Equine Worming

Horse worming is essential because every horse has the burden of intestinal parasites. If you have a good equine worming programme then you can keep the parasites under control and your horse can live happily. This article will give you some information on worms and some advice about how to keep them under control.

Worms are not a minor problem if they become out of your control then they can cause your horse to have a dull coat, feel lethargic and lose weight. When horse worms are at their worst they can cause colic and even death. A horse can look perfectly healthy and yet have an unhealthy worm burden. Horse worming is therefore very important and worming horses is not something you can leave to chance.

Small Red Worms – These are the most common and also very dangerous. Getting an equine wormer and using it regularly is essential or these small red worms will hibernate in the gut wall and emerge in the spring damaging the gut wall as they do so which can cause colic.

Large Red Worms – Large red worms and round worms are also very harmful. These worms emerge in horse’s droppings after equine worming and they can reach up to 40cm long. As these worms travel through the body they go through the lungs and can cause respiratory problems.

Tapeworms – Tapeworms are also a major cause of colic and need to be managed through equine worming. They shed rectangular segments which can be found in droppings but are not always visible. Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean your horse isn’t infected.

Lungworms – Lungworms can be cured by modern horse worming drugs but if left they can cause coughing because they live in the lungs.

Pinworms – These equine worms do not cause internal problems but they lay their eggs around a horse’s anus which causes itching and discomfort.

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