Small redworm (small strongles/cyathostomes) are the most common parasite to effect your horse. They are up to 2.5cm long, very thin and can range in colour from greyish white to red. They can infest in massive numbers resulting in diarrhoea, weight loss and colic and can course death. As part of their life cycle they hibernate in an encysted form within the intestine wall. In the spring these encysted worms can emerge together resulting in massive damage to the intestine wall.
Redworm larvae is picked up by your horse whilst grazing. Small redworm larvae can develop into adults within a period of five weeks.
You should be aware on, pasture managment. To be able to have control on worms, you must pick up the horses poo daily. This alone will not control worms, you must use wormers. If your horse/s only use the paddock they are in, then you can have a worm count done, this way you will know which worms, if any your horse has. You can ask your vet to do a faecal egg count reduction test to find out if you have a worming problem. Call and ask your vet the cost of this and they will send out the kit for this. You can also buy the kits of the internet. Most vets offer a good price though.
There is a large risk if you share a paddock. If you are the only one worming your horse and the other horse/s are not being treated for worms, then your horse is still at risk. Your wormer will not work. All horses need to be wormed!
Treatment For Encysted Small Redworms
single dose of Moxidectin (Equest)
5 day course of double dose fenbendazole (Panacur)