Invermectin is used to combat parasites in horses.
Ivermectin for horses is one of the most effective methods for the treatment and prevention of parasites. The drug works against 35 different parasitic organisms, including strongyles, various types of worms, and bots. The worms you can treat and control include roundworms, lungworms, and intestinal hairworms. It is considered safe to use on all horses, although manufacturers recommend against using it on animals intended for food. Ivermectin paralyzes the neurotransmitter gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) in parasites. This acid is unique to parasitic organisms and therefore a typical dose of ivermectin will not affect vertebrates such as horses. It can prevent new parasite infections and also works to destroy active infections.
Ivermectin helps treat and prevent horse parasites.
Owners can purchase ivermectin for horses in paste form. It is usually sold in a plastic syringe, containing enough medicine for one or more adult horses. To administer the drug, the tip of the syringe must be inserted into the horse’s mouth. The paste is then injected into the back of the animal’s tongue. Owners are often advised to restrain the horse’s head so that it does not spit out the medication. It is considered very difficult to overdose when using ivermectin for horses. Animals ingest up to nine times the recommended dose without side effects. Ivermectin administration for parasite control can begin when the horse is between six and eight weeks of age.
Veterinarians warn against roundworms too often.
The drug is so effective at controlling parasites that vets often recommend occasionally switching to another type of treatment. The concern is that the parasites will eventually develop a resistance to ivermectin for horses, rendering it ineffective. At the same time, vets warn against turning worms too often, saying it can cause parasites to develop resistance to multiple drugs at the same time. The recommended course of action is to work closely with a veterinarian when administering a deworming treatment program for horses.
To administer ivermectin to horses, a syringe tip must be inserted into the horse’s mouth.
The use of ivermectin for horses has occasionally been known to cause side effects. Swelling and itching have occurred in some horses after being treated with ivermectin for caterpillar microfilariae. The reactions are thought to have been due to the large number of microfilariae dying at once. Ivermectin is considered extremely safe for horses, but humans should wash their hands after handling the drug. Used ivermectin syringes should not be disposed of in water sources due to the potential to harm or kill invertebrates in the water.