Lucky D Ranch

Deworming is an essential part of equine care, crucial for maintaining your horse’s health and preventing internal parasites from causing serious harm. However, the world of deworming can be confusing with so many products, schedules, and parasites to consider. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the facts about deworming, offering practical advice, and linking to trusted resources that will help you keep your horse healthy and parasite-free.

Why Deworming Is Important

Parasites such as worms can live inside your horse’s digestive system, stealing nutrients and causing various health issues. If left unchecked, these parasites can lead to weight loss, colic, poor coat condition, and even life-threatening complications.

Fact: According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), internal parasites are a significant cause of gastrointestinal disorders in horses, making regular deworming a critical part of horse care .

Common Types of Equine Parasites

Understanding the different types of parasites that can affect your horse is key to an effective deworming strategy.

1. Small Strongyles (Cyathostomes)
   • These are the most common parasites found in horses. They are resilient and can become resistant to certain dewormers if overused. Small strongyles can cause diarrhea, weight loss, and colic.
2. Roundworms (Ascarids)
   • Typically found in young horses, roundworms can cause respiratory issues, poor growth, and blockages in the intestines. They are highly resistant to some deworming medications.
3. Tapeworms
   • Tapeworms are often overlooked, but they can cause colic and other gastrointestinal issues. They are not always visible in fecal exams, so deworming for tapeworms is important even if they aren’t detected.
4. Bots
   • Bots are the larvae of the botfly and can cause ulcers in the stomach lining. They are most commonly seen in the fall, after a summer of botfly activity.

Fact: Parasite resistance is a growing problem, particularly with small strongyles, as noted by research published in the journal “Parasites & Vectors” . Overuse of certain de-wormers has led to the development of resistant strains, making strategic deworming more important than ever.

Developing a Deworming Schedule

Gone are the days of deworming every horse on the farm every eight weeks. Modern deworming protocols are based on fecal egg counts and the specific needs of individual horses.

1. Fecal Egg Count (FEC)
   • FEC is a diagnostic test that measures the number of parasite eggs in your horse’s manure. This test helps determine the type and level of infestation, allowing for targeted treatment.
2. Targeted Deworming
   • Based on FEC results, you can create a deworming schedule tailored to your horse’s needs. This reduces the risk of resistance and ensures your horse is only treated when necessary.
3. Seasonal Considerations
   • Different parasites are more prevalent during certain seasons. For example, strongyles are a year-round threat, but botfly larvae are more common in late summer and fall. Adjust your deworming schedule to account for these seasonal variations.

Fact: According to the AAEP, performing regular FECs and implementing targeted deworming can significantly reduce the development of parasite resistance and improve the overall health of your herd .

Choosing the Right De-wormer

Not all de-wormers are created equal, and choosing the right one depends on the type of parasites you’re targeting.

1. Ivermectin
   • Effective against bots, strongyles, and roundworms, ivermectin is one of the most commonly used de-wormers. However, it should be used strategically to avoid resistance.
2. Moxidectin
   • Similar to ivermectin, moxidectin is effective against a wide range of parasites, including small strongyles. It is often used as a follow-up to ivermectin.
3. Pyrantel
   • Effective against tapeworms and roundworms, pyrantel is a good choice for targeting these specific parasites.
4. Fenbendazole
   • Often used in a five-day power pack to treat encysted strongyles, fenbendazole is another key player in your deworming arsenal.

Fact: Research from the University of Kentucky found that using a rotation of de-wormers, rather than sticking to one type, can help prevent resistance and maintain the effectiveness of treatments .

Entertaining Tip: Making Deworming a Positive Experience

Let’s face it—most horses aren’t thrilled about deworming paste. But with a little creativity, you can make the process smoother and even enjoyable for your horse.

1. Positive Reinforcement
   • Reward your horse with treats after administering the de-wormer. This helps create a positive association with the process.
2. Practice Makes Perfect
   • If your horse is particularly resistant, practice by giving them a syringe filled with something tasty, like applesauce, to get them used to the feeling.
3. Mix It Up
   • If your horse is a picky eater, try mixing the de-wormer with their favorite treat. Some horses might be more willing to take it if they don’t notice it’s there.

Conclusion: Keep It Fun and Effective

Deworming is a crucial part of horse care, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. By staying informed about the latest research and strategies, you can ensure that your deworming program is effective, tailored to your horse’s needs, and even a little bit fun. Remember, the key to a healthy horse is a well-thought-out deworming plan that considers the unique needs of your equine companion.

For more detailed information and resources on deworming, check out these trusted sources:

• American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP): Deworming Guidelines
• Parasites & Vectors Journal: Research on Parasite Resistance
• University of Kentucky: Strategic Deworming

By following these tips and staying proactive, you’ll keep your horse happy, healthy, and parasite-free.