Page 18 - Parker Co. 4-H Connection September 2021

4 - H H O R S E P R O J E C T

PREVENT PARASITES, REDUCE PROBLEMS FOR YOUR HORSE

Published August 9, 2018
By: Kristen Stowell, DVM
College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Click Here for the article

Lots of kinds of parasites plague our horses, producing lots of problems. A short list of these problems
includes weight loss, diarrhea, colic, unthrifty coat, skin sores, suboptimal performance, and the dreaded
itchy bum.

Keep reading for details on the life cycle and signs of the critters that most commonly afflict horses in Illinois.

THE BUGS

Large Strongyles

These are the most dangerous but least common equine parasites. Horses acquire large strongyles by grazing
pasture that is covered with the worm larvae. They ingest the grass and consequently the immature stage of
the worm. The larvae transit through your horse’s gastrointestinal system and may invade the blood vessels of
the cecum and colon, where they compromise gut function and vitality. The worms are not seen as commonly
now, but it is critical to stick to an appropriate de-worming program to prevent your horse from becoming
infected. Weight loss, diarrhea, and colic are common symptoms of horses infected with large strongyles

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