Deworming

Following a strict deworming program can add years to your Appaloosa’s life.

Our horses are living longer than ever before because of advances made in deworming products and protocol. These products decrease the worm populations inside horses’ gastric systems, therefore reducing damage to the stomach and intestines caused by parasites. This leads to fewer incidences of colic and improved ability to absorb nutrients from feed.

Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Well, for your Appaloosa to benefit from these advances in deworming, you have to take an active part in his health. Good pasture management combined with proper deworming can help reduce veterinary bills and keep your horse healthy inside and out.

Purge method or daily dose: Your veterinarian can help you decide whether to use paste wormers or daily-deworming products. Factors to consider include your horse’s environment, cost and your ability to organize your Appaloosa’s deworming program.

Mark your calendar: If you decide to use the purge method of internal parasite control, make it a priority to regularly deworm your Appaloosa. Get out your calendar, create a deworming schedule for your horse ahead of time and stick to it. Most veterinarians and dewormer manufacturers recommend deworming horses year-round every six to eight weeks. Time intervals for deworming are approximately the same as for having your horse shod or trimmed, so consider deworming every time the farrier visits.

Rotate products: Common deworming ingredients include febendazole, ivermectin, moxidectin, praziquantel and pyrantel. Rotating through different products every time you deworm your horse will help decrease parasite resistance to individual products. Remember to rotate active ingredients, not just brand names.

Spring and fall: Kill bot fly larvae by using a dewormer containing ivermectin or moxidectin. If tapeworms are a problem in your area, use a pyrantel dewormer. Consult your local veterinarian for advice about deworming horses in your area.

STORY AND PHOTO BY MICHELLE ANDERSON

Printed in the October 2005 issue of Appaloosa Journal.

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