Parasitic worms live in the intestines of nearly all horses, with small numbers being tolerated and causing no noticeable effect on the horse’s overall health. Larger infestations of intestinal parasites can cause a wide range of problems however, including ill thrift, colic, digestive issues, diarrhea and death. 

In horses, proper pasture management and medications can assist the horse's immune system in keeping the intestinal population of worms in manageable proportions. With serious infestations, worms can damage a horse’s intestines and other internal organs, causing irreversible harm with potentially fatal consequences.

The method of transmission of worms to the horse is determined by the life cycle of the worm species involved. In most cases, worm eggs are ingested by a horse from an infected pasture and develop inside the digestive tract or lungs, where they may or may not cause disease. Eggs produced by adult worms are then shed in the horse’s feces where they can potentially infect other horses.

The clinical signs of worm infections in horses tend to be common across the various species of worms, and include:

• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Loss of condition
• Diarrhea
• Colic
• Lack of appetite
• Dull coat

The best method for confirming whether or not a horse has worms is to perform a fecal egg count and blood test. These tests will confirm the species of parasite, provide an estimate of the worm load in the intestine and give an idea of how badly a pasture is infested.¹

Fenbendazole Powder for Equines

Fenbendazole is a broad spectrum methylcarbamate benzimidazole anthelmintic that is used for the reduction and removal of nematode and protozoal parasites in many species.² In horses, fenbendazole is labeled for the removal of large strongyles (Strongylus edentatus, S equinus, S vulgaris, Triodontophorus spp), small strongyles (Cyathostomum spp, Cylicocyclus spp, Cylicostephanus spp, Cylicodontophorus spp), ascarids (Parascaris equorum) and pinworms (Oxyuris equi). Benzimidazole resistance has been noted in Cyathostomum spp found in the United States.⁴

Fenbendazole’s mechanism of action is believed to involve the disruption of intracellular microtubular transport systems by binding selectively and damaging tubulin, which prevents tubulin polymerization and inhibits microtubule formation. Fenbendazole has activity against adult life cycle stages of susceptible parasites and may have larvicidal and ovicidal activity against certain parasites.^5,6

Fenbendazole does not typically cause side effects at labeled dosages, and its use is considered safe in pregnant animals. Hypersensitivity reactions secondary to antigen release by dying parasites may occur, particularly at high dosages. In rare instances, side effects of fenbendazole in dogs or cats may include salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea. Rarely, allergic reactions can develop.³ If an animal shows signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., facial swelling, itchiness, hives, diarrhea, seizures, shock), veterinary care should be sought. 

Where to buy Fenbendazole

Fenbendazole is available in the U.S. through veterinary pharmacies and veterinary custom compounding companies. FENBENDAZOLE 3.33 GM/SCOOP ORAL POWDER, 15 SCOOPS (9CC SCOOP) by NexGen Pharmaceuticals provides superior relief from parasitic worm infestations in the horse.

This product carries numerous potential drug interactions. Please consult your veterinarian prior to beginning any treatment regimen.

FOR RX ONLY: A valid prescription from a licensed veterinarian is required for dispensing this medication.

¹extension.okstate.edu.

²thehorse.com.

³Plumb’s Veterinary Drugs.

⁴Mason ME, Voris ND, Ortis HA, Geeding AA, Kaplan RM. Comparison of a single dose of moxidectin and a five-day course of fenbendazole to reduce and suppress cyathostomin fecal egg counts in a herd of embryo transfer-recipient mares. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2014;245(8):944-951.

⁵Daniels SP, Proudman CJ. Ovicidal efficacy of fenbendazole after treatment of horses naturally infected with cyathostomins. Vet Parasitol. 2016;227:151-156.

⁶Pittman JS, Myers GH, Stalder KJ, Karriker LA. Effect of fenbendazole on shedding and embryonation of Ascaris suum eggs from naturally infected sows. J Swine Health Production. 2015;23(5):252-263.