HORSE WORMERS





Horse wormers are drugs intended especially to manage and eliminate internal parasites in horses. They are often referred to as anthelmintics or equine dewormers. Worms are among the parasites that can seriously harm a horse's health and wellbeing. This is a summary of horse wormers:

  1. Types of Worms:

    • Large Strongyles (Bloodworms): These worms can damage blood vessels and cause serious health issues.
    • Small Strongyles (Cyathostomins): They can encyst in the intestinal wall and pose a threat, especially to younger horses.
    • Roundworms (Ascarids): Common in foals, they can cause intestinal blockages.
    • Tapeworms: Found in the large intestine, they can cause colic and other digestive issues.
  2. Types of Horse Wormers:

    • Paste Wormers: Administered orally using a syringe. They come in a tube, and the horse owner administers the appropriate dose based on the horse's weight. SHOP HERE!
    • Pellet Wormers: These are mixed with the horse's feed. They are convenient for horses that may be difficult to deworm orally. SHOP HERE!
    • Gel Wormers: Similar to paste wormers, but they come in a gel form. SHOP HERE!
  3. Active Ingredients:

    • Ivermectin: Effective against various parasites, including strongyles and bots.
    • Moxidectin: Provides broad-spectrum control and is effective against encysted small strongyles.
    • Fenbendazole: Effective against many types of worms, including some that are resistant to other classes of dewormers.
    • Praziquantel: Specifically targets tapeworms.
  4. Deworming Schedule:

    • Frequency: The frequency of deworming depends on various factors, including the horse's age, living conditions, and exposure to other horses.
    • Strategic Deworming: Many veterinarians now recommend a targeted or strategic deworming approach rather than a frequent rotational schedule.
  5. Fecal Egg Counts:

    • Monitoring: Regular monitoring of fecal egg counts helps determine the need for deworming. Horses with low parasite burdens may not require frequent treatments.
  6. Administration Tips:

    • Accurate Dosing: Accurately measure the horse's weight and administer the correct dose according to the product's instructions.
    • Proper Storage: Store wormers as directed to maintain their efficacy.

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Author: Alicia   Date Posted: 19 July 2023  

We've Created A Guid To Help You Worm Your Horse

Worms are a cause of disease in horses that can cause; colic, diarrhoea, weight loss and in some circumstances it can be fatal. Worming is something we all should be doing as horse owners b...