Young foals are usually more susceptible to equine parasites compared to adult horse. Exposure to parasites begins at such an early age. These parasites can find their way to the foal through their mother’s milk, or they can ingest the eggs of the parasites from manure. For this reason, it is important to deworm the mare shortly after giving birth using a deworming agent effective against strongyles, since they are the ones commonly passed to the foals. It should also target different species of parasites so you can protect your foals early on from heavy infestation of equine parasites.
For foals less than 12 months, deworming can already be a good practice. Using an ivermectin dewormer is essential in controlling ascarids, an equine parasite found especially in foals up to eight months old. Ivermectin dewormer is also used in mares 4-6 weeks before foaling or within 24 hours after foaling. Tapeworm infestation is rare in foals that are less than seven months old. When foals reach 4-5 months of age, they acquire strongyloides immunity, and ascarid immunity at eight months. Dewormers should be carefully used around foals; some agents may not be recommended in foals at a specific age. For instance, moxidectin is not recommended for use in foals less than six months old.
Ideally, a fecal egg count reduction test should be conducted for all foals so you can determine which dewormer is the best one to use. Prior to the first worming schedule and two weeks following the first worming schedule, a fecal exam should be performed. When using dewormers foals, it is best to consult your veterinarian so they can advise you on the best worming program for your younger horses.
Generally, it does not only require dewormers to solve the problem of parasite infestation for all horses. It also requires prevention by reducing parasite contamination through:
- Keeping the density of the pasture to a minimum. Overgrazing can lead to parasite contamination and it is best to avoid it
- Picking up and disposing manure regularly, about twice a week
- Composting a manure if you intend to spread it
- The use of grain and hay feeder to keep your horses from feeding on the ground where they are likely to ingest parasites.
- Regular grooming of the horse, particularly the manual removal of bot eggs found on horsehair
Keeping the horse’s environment clean is a vital step in preventing and controlling parasite infestation. Complete eradication of parasites from the surroundings is close to impossible, which is why it is better to keep the parasites well controlled to avoid problems. This way, you are helping adult horses as well as their newborn and incoming foals avoid equine parasite infestation as much as possible.
Ivermectin for horses was introduced way back in early 80’s and has since then revolutionized parasite control in animals. Ivermectin paralyzes equine parasites by interfering with the function of gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter unique to invertebrates. This makes the deworming agent pretty safe to use. Giving ivermectin up to 9 times the recommended dose does not cause toxicity in horses. Moreover, the coverage of parasites it is able to eliminate is just impressive. It is used to treat and control the growth of both large and small strongyles, ascarids, pinworms, hairworms, bots, lungworms, large-mouth stomach worms, summer sores and intestinal threadworms.
The popular use of ivermectin dewormer together with other anthelmintics still require sensible use and application of wormer rotation since this is a strategy that helps horse owners avoid the development of drug resistance from the parasites. Parasites are less likely to develop drug resistance to ivermectin when compared to other deworming agents. When rotating different class of dewormers, also keep in mind that rotating products too frequently can also make parasites resistant not just to one deworming agent but more than one. Parasitologists recommend that rotation should not be done more often than annually. For instance, one can use ivermectin dewormer for one year, and pyrantel pamoate for the next year, and the like. On the other hand, other researchers believe that the efficacy of dewormers will depend on various factors including the most prevalent species of parasites in a specific location and a particular season of the year. Fecal egg counts are recommended by veterinarians so it will be easy for them to develop a good worming program that is effective for your horse.
AbIver™ is ivermectin dewormer in granules form from Abler. It makes for an easy-to-administer deworming agent. It is a broad spectrum anthelmintic that should be part of your regular horse worming program. Using AbIver is so easy; you simply need to sprinkle the granules on your horse’s feed. It is palatable to the taste and guaranteed that your horse will love it. The correct dosage should be based on your horse’s weight. In addition, this product is used as a single dose agent given that the horse weighs 1320 pounds (600 kg). AbIver™ is a fairly safe dewormer for all horses, including foals and mares. Deworming can be an expensive routine that you can apply to your horse, but with AbIver™, what you get is a cost-effective routine.
When using dewormers for your horse, it is important to work closely with your veterinarian as to the best worming schedule effective for your horse.
Horses are known to be common sufferers of colic. Colic generally indicates abdominal pain. The horse’s digestive tract and its function, as well as management practices by horse owners play an important part in the development of colic. Colic is not just a disease of the intestinal tract; in fact, bodily infections and even pregnancy can produce colic signs in horses. In 1986, colic was the leading cause of death in horses as reported by the Morris Animal foundation.
Colic treatments are expensive; therefore, horse owners should know what causes the condition, learn more about the clinical presentation, and the treatment and preventive measures involved to reduce the incidence of colic in horses.
The Different Causes of Colic
Various types of colic are presented and they can be caused by many different factors. Sudden changes in climatic conditions and feeding practices, and stress can lead to colic. Spasmodic colic involves severe intestinal contractions. When intestines are twisted or obstructed, a severe condition will result producing a very intense pain. The possibility of having twisted or obstructed intestines should be assessed by the veterinarian as early as possible because it could be a life-threatening condition that requires surgery.
Historically, internal parasites have long been considered as the most common cause of colic. Strongyle larvae that migrate can damage the blood vessels of the intestines, which consequently decrease the blood supply and lead to tissue death, decreased intestinal motility, and produces severe pain. Roundworms can also obstruct the intestines. Naturally, dewormers (fenbendazole horse wormer, ivermectin, etc.) are administered to remedy this problem but when there is massive killing of these parasites, they can release harmful toxins which can also be the cause of colic. For this reason, using deworming agents should be used as directed.
Diet can also present colic signs in horses. This involves sudden changes in their diet, and ingestion of foreign material (i.e sand) that can cause obstruction in the intestines. Concentrated diets can also lead to colic especially if there is not enough supply of roughage in the diet.
Colic Signs
Mild colic in horses can be observed when the animal keeps pawing the ground with their front hoof; they may seem restless, will frequently lie down and roll. For severe colic, horses will roll even more and tend to lie down on their back to relieve the intestinal pressure. The horse could even throw itself to the ground and roll vigorously. It is difficult to work with a horse in such condition unless sedated. Colic can also be characterized by the absence of abdominal sounds.
Treatment for Colic
Colic treatment will depend on the type and severity of the condition. Painkillers may also be used to relieve the pain. The horse may also be given mineral oil to lubricate the digestive tract so it will be easy for fecal matter to pass through. In instances where colic is caused by parasite infestation, choosing the right dewormers to be given at the right schedule is important. Fenbendazole for horses is effective against small strongyles and is also a broad spectrum anthelmintic. Work closely with your veterinarian when using dewormers.
Colic can be a serious health problem for your horses. Keep your horses well monitored and understand that treatment costs can also be expensive. The best way to avoid this problem is to observe good management practices and avoid situations that you know will give your horses the chance to develop colic.
Small strongyles were once thought of as a minor threat to the health of the horse. After effective management of large strongyles and other equine parasite infestation, researchers found that small strongyles can actually cause more damage than they previously thought. This damage may not only affect the overall performance of the horse, but may also result in death in severe cases. Getting to know more about different species of equine parasites can help you work better with your veterinarian, to know which dewormer to choose and how to create a more effective deworming program.
About Small Strongyles
Small strongyles are common internal parasites found in horses and they specifically reside in the cecum and large colon. Forty species of small strongyles exist throughout the world and they belong to the family cyathostomes. They are the most abundant internal parasites in horses. These parasites cannot be seen in horse manure even at their adult stage. They are approximately a half-inch long(1.25cm) and appear to be hair-like in diameter.
The lifecycle of small strongyles may vary but typically, it takes 6-12 weeks for adults to lay the eggs and for the next generation to lay their eggs. Adult small strongyles stay in the intestine of the horse. In addition, about 2,000 eggs can be found in a gram of horse feces given that the infestation is so severe, and a horse usually produces about 30 pounds (13kg)of manure a day. Just imagine how contaminated the pasture can get! Note, however, that fecal egg count does not determine the actual adult population.
Soon, the eggs on the ground will hatch and develop into larvae depending on the climatic conditions. During warm and moist days, the eggs develop more quickly and during cold and dry days, they don’t move a lot. Eggs and larvae may not survive under extreme cold or hot conditions.
There are four larval stages for small strongyles. If the horse ingests larvae on their third stage, infection can result and the lifecycle will continue. On the other hand, when the horse ingests larvae on their first or second stage, nothing happens; these larvae will not develop and mature. When third stage larvae find their way inside the horse, they travel through the stomach and down to the lower intestines. They then burrow themselves along the intestinal wall.
The lifecycle of small strongyles involves becoming encysted. At this point, a fibrous capsule, which resembles a cocoon, forms around the larvae. They develop from the early third stage, all through the later third stage, and finally the fourth stage, while they remain encysted in the horse’s gut wall. When they emerge back into the lumen, they become adults capable of laying eggs. The encysted stage of small strongyles is part of their lifecycle and they don’t usually cause extensive damages to the horse. Only when the gut wall is full of encysted larvae will the problems result. Overcrowding of cysts in the gut lining can interfere with absorption and disrupt the balance of the horse’s gut.
Getting Rid of Encysted Small Strongyles
The early third stage of larvae is important since it is the stage when larvae development is arrested. This is the best time to select the proper parasite control program. Currently, fenbendazole for horses is the anthelmintic that is known to be effective against the early third stage larvae given at larvicidal dose, which is 10 mg/kg of body weight daily for 5 days. Fenbendazole for horses is also effective at targeting late third stage larvae, as well as the fourth stage larvae. Some dewormers, such as Ivermectin, can be effective against the fourth stage larvae, but not against the early or late third stage. Fenbendazole, given at larvicidal dose, can kill the early and late third stage, as well as the fourth stage larvae in the gut wall. So far, no reports have been made on the effects of massive killing of parasite larvae.
It is still best to work with your veterinarian to determine the proper time to deworm your horse according to the climatic conditions of your area, and to develop a horse worming program involving rotation of dewormers to target different types of parasites at their different stages. For immature small strongyles, fenbendazole for horses should be included in the program.
Abler Omeprazole Tablets are given to treat and prevent ulcers in horses. Horse ulcers are aggravated by transportation, stress, feeding changes, illness, a rigorous training program, and management changes. Omeprazole is the drug of choice in treating equine ulcers.
Abler Omeprazole Tablets work by decreasing the secretion of gastric acid by inhibiting the actions of the acid pumps. Giving omeprazole to your horse ensures that he can continue training since the ulcers can be healed more quickly.
In both humans and horses, gastric ulcers are wounds or lesions that form along the stomach lining. In humans, the condition is commonly referred to as gastric reflux or heartburn and symptoms call for the use of medications. For horses, their performance can be greatly affected if they are in work with gastric ulcers. Normally, a horse is a grazing animal and they eat most of the time. Even when they are not feeding, gastric acid is still produced. Their stomach though, is designed to withstand acidic secretions and consistent feeding is what protects their stomach from injuries brought by stomach acid.
Ulcers in horses can be diagnosed with an endoscope and the procedure is conducted by the veterinarian. Often, the diagnosis for such condition will be based on the presenting symptoms. Commonly, if your horse has poor temperament, usually moody behavior, poor appetite, diarrhea, and colic, he is suspected to have gastric ulcers.
Giving omeprazole can heal those ulcers and usually, improvement of condition can be noticed within 24 hours. Abler Omeprazole Tablets come in enteric coated tablets and this means that when the drug is administered it should not be chewed or crushed. Omeprazole by nature is unstable in acidic environment and for the drug to work, it should withstand the acidic environment to be able to reach the intestines where it will be absorbed and drug effect will start to be effective. Since the drug is not meant to be chewed or crushed, Abler Omeprazole Tablets is best administered with a balling gun.
Abler™ manufacture a comprehensive range of is an excellent source of equine products for the treatment of equine ulcers. Omeprazole tablets are a low cost good alternative to paste formulations requiring some skill in the use of a pill gun or balling gun for administration (because the tablets must be administered whole). Since you can be sure that the exact dose will be delivered to the horse with the balling gun. Other times, horses may be hard to deworm with the use of a syringe; you end up wasting the dosage especially if you are not a keen user of the syringe. But with a balling gun and a tablet form of omeprazole, you can be sure that your horse has indeed taken the drug. When it comes to equine omeprazole formulations, you can only get the best and most affordable medication from Abler.
When it comes to equine omeprazole formulations, you can only get the best and most affordable from Abler.
