Our
36-year-old gelding continued to lose weight despite
special feed, steroid shots and deworming. By late
spring he was morbidly thin and still carried a heavy
winter hair coat.
Optimal Control: The right
dewormer at the right time. An effective worm control program targets the most significant
parasites at the optimal time with different classes of dewormer. The most significant
parasites include:
Small strongyles
Large strongyles
Roundworms (ascarids)
Tapeworms
Bots
Pinworms
Rotating the chemical class
of dewormer – not just the brand name – also
reduces the risk of worms developing resistance
to a specific product. And because you’re
attacking the parasites at the optimal time, you’ll
lower the odds of re-infection.
Steps to follow for an effective
deworming program.
A. Treat all horses on the farm at the same
time, with the same product.
The rotational deworming program
outlined in this schedule requires six treatments a
year, or one approximately every 60 days.
Pay close attention to make sure
you’re
administering the correct dose.
B. Treat for encysted small strongyles
with Safe-Guard® Power-Dose™.
1-2 times a year for all horses.
All incoming horses.
10-14 days before performance event.
Before starting horses on a daily
dewormer such as Strongid® C.
C. Treat for bots and tapeworms 1-2
times a year.
D. Treat the environment.
Pick up and dispose of manure regularly.
Do not feed from the ground.
Do not overstock pastures.
Rotate pastures when possible.
Mow and harrow pastures regularly.
E. Monitor your program by having your
veterinarian perform fecal egg counts
