Ivermectin is a antiparasitic product that is well known and widely used. It is effective in different species, which is why in some it is used as a regular product within regular deworming programs that are repeated several times a year throughout the life of the animal. Dogs, cats or horses are some of the animals that can benefit from its properties, always following the advice of the veterinarian.
If you plan to use this product, but you are not sure how or what exactly it is for, in this article on our site we will talk about the ivermectin for horses, its uses and precautions.
What is ivermectin?
Ivermectin is a very popular antiparasitic and has been used in horses since the 1980s. It works by paralyzing parasites, which ends up for causing death, but it has a problem, and that is that regular use can lead to the development of resistance. In other words, the parasites are able to get used to it, thereby counteracting its effect, so that ivermectin is no longer effective against them. This fact can be circumvented if, for regular deworming, we change the antiparasitic from time to time, as indicated by the veterinarian. Ivermectin for horses is convenient to administer, as it is in paste form for oral administration.
What is ivermectin used for in horses?
Being an antiparasitic, ivermectin is naturally used to eliminate parasites, But you have to know which ones it is effective against. that deworming is successful. Specifically, ivermectin is capable of eliminating adult forms and some larval stages of different internal parasites that usually affect horses. Here are some of them:
- Large strongyles, such as Strongylus vulgaris.
- Small strongyles, eg Cyathostomum catinatum, Cylicocyclus elongatus, Cylicodontophorus bicornatus and Gyalocephalus capitatus.
- Lungworms Dictyocaulus arnfieldi.
- Vermes with spicules Oxyuris equi.
- Ascarids such as Parascaris equorum.
- Wireworms Trichostrongylus axei.
- Intestinal worms such as Strongyloides westeri.
- Filiform neck worms, which are microfilariae Onchocerca spp.
- Gasterophilus spp. larvae
Ivermectin dose for horses
The recommended dose of oral ivermectin for horses is 0.2 mg per kg of body weight, but like any other drug, it has to be the veterinarian who marks the periodic deworming programs or specific treatments, as well as the dosage and the pattern of use. In principle, a single dose is administered and to adjust the amount it would be highly recommended to know the exact weight of the horse.
Giving ivermectin to the horse in paste or gel format is usually simple because it comes in a syringe with different divisions depending on the kg of weight. Thus, you only have to mark the division that corresponds to the weight of the horse to obtain the necessary dose. It is administered by placing the tip of the syringe in the space between the teeth and premolars, on the side of the mouth. The syringe is squeezed to leave the paste in his mouth and his head is slightly raised for a few seconds to make it easier for him to swallow. Before inserting the syringe, it is advisable to make sure that the horse does not have food in its mouth, as this could complicate the ingestion of the paste. If there are more animals, the recommendation is to deworm them all at the same time, with ivermectin or with the product recommended by the veterinarian according to each case.
In addition to treating specific problems with parasites, horses, like dogs or cats, need deworming several times a year throughout their lives from 6-8 weeks of age, especially foals or pregnant mares in which ivermectin can be used. The veterinarian, depending on the characteristics of each specimen and its living conditions, will guide us the frequency of deworming. In this article we explain how often to deworm a horse.
Contraindications and side effects of ivermectin for horses
First of all, ivermectin should not be given to horses that have previously shown an allergic reaction to the product. It should be noted that, in some cases, adverse effects such as itching, inflammation or edema may occur in horses affected by a large number of microfilariae. It is a reaction that is related to the death of microfilariae and not directly to ivermectin. The clinical signs usually disappear spontaneously in a few days, although treatment is sometimes necessary to alleviate them. It will also be necessary to call the professional if these signs do not subside. In any case, any problem that the horse presents that we think may be related to the consumption of ivermectin, we must bring it to the attention of the veterinarian.
Ivermectin is considered safe for pregnant mares, but it is known to pass through the milk during lactation and is not information is available on the potential effect on the newborn foal. Its use is, therefore, at the discretion of the veterinarian.
Finally, if other animals such as dogs or cats live in the home, care must be taken that they never have access to ivermectin for horses, since, if they ingest it, they could develop adverse effects of severity and even life-threatening due to the excessive concentration of the product for them.
Symptoms of ivermectin overdose in horses
Although ivermectin used according to veterinary advice is considered safe for horses, a higher dose than the animal needs based on its weight can have negative effects. Some of them are mild and transitory, that is, they subside quickly, but others become more serious. The veterinarian must be informed so that he can evaluate the need for treatment. We highlight:
- Depression.
- Mydriasis, which is dilation of the pupil.
- Miscoordination.
- Tremors.
- Coma and even death.
