Treatment and control of gastrointestinal parasites.

Routine anthelmintic treatments are one of the most important components of an equine wellness program used by horse owners and veterinarians today. Thirteen different compounds are available in the United States in the treatment of gastrointestinal parasites, most of which are available over the counter. As a result, there is a decreased reliance on the veterinarian to perform routine tube dewormings. Therefore, the future of the veterinarian's role in the management of gastrointestinal parasites is likely to be in the consultation and design of parasite control programs. With this in mind, this article covers all of the equine anthelmintics and their clinical applications.