Vet Corner
Prevention is The Key To Stopping Summer Sores
By Faram Horse
Jun 20, 2005

If your horse has a sore that won't heal this summer, it could be a summer sore. It's not just a skin condition, it's a parasite problem.

Summer sores are caused by stomach worm larvae. Specifically, the larvae of Habronema muscae and Draschia megastoma. Parasite larvae are passed by the horse in manure, then picked up by filth flies. Flies deposit the larvae on mucous membranes and skin lesions, turning an ordinary wound into a never-healing sore.

Summer sores itch intensely, causing the horse to bite, chew and rub them. As a result, healing is delayed and secondary infection sets in. In the winter, the wounds seem to heal, but re-emerge once the weather warms up over 70 degrees.

Treating summer sores includes killing the parasite larvae with anthelmintics. Ivermectin, the active ingredient in IverCare®, is the only product labeled to control stomach worm larvae that cause summer sores.

The best treatment is prevention. This includes a regular deworming program with an ivermectin dewormer, like IverCare, for the most effective control of parasites and their larvae.

IverCare offers broad spectrum parasite control. Easy to administer in the exclusive Sure-Grip™ Syringe, IverCare is the only ivermectin that treats up to a 1500 lb. horse in a single dose.

© Copyright 2005 by SportHorseCM.com
Hosted by Usonyx Singapore Broadband Web Hosting Service