Farnam - Your partner in horse care

Q. What drug class does pyrantel tartrate belong to and what is its mode of action?
A. The class is tetrahydropyrimidines or pyrimidines. Pyrantel interferes with neuromuscular activity and induces a spastic paralysis in the worm.

Q. How does feeding Continuex help improve feed efficiency?
A. Because the dewormer is in the horse’s gut on a daily basis, it is always present, waiting for parasites as they are ingested. Therefore, the horse’s intestinal system is protected from parasitic infections; it is better able to digest nutrients, improving feed efficiency and overall health and condition.

Continuex breaks the lifecycle of the most dangerous parasites, killing them before their larvae can damage vital organs and before adult worms can become established, thus helping reduce the risk of colic.

Q. Does Continuex have to be fed every day to be effective?
A. Yes. It is extremely important that the horse receives it daily.

A. Continuex controls 18 species and stages of large strongyles, small strongyles, roundworms and pinworms.

Q. What about resistance?
A. Early studies indicated no resistance after feeding horses pyrantel tartrate continuously for several years, but there have been no recent studies to confirm this. As with any drug, there is always a possibility of resistance developing.

Q. Are donkeys eligible to participate in the ContinuCare Colic Protection Program?
A. No. Only horses are eligible.

Q. Are there any age limitations?
A. Yes. The horse must be at least 5 months old, fully weaned and cannot be more than 20 years old.

Q. My vet says I don’t need to immunize against some of the diseases listed on the application because they are not a problem in my area. Can I still qualify for ContinuCare?
A. No. This is a national program and cannot be modified to accommodate regional situations. I’m sure you can understand how difficult that would be to administer. Also, because people and horses are mobile, you may find yourself in another area tomorrow where the disease is prevalent.

Our underwriters have the option of accepting or rejecting an enrollment application and paying on a claim. If all the criteria have not been met, they will reject the application and/or claim.

Q. How long a period is the program for?
A. Once your horse is enrolled, you will receive a dated certificate. The program will be in force for a year from the date on the certificate. Subsequently, you will have to re-enroll your horse annually.

A. No. Coverage does not begin until the date of the certificate. See ContinuCare Certificate section on the back of the enrollment form.

Q. What if my horse colics more than once in a year? Will I be covered?
A. The program states a horse is covered up to $5,000 per year, not per incident, towards the cost of colic surgery and three days of aftercare. However, this would establish a history of colic and would prevent you from re-enrolling your horse (see restrictions – any horse that has a history of chronic colic).

You will be solely responsible for any expenses which are not part of the cost of colic surgery or aftercare, as well as any expenses over $5,000 and any expenses which you incur for an ineligible horse.

Q. Do I contact Farnam if my horse colics?
A. No. When you receive your confirmation of enrollment and certificate, there will be a contact name and phone number that you may call 24 hours a day if your horse colics and requires surgery.

Q. Do I have to buy my dewormers from my veterinarian?
A. You can, but are not required to. However, your vet needs to enroll you and verify that all required services have been performed.

Q. Am I only covered if the colic is a result of parasites?
A. No. The cause of the colic is not a condition of eligibility on the program.

Q. If I feed Continuex, can I stop using the “pulse type” paste dewormers?
A. Most veterinarians recommend using a purge dewormer twice a year to control bots and other internal parasites not controlled by pyrantel tartrate. It is best to use a broad spectrum product like IverCare^® (ivermectin) or ComboCare™ (moxidectin/praziquantel) before starting on the Continuex program and then using it a second time 6 months later or during bot season, whichever comes first.