Horse Internal Parasites Management

Jayme Morrison

Horse Internal Parasites Management

                Internal parasites in horses are a consistent problem. There are various types of internal parasites that horses have the potential to develop problems with. These various types of parasites include: large and small strongyles, pin worms, round worms, bots, as well as tapeworms. According to Dr. Patricia Evans’ article titled, “Internal Parasites and your horse: A cause for concern,” she explains that large and small strongyles are the most damaging out of all the internal parasites in horses. Both types of strongyles can travel throughout the horse’s entire body. During this migration the parasite can cause blood clots as well as bury itself into the wall of the main arteries that supply blood to the large and small intestine. (Evans, page 1, 2009) The next common internal parasite in horses are round worms, which can cause poor hair coats, a pot belly, as well as the potential of causing poor growth in horses.(Evans, page 2,2009) Another common parasite in horses is tapeworms. Dr. Patricia Evans’ article explains that your horse can get tapeworms by grazing and eating hay.

                There are various types of management to help reduce the number of parasites that your horse may come in contact with. According to the Horse Industry Handbook, it suggests to pick up as well as properly dispose of the horse’s manure to help reduce the number of parasites. (Horse Industry Handbook,1993) Next, the Horse Industry Handbook suggests that if your horse is on pasture then that pasture needs to be mowed to help break up the manure that would have the parasite’s larve that would be exposed to the ground as well as new growing grass.

                Another type of parasite control management is you need to develop a de-worming program for your horses. Dr. Andrew Peregrine’s paper titled; “Deworming programs for horses: are we doing more harm than good?,” explains the importance to have a de-worming program because it will help decrease management program to be successful you must develop a routine for your horse. Dr. Evans’ article recommends taking fecal samples to see exactly how many parasites are present in your horse. (Evans, page 3,2009)

                In conclusion, with proper management of your pastures such as mowing and having your horse on a routinely de-worming program it is possible to reduce the number of internal parasites in your horse. You can easily find the de-worming product of your choice at almost any local feed and farm supply store. It is also important to discuss with your veterinarian about what management program is in the best interest for your horse because weather conditions and location can play a part of what internal parasites your horse is at risk to have.

Works Cited

Dr. Patricia Evans, Internal Parasites and Your Horse: A cause for concern, 2009

“Control of Internal Parasites of the horse, Horse Industry Handbook, HIH 430,American Youth Horse Council, INC.1993

Dr. Andrew S. Peregrine, Deworming programs for horses: are we doing more harm than good?,2005