Horses can be infected by three groups of internal parasites: roundworms, tapeworms and bots. Infections with any of these parasites can be responsible for weight loss, diarrhoea, poor performance and general ill thrift in horses. More seriously, worms are a major cause of colic, which is the single largest cause of mortality in horses.

A worming programme is essential for the health and wellbeing of your horse. Please speak to one of our vets to discuss your individual situation. We recommend that a worm egg count should be carried out on a faeces sample from your horse/pony every 3-6months depending on group grazing/mixing etc. In some cases very little worming is actually necessary. Speak to one of the vets for advice on how best to start a simple effective worming programme that could actually reduce your worming bills.

Weighing your horse is also essential when using any worming product. We have weigh tapes available at the surgery, so please ask at reception.

Pasture management is essential if you wish to reduce the worm burden on your horse. (For example, removing ALL dropping from your paddocks at least twice a week). Sometimes the simple remedies are the most effective.