My horse has worms!?

Question

My horse has worms and we didn't know it until she lost a lot of weight. Her teeth are fine she is eating o.k. but just skinny. We wormed her 2 days ago and now I am feeding her 1/4 of a bail of hay a day with Corn Oats and Barley feed along with Wheat Germ Oil to help her gain her weight back. Can anyone tell me how long it will take for her to get her weight back on. I got her only 2 months ago and she is a little over 2 years old and 14.2 hands high. Also if you have any other suggestions on how to get her weight back I'd appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

We had a pony that had a hard time keeping weight on as well. Here's what we did to get the weight on:

Get a high fat pelleted grain. Corn, oats, and barley have little fat and high starches. You cant feed large amuonts w/out risking colic. We liked Demand by Blue Seal. Our pony was 14.1hh and was fed 3lbs 3x/day.

If you are sure the teeth are ok, keep up with the hay. You can also add alphalfa cubes (in a seperate bucket) at feeding times 1-2x/day.

We added corn oil to her diet. 1/2 cup/day is what is needed to see a difference.

Supplements like Fat Cat can also add calories w/out risking colic like additional grain would. Our vet told us you have to feed at least 2x the amount suggested to add weight.

Exercise is crucial. Some people think burning calories will cause them to loose weight, but it boosts their appetite and also keeps their muscles fit and moves things throught their system better.

Probiotics will help her, especially if she is older. Older horses can't alway get the most out of their feed and probiotic break it down so it can be absorbed better.

Lastly,  many things can effect how long it takes to get your pony fattened up. Age, breed, and health effect this. Our pony took almost 9 months before we got her up to where we wanted her (125lbs heavier). Keep in mind, slower weight gain = less risk for colic and founder problems. Get a weight tape and measure her weekly. Keep her on a regular worming schedule. (if you think she has worms already, consult your vet before worming her, as it could be dangerous to worm a horse with an advanced infestation).  

Answer 2

First have you vet get her on a good routine dewormer program.  Feed her hay and grain.  And let her relax in a pasture and graze.  Make sure to clean out your pastures so she won't ingest stuff from the manure causing her to get another type of worms.  Make sure she drinks enough water too.  Hope this helps and I hope you mare feels better! :)

Answer 3

It will take awhile...but to help things, make sure she isn't eating off the ground, make sure her stall is very clean( you may want to scrub it down?) and her water is cleaned everyday...even the electric waterers. And de-worming her every so often i think its six weeks?

  

Answer 4

(1)  You should consult a vet for proper feed recommendations.  I think you are feeding too much fiber.  Too much fiber or molasses as well will cause the food to break down too fast in the horses digestion track.  When this occurs the horse will not absorb all the nutrients in the feed.

(2)  Make sure to worm with a wormer that removes tapeworms.  Not just the cheap ivermectin.  Keep a good worming schedule.

(3)  If the horse is stabled let it out for a couple hours per day.

Depending on the weightloss & horses metabolism it could take from 2 months to a year to put the proper amount of weight on the horse.        

Answer 5

I had a horse that was a hard keeper, not because of worms but her metabolism.  I gave her alfalfa cubes free range, with wheat germ and vegetable oil.  I also had to bit and lunge her several times a week to produce muscle, not fat.  It could take months for the weight to come on, and you may notice a difference in her energy level.