Horses Tail & Worms?

Question

My 3 year old Paint mare has a really short tail and it always sticks in between her legs. I wonder why it does that and it anyone can tell me. I added a pic of her below. Also how do I tell if she has worms? Look at the pic below....
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g189/Elitemybaby/Razz-andFriends004-1.jpg

Answer 1

Nothing is wrong with the length of your horses tail. From the picture I could see that her tail is as long as her hocks, which is normal for some horses. Many horses tuck their tails in, mostly it is conformation- your horse has a nice ranch horse hip- where there is a dramatic slope at her hip to the top of her tail. Her hip and tail are just conformational inherited which you should count as a blessing- with her hip looking like that she will be able to stop and turn easier. She'll also more naturally collect herself since her hips and legs will be further under her making her push with her hind quarters instead of pulling with her forelimbs.

If you are worried about worms I would consult your vet- he'll be able to give you a treatment program. Someone above said don't switch worming paste because they'll colic- she is wrong. While you don't have to switch dewormers every time you deworm(every 6-8 weeks), you should switch between wormers at least 2 times a year. This is so certain strings of parasites don't become immune to treatment because they get use to one paste, just don't switch too often however, or you'll have many different strings of parasites immune to several dewormers.

And from the picture I could tell you live in a colder climate with snow- this can dry out skin and cause your horse to itch. I would start conditioning your horses tail and combing it thoroughly to prevent her from rubbing. Also I've used MTG (Mane- Tail- Groom) on my horses with great improvements...one of my horses manes grew 3 inches in one month.

You have a beautiful horse and hope this helps. Happy trails.

Answer 2

Get the vet out for a check about the worms (though, it may give signs like an extended belly and rubbing it's rear against posts and fences ).
As for the tail length, well the mane doen't seem all that long either so it could just be in it's genes for it's type.

Answer 3

The tail thing? It just happens.... Our paints have tails that are a little longer & they do that too. As for the worms, I have always made it a rule to worm my horses with IVERMECTIN paste every 6 weeks. But it depends on where you live & how often your horses are on pasture. Call your vet & ask how often the horses in your area should be wormed.
From the picture, she looks a bit thin in the back & hip, but she doesn't appear to have a pus gut. Talk to your vet, he may ask for a poop sample to put under the scope or he may just tell you to worm her.
Right now, my horses get a dose when it is time for their yearly vaccinations, in January, then every 6 weeks. Just don't change the brand of wormer. You can cause colic. Just stick with IVERMECTIN paste & on a schedule. you'll be fine....

Answer 4

Has she injured her tail at all? It could be due to an injury - It does not appear that it is due to submissive or fear behavior. I'd have the vet check the tail for nerve damage. Does she swish her tail at flies? If not, I'd definitely suspect nerve damage.

About the worms, your vet can tell you from a fecal sample. However, it's best, especially since I see her stabled with other horses, to just routinely worm her (6-8 weeks) and rotate they type of wormer.