Deworming a horse is a necessary part of horse care to prevent infection from internal parasites. The vast majority of horse owners continue to deworm following an outdated protocol, simply rotating between different dewormers, also called anthelmintics. However, nowadays researchers and experts are recommending fecal egg count testing in order to know what the parasite load is before choosing a medication. And in some instances, one herdmate, or even several, may not need to be dewormed. Now that parasite resistance to anthelmintic drugs has become prevalent, many of the rules about the process have changed. And if you’re not changing with them, you could be doing your horse a huge disservice.

Test Your Deworming IQ

June 30, 2016

You’re the kind of horse owner veterinarians like to have as a client because you always make your horse’s well-being a priority. You read horse health articles and books, paying attention to the latest developments. You follow a balanced nutrition program and provide regular daily exercise and turnout. Your farrier...

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Deworming Cheat Sheet

June 21, 2016

Click to download a printer-friendly pdf Parasite control is an important part of your horse’s health management. Since parasites develop resistance to commonly used deworming drugs, rotation is no longer the recommended strategy. Here’s what you need to know about the new world of deworming. First, Some Key Pointers: The...

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The New Equine Deworming Rules

August 24, 2015

  Deworming used to be a no-brainer. You picked up a tube of paste dewormer at the feed store, gave it to your horse and jotted the date on your calendar. A couple months later, you did the same thing, making sure to use a different type of dewormer. You...

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Ask the Vet: Parasite Control at Boarding Stables

June 19, 2014

Q: I have been at my boarding barn for almost three years. Other horses rotate in and out for various reasons. I would like to try switching from the rotational deworming routine to the fecal count method. But can I when my horse is the only constant? I feel better...

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New Thinking on Deworming

May 8, 2013

With all the highly effective dewormers readily available to horse owners today, it seems many veterinarians have removed themselves from the deworming discussion altogether. “It’s been a while since a lot of veterinarians got involved in the whole deworming issue, but the drive is really on to get more veterinarians...

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History of Equine Parasite Control

December 1, 2012

This image from the May/June 1981 issue of Horse Illustrated shows a vet administering anthelmintic drugs via nasogastric tube. Veterinary care for horses has progressed by leaps and bounds since the days when equines were working animals. Today’s horses live longer, healthier lives and are active in later years. Vaccines...

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Deworming strategies for horse owners at boarding stables

August 9, 2011

  If you board your horse, a safe and healthy environment for your horse is of utmost importance. With resistance increasing in small strongyles and no new dewormer on the horizon, horse owners should be asking barn managers about parasite practices wherever they board. According to Merial’s article on parasite...

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Intro to Parasites

May 27, 2011

Internal parasites (“worms”) cause problems for horses of all ages. These freeloaders compromise a horse’s health both directly and indirectly. They’re particularly well-adapted to survive in the horse and in the environment, so controlling them is a constant battle for horse owners. The Major Culprits Many different types of internal...

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10 Things to Know about Deworming Your Horse

November 30, 2009

Parasite control is an important part of every equine health care program. Today, it’s no longer enough just to know what worms are bugging your horse. Now, you need to understand the basics of parasite resistance to ensure your program is effective. If you already have enough to keep track...

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Deworming Program Helps Horse Owners and Their Vets Keep Horses Healthy

January 4, 2009

The evolution of resistant parasites necessitates a new approach to deworming; one that helps determine the right horses to deworm, the right dewormer to use and the right time of the year for treatment. That is why Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health is pleased to introduce the Get Rotation Right Strategic Deworming...

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