Deworming Principles (Book Excerpt)

A thorough parasite control program involves a complete understanding of helpful management practices and knowing how different types of dewormers work.
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Editor’s Note: This is from Understanding Equine Preventive Medicine by author and veterinarian Bradford G. Bentz, VMD. 

Parasite control programs should be designed to reduce infections and diseases caused by parasites and to minimize transmission of parasites among horses. Infestation with gastrointestinal parasites reduces the benefits of feed and nutrients and increases incidence of colic and loose manure or diarrhea. Larval migration of gastrointestinal parasites can be associated with other clinical diseases such as parasitic pneumonia and neurologic disorders. Other parasites, such as some external parasites, may cause hypersensitivity reactions in the skin and development of wounds in certain areas.

A thorough parasite control program involves a complete understanding of helpful management practices and knowing how different types of dewormers work. Because management practices, economics, location, and disease outbreaks differ, no one program for parasite control applies universally.

A veterinarian should help customize an individual program for each farm or situation. Today’s programs might include interval deworming (fast, slow, and no rotation), daily deworming, strategic deworming, and targeted deworming. All have advantages and disadvantages. The success, selection, and need to modify a deworming program are generally dictated by the degree of control of the cyathostome parasites (small strongyles) and their encysted stages within the individual horse and/or the population of horses

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Written by:

Brad Bentz, VMD, Dipl. ACVIM, ABVP, ACVECC, owns Bluegrass Equine Performance and Internal Medicine in Lexington, Ky., where he specializes in advanced internal medicine and critical care focused on helping equine patients recuperate at home. He’s authored numerous books, articles, and papers about horse health and currently serves as commission veterinarian for the Kentucky State Racing Commission.

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