The number of parasites, which impact our horses, are increasing and building a resistance to the most common paste wormers. It is proven, that tube de-worming remains the most comprehensive and effective way to eliminate parasites with confidence. Parasitic infestation may cause permanent damage to the intestinal tract of your horse, even while it appears to be healthy. Parasites can be minimized greatly if an appropriate de-worming program is used.

Paste wormers are somewhat effective when utilized as part of a more comprehensive plan. Unfortunately unless properly administered, much of the paste wormer is spit out and not digested by the horse. Dr. Winter believes that including regular tube de-worming in your de-worming program is the best technique to ensure your horse’s quality of health. Because tube de-worming delivers the treatment directly to the gut where parasites reside, it has optimal results. Rotating the class of drug/chemical in the de-wormer is an important part of the parasite control plan.

Since parasites are primarily transferred through manure, good management is also the key.

The American Association of Equine Veterinarians Recommends:

	Pick up and dispose the manure droppings on a regular basis (twice weekly)
	Mow pastures regularly and break up manure piles to expose parasite eggs and larvae to the elements
	Rotate pastures by allowing other livestock, such as sheep or cattle, to graze them. Thereby interrupting the life cycles of equine specific parasites
	Group horses by age to reduce exposure to certain parasites and maximize a de-worming program
	Minimize horses per acre to prevent overgrazing and reduce the fecal contamination per acre
	Use a feeder for hay and grain rather than feeding on the ground
	Remove bot eggs quickly and regularly from the horse’s hair coat to prevent ingestion
	Rotate de-worming agents, not just brand names, to prevent chemical resistance

There are many different types of equine parasites, each causing its own unique damage to the horse. For example, the stomach worm larvae can expand a wound and prevent it from healing, causing “summer sores”. Small strongyles burrow into the intestinal wall and can cause weight loss, diarrhea, and colic. Pinworms cause the horse to become extremely itchy in the anal area causing the horse to rub its tail hair off. Roundworms burrow and hatch in the intestines, and the bloodstream carries them throughout the internal organs. These are just a few of the many parasites that are out there infecting our horses everyday.

Click here to print/view the Paste De-wormer Chart.

Click here for Equine Intestinal Parasites.