Neurological
Equine Grass Sickness (Equine Dysautonomia)
Equine Grass Sickness (Equine Dysautonomia) This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly. Equine grass sickness
Tapeworms
Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease.
The tapeworm can cause severe damage to the horse’s intestinal tract. Its presence can lead to decreased intestinal motility and colic.
Anoplocephala perfoliata tapeworms live at the junction between the ilieum and the cecum. As a result, the disease this parasite usually causes is colic related to the ileocecal region.
Symptoms
- Worms in droppings
- Diarrhea
- No passing droppings
- Coughing
- Weight loss
- Underweight
- Brittle / dry coat
- Matt coat
- Lethargy
- Pot-belly
- Restless
- Itchy anus
- Tail-rubbing
- Low appetite
Treatment
Generally, treatments directed against tapeworms should be given every six months, with treatment in the fall and again in late spring. There are two types of dewormers available for treating equine tapeworms. One is praziquantel, which is most often combined with ivermectin or moxidectin. The other type of dewormer is pyrantel pamoate, which is just as effective as praziquantel when administered in orally according to weight.
Prevention
The EquiSal Tapeworm Test is a simple to use ELISA test that measures the antibodies to the tapeworm parasites that are present in the horse’s saliva. Unlike the blood test which is the traditional method of testing, horse owners can take samples for the EquiSal test themselves without the need for a veterinarian. Regular worming for tapeworms should be an important part of all horse parasite control programs.
How Happie can help you manage your horse's health
Digital health management offers numerous benefits in modern equine healthcare.
With the Happie Horse App, you can track symptom patterns and body values, such as Temperature, Pulse and Respiration. Allowing you to notice abnormal changes in body and behaviour early on, leading to more successful treatments.
The Happie symptom checker allows you to add all of your horse's abnormal symptoms in order to present potential causes and diseases.
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