[Jacob-list] re: worming techniques

[MarmontJacobs at aol.com]

http://www.saanendoah.com/fecals.html is a starting point albeit for goats, 
but near enough. I agree that worming whatever is a bad idea and can 
compromise the formation of a healthy immune system if overdone. Ivermectin 
is a last resort here in the UK - ie for resistant parasites or the odd 
nasties that can't be cleared up by anything else. I would never give an 
injectable orally except on vet advice *and* after double checking somewhere 
else (all vets are human and get it wrong especially if they are not used to 
whatever creature you are presenting them with.......I presented a ewe with 
acute mastitis at a surgery a few years ago, to be given the manual and asked 
to look up a treatment!!). The ewe survived and is now nine. The article 
above suggests saturated salt solution - when I asked my last vet about such 
things he said make up concentrated sugar solution, bung in a bit of fresh 
muck from a selection of beasts and swirl it about. I have a powerful 
microscope, but only worm minimally in any case, so haven't taken it further 
to date. Keep us informed!

Trisha M-S
Marmont Jacobs, Montgomeryshire, Wales