Most anthelmintics are safe for use throughout pregnancy, but precautions and contraindications on package inserts should be heeded. In general, anthelmintics should not be administered to mares during the first 60 days of gestation (organogenesis). Parasite control programs should be tailored to meet the particular farm needs. Also see Gastrointestinal Parasites of Horses and see Anthelmintics. Pregnant mares should be administered ivermectin or a benzimidazole 1–3 days before foaling to prevent lactogenic transmission of Strongyloides westeri, which can cause diarrhea in young foals.
OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER
Management of Reproduction: Horses
Reproductive Cycle in Horses
Breeding Soundness Examination of the Mare
Pregnancy Determination in Horses
Parasite Control During Pregnancy in Horses
Vaccinations in Horse Reproduction
Abortion in Horses
Parturition in Horses
Dystocia in Horses
Examination of the Fetal Membranes in Horses
The Early Postpartum Period in Horses
Breeding Soundness Examination of the Stallion
Breeding in Horse Reproduction