Very Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Intestinal Parasitism (in Adult)
Summary
Clinical parasitism can take many forms but what I am referring to here is signs of illness that are caused by the presence of parasites.
Intestinal parasitism is a common cause of weight loss, colic, diarrhea, and poor body condition in horses. It has been greatly reduced in the last 30 years due to improved dewormers and more frequent deworming. Unfortunately we are beginning to see resistance to dewormers and thus increased disease caused by worms. Due to this, the new approach to parasite control is fecal testing and targeted deworming.
Parasitism inhibits proper absorption of nutrients even if a horse's diet is otherwise adequate, resulting in a dull or poor haircoat.
Intestinal parasitism is a common cause of weight loss, colic, diarrhea, and poor body condition in horses. It has been greatly reduced in the last 30 years due to improved dewormers and more frequent deworming. Unfortunately we are beginning to see resistance to dewormers and thus increased disease caused by worms. Due to this, the new approach to parasite control is fecal testing and targeted deworming.
Parasitism inhibits proper absorption of nutrients even if a horse's diet is otherwise adequate, resulting in a dull or poor haircoat.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Prognosis depends on the severity of the worm burden, and your horse's general health.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
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Starving or Very Thin Horse
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Manure Appears to Have Foreign Material in It
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Manure is Watery, Diarrhea (in Adult)
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Manure has Sour or Abnormal Odor
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Failure to Shed Haircoat Normally, Retaining Coat
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Growing Foal, Poor Growth & Condition
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Shedding Haircoat Inappropriately, Losing Coat Out of Season
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Itching, Rubbing or Scratching, Generally
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Hay or Pot Belly, Pendulous Abdomen
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Hind Hooves, Toes Worn Off or Toe Dragging
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Manure is Soft But Not Liquid, "Cow Pie" or Watery (in Adult)
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Reduced Racing Performance
Rare
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health