In field for 2 years. Owner ill. What do I do?

[tabbi]

I noticed this cob in a field I started passing by in the last month. By a complete coincidence I met his owner yesterday, through my work. He's in very poor health and has neighbours keep an eye on the horse. However, they don't know much about horses (I know them and have spoken to them) and basically just check to see he's ok. He's been in a field for about 2 years and I think, hasn't been wormed in over a year since his owner took ill. The owner has expressed some concerns regarding this and getting a farrier etc and I said I will see to it. I went in to see the horse today. He seemed ok - let me pick up his feet which seemed a bit grown but not too bad - I'm going to seek advice from a farrier this week.
However, I really don't know much about worming and am concerned he might have a lot of worms as he looked very big round the middle. On the other hand, he is a chunky cob and is maybe just fat?? In any case, there's no way I'm going to put a wormer into him myself without getting advice - hence this post, if anyone can advise.
He let me pick up his feet and feel him over no problem but didn't like me going near his mouth - pulled head away - maybe teeth problems? (He's about 16 y.o.). Any advice on any of these matters would be much appreciated, or anything else (as although I have a loan horse myself, his owner takes care of all health stuff).

[AlexNI]

Good for you offering to help out!!
Worming is not difficult but if you're going to do it you really need to go onto a long term programme. If you are looking at getting his teeth and feet done too is the owner prepared to pay for it all cos it might end up costing you a fair bit.

I am near Banbridge so if its close to you I can give you a hand if you want - I have pm'd you too! :D

[Daffy Dilly]

I know you're trying to help, but I think you need to get some sort of contract drawn up, or steer well clear. What happens if you're handling the horse, it bolts and gets hit by a car? etc etc.

Treat it as you would with any other loan, before you start thinking about organising wormers and farriery.

[Bubblepony]

why dont you have him poo tested before worming? he may be so heavily infested with worms that a one dose administration wont do it or he may have none at all and worming would be pointless (be careful because sometimes wormers bring on bouts of lami and you want to be sure you need to worm in the first place before bringing yourself a whole world of trouble.) you wont know if he has tapeworm unless he is bloodtested. the best wormer would probably be Equest Pramox which does tapeworm and the others (red & round etc). you need to pop a weighttape round him to find out what he weights so you can worm him. better to give him a touch too much wormer than too little.

if this guy cant care for him why doesnt he just sell the poor bugger to someone who can before he gets done for neglect? you should tell him this fact. its very kind of you to care for this horse but its not your responsibility and where do you draw the line? what if he gets sick and needs colick surgery? who pays the bill?

[TackRoomGang]

As the horse may be wormy and you intened on worming your self i owuld give a basic 5 day wormer, before going to the trouble of poo sample.
If he doesnt like you handling his mouth i woudl advise mixing the wormer into a small amount of feed. (Works with my rescue)
Good Luck
Let me know how you get on.
Many thanks
Sam

[chunky monkey]

Most vets can do a worm count for you. I would ask at the vets.