Internal & External Parasites - Our First Web Page - Jacquelyn Geyer & Amberleigh Million

INTERNAL &
EXTERNAL PARASITES

There are more than 150 different parasites that can affect your horse. Four of them are really quite dangerous. They are strongyles (bloodworms), ascarids (roundworms), bots, and pinworms. That is why it is very important to have a program for worming your horse. It is a good idea to contact your veterinarian about what type of worm medicine is best for your horse. It is also a good idea to worm them at least twice a year, in the spring after the last frost and in the fall. This helps with the inside of the horse, but there is an insect that I consider to be an external parasite that bothers horses and people too. FLIES.......yes, flies bother our horses and care must be taken to protect them from flies. They have their tail of course that acts like a fly-swatter, but they still need our help. There are many fly sprays that you can purchase. It is always a good idea in the summer time to spray your horse before riding it. We sure would not want to have a fly in our coat buzzing around, you can imagine that the horse doesn't like having a fly under his saddle either.

Immunizing Your Horse

Immunizing your horse annually is a very good idea. A yearly vaccination of Tetanus and Eastern and Western Encephalomyelitis (sleeping sickness) will help protect your horse. There may be other diseases in your area that you will want to vaccinate your horse against. There are many diseases that can affect the health of a horse. In our state it is necessary for all horses to have what is called a coggins test. This is a simple blood test that a veterinarian uses to check on the presence of antibodies against Equine Infectious Anemia. Remember, you should always check with your veterinarian about vaccinating your horse.

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