Equestrian deworming is important

Many horse owners deworm on a regular basis, however many deworm with the same medication, which allows the parasite to develop a resistance to the particular medication. Therefore, it is important to note that a three or four system rotation is the best way to avoid parasite resistance.

There are currently three methods for horse deworming: a paste, feed supplement and tubing.

The paste dewormer can be administered by the owner, it's a great way to control internal parasites. It is important to note that a horse may have a healthy appearance and yet still have a high risk infestation.

Failing to rotate dewormers does result in parasite immunity. Dewormers control many types of parasites, each particular dewormer controls a particular parasite.

Dewormers are geared towards the elimination of roundworms, Large Strongyles, Small stronglyes, bots, pinworms and tapeworms.

Roundworms can cause colic, heart damage, liver and lung damage and in older horses and foals it can injure the "gut."

Stronglyes or bloodworms can destroy artery walls and blood vessels, impair circulation and lead to colic, anemia, diarrhea and fever. Small stronglyes can lead to the inflammation of the intestines, resulting in anorexia, weight loss and chronic low grade colic.

Bots can induce dental disease, stomach irritations, ulceration's and perforations of the stomach wall. Pinworms irritate the horses tail region, causing tail rubbing.

Tapeworms may result in severe ulceration's of the large intestine.

It is important to deworm every six to eight weeks.

In order to monitor a horses parasite population, it is important for a vet to take a fecal count.

For information on deworming visit equisearch.com or contact Countryside Animal Hospital at (417) 667-5013, or the Nevada Veterinary Clinic at (417) 667-6081.