Can you give Strongid C to a mare that is being bred or that is pregnant? My horse is having her first baby and we are wanting to get her back on this product but have concerns. QP, Illinois

Dear QP,

Original strength Strongid® C™ and double-strength Strongid® C 2X™ are equine dewormers designed to be fed on a daily basis to provide a continuous, preventive level of pyrantel in the intestinal tract. According to the manufacturer, Pfizer Animal Health, Strongid C and C 2X are safe for foals at any age. It is recommended that you start them on the product after they are eating grain consistently – usually at about 2 to 3 months of age. This ensures they get the proper dose of the dewormer. Strongid C and C 2X are safe for all breeding animals, including pregnant and lactating mares as well as stallions.

I can understand why you want to get your mare back on one of these products, as they not only control adult large strongyles, small strongyles, pinworms and ascarids (roundworms), but also prevent migration of parasite larvae. Horse owners have noticed a number of benefits from using daily dewormers like Strongid C and C2X. These include fewer cases of parasite-induced colic, decreased incidence of pneumonia caused by ascarid larval migration, and improved overall condition. When parasites are prevented, many horse owners see an improvement in feed efficiency and optimized athletic ability.

Couple pieces of advice:

Unprotected animals that have grazed may already have an established strongyle larval infestation. Before starting your mare on Strongid C or C 2X, treat her with a therapeutic dose of a larvicidal product such as ivermectin or moxidectin.

Once your mare is on the daily dewormer, give her a product that is effective against tapeworms once or twice a year as well as ivermectin or moxidectin once or twice a year to control bots.

Finally, be sure and include your veterinarian in your parasite management program. Ask him or her about Pfizer’s PreventiCare ™–a unique wellness program administered by your veterinarian that includes a Colic Assistance Plan.