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 Internal parasites are the greatest single cause of colic in horses.
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Internal parasites are the greatest single cause of colic in horses and often contribute to many respiratory, digestive, and performance problems. Because some parasites survive on the blood of their hosts, they regularly pose a threat to the integrity of the digestive tract wall, seeking a blood meal. Pits they leave when they evacuate are lesions in the mucosal membrane. As a result, parasites may be one contributing factor in the development of ulcers.
The results of the SUCCEED® FBT on a horse with visible signs of possible parasitism may help narrow the veterinarian's possible diagnoses. The best treatment for parasites is prevention. Consult with your veterinarian to establish a regular deworming program that works for your particular situation.
The four most common internal parasites found in horses are bots, strongyles, ascarids, and pinworms.
Bots — Bots are the larvae of the botfly. Since botflies are common to the horse's environment, it's virtually impossible for a horse not to be infected. Several hundred bots may attach to the stomach, causing irritation, interfering with digestion, and obstructing the opening of the small intestine.
Strongyle — The term strongyle refers to a large group of closely related species of internal parasites, also known as blood worms. The immature worms migrate through blood vessels of the intestine producing intestinal inflammation which may result in "fatal" colic. Horses of all ages may be infected, resulting in loss of condition, weakening, and diarrhea. They may also become anemic due to the parasites' blood sucking.
Ascarids — Ascarids are large roundworms which typically affect young horses more than mature ones. The worms, which reach lengths from 6 to 12 inches, can number in the hundreds in the horse's small intestine, interfere with digestion, and potentially lead to colic, coughing, or diarrhea.
Pinworms — Though less dangerous than other internal parasites, pinworms are annoying to the horse because they cause severe anal itching. Adult worms crawl part way out of the anus to deposit their eggs on the adjacent surface. A characteristic of pinworm infection is rubbing of the tail and anal region, causing broken tail hairs and bare patches around the tail. |