective way due to shedding patterns of the tapeworms.
Equisal saliva tests - Simple easy to use swab tests which are scientifically analysed to show the presence of antibodies in the saliva.

Drop us a message if you would like discuss your horses tapeworm burden or if you would like to order your test!

📞 07975 623478
📧[email protected]

* Remember if you are concerned about your horses health or any clinical signs always contact your vet for advice.

08/09/2026

Till was more than happy to share her haylage this afternoon, Nelly seems to be settling in nicely.

07/09/2026

No visits for me this morning while I wait for the electric guys to come and install our new smart meter… so I’m making the most of a bit of unexpected sofa time! 📚☕️

Back into this enormous textbook for some more studying! 🤓

One thing that’s really important to me is never standing still when it comes to learning.

Parasite control is constantly evolving, and the more I can continue to build my knowledge, the better the advice and service I can offer my clients and their animals. 🐴🐑🐄

There’s always more to learn — and I absolutely love it! 💜

06/09/2026

The views just get better every time I'm out and about!