There are management practices that can prevent or minimize problems when introducing horses to pasture in the spring. Restrict the grazing time. Feed hay immediately before horses are turned out on pasture during the adjustment period. Supplement grazing with hay. Avoid grazing early spring pasture. How does spring grass affect Read more…
Is it necessary to deworm on an empty stomach? Deworming is most effective when done on an empty stomach. Is it better to worm horses on empty stomach? It’s much easier for your horse to spit out the paste when he can combine it with a wad of food. So Read more…
Should he get some time off after deworming? A: For a horse that has been on a regular, well-balanced deworming program, there is no reason why you cannot exercise him on the day the dewormer is administered. How long after worming can you ride? However with certain products there are Read more…
Most horse wormers are safe to use on a pregnant mare throughout their pregnancy. Can you worm a mare while pregnant? When it comes to worming pregnant mares, they should be treated as normal throughout their pregnancy. They should be kept on a regular worming rotation (every 6-8 weeks or Read more…
Tapeworms. There are several species of tapeworm, and each species colonizes a different part of your horse’s gut. The most common tapeworm, Anplocephala perfoliata, often causes impactions at the ileocecal junction. This will cause your horse to show signs of colic. What are three symptoms of parasite infestation in horses? Read more…
You will need to deworm all horses twice yearly (after the first frost and again in the spring) with an ivermectin or moxidectin product to kill large strongyles and bots. What is the best deworming schedule for horses? Our Gillette vets recommend deworming most horses once or twice a year. Read more…
The liver fluke, a flatworm with suckers, is found in the bile ducts, where it causes thickening of the walls and liver damage. Horses that graze in marshy areas or drink from rivers are at risk, especially if sheep and cattle share the pasture. What causes liver damage in horses? Read more…
Give the dewormer before feeding your horse their grain. Or, if the horse has a mouthful of hay or grain, remove them from food sources for a few minutes. If their mouth is full of food they will spit out the dewormer with the half-chewed food. Is it better to Read more…
Ragwort poisoning is thought to be the most common cause of liver disease in horses. Although ragwort is most commonly consumed by horses turned out on very sparse pasture, it is much more palatable when dried in hay. What can cause liver problems in horses? Conditions that may induce liver Read more…
The herb Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) is good for an irritating spasmodic cough. Place one handful of the dry herb in the horse’s food twice a day. Echinacea, meanwhile, will help with infectious coughs and colds. What can you give horses for coughing? Anti-inflammatory drugs may also be needed to make Read more…