What's the Best Tapeworm Wormer for Horses?

All across the world, horses are affected by tapeworms on a regular basis. However, their presence is dependent on environmental factors that benefit the intermediate host, the oribatid mite. Continue reading to find out the best tapeworm wormer for horses.

Why do horses get tapeworms?

Anoplocephala perfoliata, the equine tapeworm, is most commonly found in places where horses have access to pastures. It is therefore not surprising that this parasite is discovered in a horse. The vast majority of horses with tapeworms handle them very well, as is the situation with all parasitic infections, showing no signs of distress or colic. Since the horse is their home, the parasites simply have no need to spread illness.

How can horses acquire tapeworms? (Tapeworm wormer for horses)

Horses pick up tapeworms through the tiny pasture mites they ingest while grazing. These "oribatid" mites represent a crucial stage in the life cycle of the tapeworm. The mites consume tapeworm eggs that are shed in afflicted horses' faeces. Over a period of 12 to 15 weeks, the eggs inside the mites transform into larval tapeworms.

What horses are susceptible to tapeworms?

Horses of any age are susceptible to tapeworm infection. The horses who are older and younger than two years old typically have the worst tapeworm infestations. Foals as young as 4 to 5 months old can contract the disease. Although it is considered that the mites that transmit tapeworms could also be able to thrive in hay and straw, horses in pastures are thought to be more in danger than horses in stables. This is because they are more likely to consume infected mites while grazing.

How do tapeworms bring about illness?

Due to their propensity to congregate in the ileocaecal junction, tapeworms can lead to bowel disorders. The intestinal wall becomes thicker, swollen, and ulcerated as a result of the worms' adhesion to this region of the intestine lining. The extent of gut damage increases with the number of worms present. Physical obstruction of the small bowel can also result from worm clusters at the connection between the small and large intestines. Additionally, tapeworms release substances that may lead to an increase in bowel movements, which can result in intestinal twisting and intussusceptions. These are blockages caused when a portion of the gut slides inside itself like a collapsible telescope.

Severe tapeworm infections can cause bowel diseases that provoke symptoms like ill-thrift, recurrent spasmodic colic attacks, and acute colic owing to potentially lethal intestinal obstructions or ruptures.

When should I use tapeworm wormer for horses?

You should apply a potent worming paste or drench to control tapeworms at least 2 times a year, preferably in May and September. When worming for other prevalent internal parasites, it is perfectly safe to use a worming solution that cures tapeworms after every 6 to 8 weeks.

What tapeworm wormer for horses is the best?

There are two methods for dealing with tapeworms. After a blood or saliva test, the appropriate treatment can be given, or it can be part of an annual worming regimen.

Targeted treatment can lower the chance of worms developing treatment resistance and can help identify horses at high risk of worm infection.

This technique is used to check horses for tapeworms yearly. After the test, those with a high load receive treatment, and then again 6 months later. To assess how well the treatment has worked, the test is repeated the following year.

It's critical to understand that not all wormers eradicate tapeworms. Shop online at Vet Pharmacy for the best wormers to treat tapeworms in horses.

 

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This blog post was written on behalf of Vet Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.