by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: February 26, 2007   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

EQUINE DEWORMING

Grazing outdoors is heavenly for horses, but horses may ingest much more than grass. Parasitic larvae may be present in the pasture. Horses munch clover, grass and other grains with great zest, but they may swallow undesirable bugs, bots and worms at the same time. Before long, horses may become quite ill with parasitic infestation, if they remain untreated.

For this reason, horses must be dewormed regularly. In fact, aside from good feeding and watering, equine deworming may be the most important thing an owner can do to care for your horse.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU DEWORM?

Basically, a horse is only worm-free immediately after deworming. In fact, you can deworm your horse and lead him directly out to his pasture. After just a few bites of fresh grass, your horse may have swallowed worm larvae.

As a result, most equine veterinarians recommend deworming your horse every six to eight weeks. This prevents parasites from maturing and multiplying within his digestive system.

Many large-animal veterinarians offer equine deworming services, as do several equine boarding facilities. Still, the most reliable and economical practice is to deworm your own horses regularly. Keep a deworming chart or calendar, so you will always know when to deworm your horse and which products to select each time.

WHAT SORTS OF DEWORMERS ARE AVAILABLE?

Equine dewormers are available in many forms: pastes, pellets, powders, and liquid. Powders and liquids are generally available only to veterinarians, and they are more difficult to administer.

The easiest equine deworming product to use is probably the paste, which comes in a syringe-like dispenser. Deworming dosages (calculated to match the approximate weight of the horse) are clearly marked on the outside of the tube.

Many different chemical compounds are available for deworming a horse. Each product targets a specific variety (or a few varieties) of parasites, which can be detrimental to horses.

The most common parasites attacking equines are these:

Bots can destroy the stomach wall and cause dental deterioration.

Pinworms can irritate the rectal region, evident in tail-rubbing.

Roundworms can damage the heart, liver, and lungs, and may cause colic.

Strongyles can destroy circulatory vessels, and may cause colic, anemia, diarrhea, weight loss, brain damage, and more.

Tapeworms can cause intestinal ulcers.

Currently, no single equine dewormer is available to combat all species of parasites that may affect a horse. Most large-animal veterinarians

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