Deworming a Falabella Horse

How often should you deworm a Falabella?

Approximately 20% of Falabellas excrete worm eggs. These parasites are very bothersome for Falabellas and can have serious consequences. To prevent this as much as possible, it's recommended to perform a fecal analysis at least three times a year. This way, you can properly maintain your Falabella and treat it effectively if it turns out to have worms.

Most worms are found in the digestive system. When Falabellas defecate in the pasture, worm eggs are present in the manure. When horses and Falabellas graze in the same pasture, these eggs or larvae can be ingested. This is a major problem, especially for young Falabellas, because adult Falabellas usually already have a good resistance to worms. Pregnant mares should be dewormed with ivermectin one to two weeks before giving birth, not for the mare, but for the foal.

Prevention is better than cure

It's recommended to deworm all Falabellas at the same time and according to a fixed schedule. This keeps things manageable. Performing a fecal analysis three times a year should be sufficient.

A manure test examines the presence, quantity, and type of worm eggs in the manure. The manure should be as fresh as possible and should not have come into contact with the soil. Worms are most active in spring and summer. A false negative result can occur in winter because worms are in a state of hibernation. As a result, they do not excrete eggs, resulting in a negative result. To prevent the spread of eggs, it is wise to regularly move the Falabellas to a different, clean pasture. Perform a manure test first to reduce the risk of larvae or eggs contaminating the new pasture.

In addition, it's recommended to remove manure from the land at least twice a week to keep the soil clean. Some people also alternate grazing with other animals, such as sheep, goats, or cattle, because these animals eat the worm eggs or larvae but cannot transmit the worms. If this isn't possible, the pasture can be mown.

How do I deworm a Falabella?

Most worming treatments are administered orally to the Falabella. The vet will provide you with a syringe filled with worming paste that you can adjust to your Falabella's weight. You want to minimize spillage and, if possible, administer a little too much rather than too little. This is except for foals, where this can be dangerous. Some products are now also sold as horse treats, which are easier to administer and still effective.

What types of worms are there?

The most common worms for horses, ponies and Falabellas are:

– Small bloodworm / red bloodworm (Cyathostominae) – detect via stool examination

– Giant bloodworm (Strongylus vulgaris) – detectable via fecal examination

– Tapeworm (Anoplocephala perfoliata) – detectable via stool test or blood test

– Roundworm (Parascaris equorum) – detect via manure testing

– Pinworm (Oxyuris equi) – detect by visual inspection

– Foal worm (Strongyloides westeri) – detectable via manure examination

Most worms can be detected by means of fecal examination, which must be carried out by a specialist.

Consequences of a worm infestation

The consequences of parasites are very unpleasant for Falabellas. They can cause progressively worsening colic. Anemia, weight loss, or impaired intestinal function are also serious side effects. Furthermore, diarrhea (which dehydrates the Falabella) or blood poisoning can occur, which can lead to death. In foals, it can also cause stunted growth.

What product should I use to deworm my Falabella?

Since July 1, 2008, new regulations have been in effect for purchasing deworming medications. These are now only available through a veterinarian or with a prescription from a licensed dealer. There are different medications for different worms:

Strongid-P (Pyrantel): Against roundworms, suitable for all ages.

Ivermectin: A standard treatment against pinworms and botfly larvae. It is not effective against small bloodworms in their larval stage; some roundworms are immune. Suitable for all ages.

Equest (Moxidectin): Effective against almost all worms, some roundworms are immune. Do not use in foals under four months of age.

(Pro)benzimidazoles: Against tapeworms, most gastrointestinal worms are practically immune.

In addition, there are also combination agents, such as Equimax (ivermectin + praziquantel), which is effective against botfly larvae, pinworms and tapeworms, but not effective enough against the larvae of the small bloodworm.

These pesky parasites can have serious consequences for your Falabella. Fortunately, remedies have been developed to combat them. For optimal protection, you can always consult your veterinarian about the best solution for your Falabella.