Fecal Egg Count Testing Program
For an evidence-based, individualized approach -- fecal egg count testing lets your vet target deworming to your horse's actual parasite load rather than a fixed calendar schedule.
Runner-up: Standard Rotational Schedule · Retake the quiz
Why this fits you
- You want deworming decisions based on your horse's actual parasite load, not a fixed calendar.
- Reducing unnecessary dewormer use (and the resistance risk that comes with overuse) matters to you.
- You're working with your vet who can run and interpret fecal egg counts.
Fecal egg count testing measures your horse's actual parasite egg shedding, letting your veterinarian determine a targeted deworming approach based on real data rather than a fixed calendar schedule -- this is the current, evidence-based standard many vets recommend, partly because it helps reduce unnecessary dewormer use and the parasite resistance that overuse contributes to. This is genuinely a conversation for your vet, not a decision to make from general information alone.
How it compares
| Approach | Basis | Best for |
| Fecal Egg Count Testing Program | Individual parasite load data | Evidence-based, vet-partnered management |
| Standard Rotational Schedule (Discuss with Your Vet) | Fixed calendar schedule | Understanding current guidance before deciding |
Buying checklist
- Work with your vet to establish a fecal testing schedule appropriate for your horse and situation
- Low, moderate, and high shedder classifications from testing guide different deworming frequency
- This approach requires ongoing vet partnership, not a one-time decision
When this isn’t the right fit
A testing program is not a do-it-yourself plan, because it needs a veterinarian to run and interpret the counts. If you cannot reach one who offers fecal testing, ask for a schedule they recommend, and never skip a treatment on the strength of one result without your veterinarian's advice.
Other results from this quiz may suit your situation better:
- Standard Rotational Schedule (Discuss with Your Vet): a traditional calendar-based approach still used in some situations
Because this touches your horse’s health or comfort, check with your veterinarian before you act on a general guide like this one.
Run the numbers
Frequently asked questions
Why is fecal testing considered better than a fixed schedule now?
Fixed calendar deworming regardless of actual parasite load has contributed to parasite resistance to dewormers over time -- testing-based approaches target treatment to horses and times when it's actually needed, which many vets now consider the more responsible standard.
How often do I need fecal testing done?
This should be determined with your vet based on your horse's individual shedding classification and situation -- it's not a fixed universal schedule, which is part of why vet partnership matters here.
Can I do fecal testing myself instead of through my vet?
While some testing kits exist, interpreting results and determining appropriate treatment based on them is genuinely vet territory -- work with your veterinarian for an approach tailored to your horse's actual situation.
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