dimanche 13 avril 2014

Options In Effective Horse Wormers

By Anita Ortega


The internet is easy to use to learn about parasitic organisms that infect horses, how to detect them, and what options are available to eliminate the problem. You'll find horse wormers that use tested chemicals to kill internal parasites and natural, chemical-free preparations. Pasture-management methods are important, as well.

The number of organisms that live at least part of their lifespan inside horses is daunting. There are large and small strogyles, tapeworms, bots, and ascarids (roundworms). Less common but still potential problems are lungworms, threadworms, pinworms, hairworms, and large-mouth stomach worms. Fecal and blood tests can tell owners which parasites are present in their animals' systems.

There are also physical signs of moderate to heavy infestation. Any time a young horse on adequate feed and good pasture doesn't grow rapidly, play hard, and look good, worms should be one of the first suspects. Horses with dull coats, lack of energy, lack of condition, frequent bouts of colic, and diarrhea may be exhibiting signs that parasites are robbing them of nutrition.

It's a good idea to know which parasites are a threat to your horses and how best to approach the problem. The time of year can be significant; for example, bot flies are only around to lay their eggs in summer. Climate can matter, as well as the state of your pasture. Overgrazing can cause a greater reinfection problem, for example.

There are many mild chemical worming agents as well as natural ones. Formulas are usually effective against only certain parasites; check the label to see which ones will be eliminated. Ivermectin has become popular because it works on many of the most common organisms. Vets often recommend rotating brands of wormer to get full coverage.

Alternative means include pasture management as well as herbal formulas and homeopathy. Rotating pasture is always helpful; it's best if horses are off a field for six months to give larvae a chance to die off. Mowing exposes larvae to predators, as does dragging to break up manure piles. The best way to keep pastures free of parasites is to pick up droppings. Of course, bot flies lay their eggs on the horse rather than in droppings, so you still need to be careful.

Natural products include diatomaeceous earth, a powder made of fossilized plankton which abrades worms inside the digestive tract without side effects. There are also herbal formulas and homepathic remedies. Products of both chemical and alternative formulation come in liquids, powders, pellets, and pastes.

Addressing parasite problems is an essential part of regular care. Even those who keep their fields parasite-free need to have regular fecal tests done to make sure some new threat has not crept in. It's a complicated subject but one that is easily researched online if you don't want to depend on your veterinarian's knowledge.

Knowing why, when, and how to worm horses is an important skill for those who are responsible for keeping them in tip top health.




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