Parasite infection leads to colic, the number one killer of horses!

It is a proven fact that there is a significant linkage between parasite infection and the incidence of equine colic. Horses are infected with over 30 different types of strongyles, in addition to ascarids, pin worms, and bots. The most damaging and difficult to control is the strongyle parasite while in the migratory stage. Its life cycle is clear cut. A horse passes the eggs in its feces, and in one week the larvae hatches and becomes infectious. While the horse grazes, they are continuously ingesting the infectious larvae.

The immature form of large strongyles or “bloodworms” spend between two and nine months traveling throughout the body. During this migratory pattern, they burrow into the intestinal wall, liver, lungs, and blood vessels. (They especially like to burrow themselves into the interior mesenteric artery which supplies over 70% of the blood to the intestinal tract). While burrowed, de-wormers/anthelmintics are unable to eliminate them. Thus, they are able to cause temporary or permanent damage to your horse’s intestinal organs.

The physical signs of worm infestation are: diarrhea, abnormal bowel movements, long, dull hair coat with irregular shedding patterns, poor growth rate due to improper utilization of feed or nutrients, and breathing problems due to lung damage or pneumonia. Colic symptoms whether due to worms or not, are abnormal bowel movements, increased pulse, sweating, and restless rolling or pawing. By the time you see any of the above symptoms the worms have already caused the damage.

It’s important to know that 90% of colic cases are caused by the damage of worm larvae migration, and 30% of the fatal colic deaths are caused by damage from migrating large strongyle larvae. This information should help us understand the need for a rigorous de-worming schedule implemented by a veterinarian who understands the life cycle of worms, in addition to the appropriate dosages of effective anthelmintics.

A structured tube de-worming program is essential in order to protect your horses against worms. A proper de-worming program, along with (FEC) fecal checks, break the worms life cycle, reduces environmental contamination, and prevents the worm population from becoming resistant to anthelmintics.

There are more than 150 internal parasites that afflict horses. Some species lay more than 20,000 eggs per day, which result in escalating parasite loads. Each parasite is harmful to your horse in many different ways.

Based on our extensive knowledge, we believe horses should be on a strategic de-worming program. We recommend having your horses TUBE DE-WORMED two to four times a year and paste de-wormed in between if the (FEC) indicates it is necessary. When Dr. Winter tube de-worms, he rotates the class of drug and administers an appropriate amount of wormer directly into the stomach.

This structured de-worming program will maximize your horses’ health, performance, appearance, and comfort. This also allows your horse to efficiently utilize their feed, thus decreasing your feed cost.

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

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