Horses of all ages and breeds are susceptible to intestinal worm infections. These parasites can live in or affect different parts of our equine companions’ digestive system and may contribute to health problems in multiple ways, including serious digestive issues and weight loss. However, worm infections in horses may go unnoticed because some horses show few or no obvious signs, particularly in the early stages. If significant parasite infections are left unmanaged, they can contribute to serious health problems.
Therefore, as equestrians, it is essential that we look out for common signs of worm infection in our pals and take proactive steps to treat them at the earliest. If you’re new to horse care and aren’t sure where to start, this guide can help you understand some of the common signs and prevention measures. In this blog, we will shed light on some of the common symptoms of worms in horses for your ready reference.
Let’s get started!
Types of Intestinal Worms that Infect Horses
The following are some of the common parasites known to infect horses.
- Strongyles – large strongyles & small strongyles
- Roundworms
- Tapeworms
- Pinworms
- Threadworms
- Bots
- Stomach Worms
Signs of Worm Infections in Horses
The following are some common signs that may be associated with parasite infections in horses
Sudden Weight Loss
If you notice sudden and unexplained weight loss in your horse, it may point towards infections caused by intestinal worms that are feeding on the nutrients in your animal’s digestive tracts. This leads to reduced ability to absorb nutrients efficiently, resulting in malnutrition. This in turn prevents your horse from maintaining a healthy weight, causing poor body condition or sudden weight loss. Besides weight loss, poor body condition may also be noticeable through reduced muscle definition or prominent ribs.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common sign that your horse’s digestive tract is infected with parasites. Worm infections, especially the ones caused by roundworms, tend to significantly irritate the horse’s intestinal lining, resulting in digestive upsets. Therefore, if you notice persistent changes in your pal’s bowel movements in spite of consuming a healthy diet, it is probable that they’re infected with intestinal worms.
Abdominal Discomfort
Symptoms like restlessness, lying down frequently, and pawing at the abdomen are signs of abdominal discomfort in horses. These can have several causes, including certain parasite infection. According to studies, worms tend to cause blockages in the horses’ intestines, leading to disruption in digestive function, inflammation, discomfort and pain.
Dull Coat & Poor Hair Condition
A shiny, smooth coat is generally associated with a healthy horse. However, a horse with a parasite infection may develop a dull or poor-quality coat, although coat changes can have many other causes. The changes in the animal’s coat and hair condition are generally caused by the presence of parasites in their intestines.
Pot-Bellied Appearance
Foals can be particularly vulnerable to certain parasite infections, including roundworm infections. Their developing immune systems and age-related exposure can influence their susceptibility to certain parasites. Therefore, if your foal or even adult horse developed a pot-bellied appearance, discuss it with your veterinarian as this could be a sign of intestinal worm infection.
How to Prevent Worm Infection in Horses?
To prevent worm infection in horses, it is important to prioritize pasture management to ensure their safe grazing.
- Remove manure daily from stalls and run-ins, and weekly from paddocks
- Make sure that the pastures and paddocks are well-drained
- Compost manure properly before using it as fertilizer
- Offer hay and grain in appropriate feeder rather than directly on the ground
- Keep water troughs and feed bins clean
How Often to De-Worm Horses?
A horse’s parasite-control schedule should be based on factors such as age, geographic location, management practices, parasite risk, and fecal egg count results. Routine deworming at fixed intervals is not appropriate for every horse. However, if your pal is highly infected, its de-worming schedules should be more frequent. It is recommended that you get in touch with your veterinarian to determine the ideal de-worming schedule for your horse.
What are Some of the Most Effective De-Wormers for Horses?
The following are some of the most effective horse de-worming products.
- Eraquell Wormer Paste – Treats and controls large strongyles, small strongyles, pinworms, large roundworms, hairworms, intestinal threadworms, bots and lungworm.
- Panacur Equine Granules – Protects against ascarids, large strongyles, pinworms, and small strongyles.
- Eqvalan Oral Paste – Eliminates ascarids, large strongyles, small strongyles, large-mouth stomach worms, stomach bots, pinworms, intestinal threadworms, hairworms, and neck threadworms.
- Bimectin Oral Wormer – Protects against threadworms, pinworms, ascarids, hairworms, large-mouth stomach worms, neck threadworms, and bots.
Also read this: Types of Parasites in Dogs and Cats: Signs & Prevention Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I just look at the manure to see if my horse has worms?
Ans. No. Relying solely on visual inspection of the manure to determine worm infection in horses is not advisable. Adult worms tend not to leave the horse’s digestive tract alive, and their eggs are microscopic. A horse can have a significant parasite burden without visible worms or segments in its feces.
Q. How do vets check for worm infections?
Ans. Veterinarians diagnose a worm infection with the help of Faecal Egg Count (FEC), a process where a fresh manure sample is examined under a microscope to count the number of parasite eggs per gram.
Q. Can a horse get sick after a de-worming session?
Ans. Yes. Some horses may experience digestive upset after deworming, particularly those with a heavy parasite burden. In certain cases, treatment can be associated with complications such as colic, especially when a large number of parasites are present. When a highly effective dewormer kills thousands of worms simultaneously, the dead and dying parasites can clump together, creating a physical obstruction in the intestines. Therefore, if your horse is suspected to have a heavy parasite burden, consult your vet to design a safe deworming strategy.
Parting Words
Recognizing the signs of worm infection in horses is crucial to ensure your equine pal’s long-term performance and well-being. By remaining vigilant about your horse’s physical and behavioral changes, seeking your vet’s advice to determine a customized deworming schedule, you can keep your horse safe from the pesky parasites and ensure their overall good health and performance.
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