Fenbendazole Mode of Action
Different mode of action is what makes Safe-Guard®
(fenbendazole) so safe, yet effective against the most dangerous parasites of the horse.1,2,3
Effective Penetration
Fenbendazole, the active ingredient in Safe-Guard®, has a unique mode of action that affects the most dangerous parasites of the horse, but not the horse itself.
When fenbendazole is absorbed by the parasite, it interacts with the parasite’s microscopic cell structures called microtubules.4
Paralyzes Parasites
Fenbendazole works by binding to the beta tubulin within the microtubules of the parasite and inhibiting their formation, resulting in disruption of cell division. This potent disruption inhibits the parasite’s ability to produce energy, paralyzing the parasite until it dies.2
Protects Cells and Organs
What makes fenbendazole different is that it is more attracted to parasite beta tubulin than that of the animal being treated. This means the animal’s cells are not destroyed along with the parasite. This is why fenbendazole is so safe, yet effective.
This is also the reason Safe-Guard® is so safe for all types of horses including pregnant mares, foals, senior and debilitated horses, as well as proven safe for the environment.
Know the Threats to Your Horse’s Organs
Parasite: Large Strongyles (Strongylus vulgaris)
Lifecycle:¹
The horse ingests infective larvae, which then penetrate the intestinal wall and migrate along the blood vessels of the abdominal cavity of the horse. The larvae continue to develop until they become mature adults. The adult worms return to the cecum and colon of infected horses, where they lay eggs. The eggs are passed in the feces and the cycle starts over again.
Clinical Signs:
The migration of the immature larval stages of large strongyles through the blood vessels can cause inflammation and blood clots (thrombosis), which can limit blood supply to the intestinal tract. The resulting thromboembolic colic often results in death of the horse. Other clinical signs of large strongyles include anemia, loss of appetite, weakness, emaciation and diarrhea.
Horses at greatest risk:
Large strongyles are now considered rare, especially in well-cared-for horse populations, thanks to effective dewormers. Horses that have not been – or poorly – dewormed are at greatest risk for large strongyles.
References
1. Handbook of Equine Parasite Control, Second Edition. Martin K. Nielsen and Craig R. Reinemeyer. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Published 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc
Parasite: Ascarids (roundworms)
#1 parasite of concern for young horses
Lifecycle:¹
Adults are found in the small intestine and eggs are passed in the feces of infected animals, where they can live and remain infective for years in stalls, paddocks and pastures. When eggs are ingested the larvae hatch and migrate through the walls of the small intestine to the liver, and then to the lungs via the heart and pulmonary organs. The larvae invade the lungs and are coughed up and swallowed where they pass into the intestinal tract and become adults in the small intestine, where the cycle starts over.
Clinical Signs:
Signs of respiratory infection include cough, nasal discharge and low-grade fever. Signs of intestinal disease include weight loss, poor condition, loss of energy, pot belly, impaction colic and bowel rupture, which can be fatal.
Horses at greatest risk:
Foals and weanlings. Adult horses develop some immunity unless infestation is extreme and unchecked.
BIOSECURITY NOTE: Eggs can live and remain infective for years in stalls, paddocks and pastures increasing the potential for spreading ascarid infection between horses and even re-infecting the original host animal. Attention should be paid to managing and cleaning premises where foals have been shedding large numbers of ascarid eggs and contaminating stalls and surfaces.
References
1. Handbook of Equine Parasite Control, Second Edition. Martin K. Nielsen and Craig R. Reinemeyer. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Published 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc
Parasite: Encysted small strongyles (cyathostomes)
#1 Parasite Concern for Adult Horses
Lifecycle:¹
Adult worms are found in the cecum and colon of infected horses. The adults lay eggs which are passed in the feces. Eggs hatch and the larvae mature to the infective L3 stage. Third stage larvae are ingested on pasture and invade the mucosa of the large intestine. At this time the larvae may hibernate – or encyst – for prolonged periods of time. As many as 90% of the larvae may become encysted in this manner2 and remain in this stage of development for 4 months or up to 2 years3. The climate dictates when hibernation occurs and when the larvae will emerge and continue toward maturation.
Clinical Signs:
Primary disease threat lies in mass emergence from the encysted stage, which can lead to weight loss, diarrhea, colic, edema, fever, dull hair coat, decreased performance and even death.
Horses at greatest risk:
Considered a major parasite risk in adult horses. Young horses and immunocompromised horses are also susceptible.
References
1. Handbook of Equine Parasite Control, Second Edition. Martin K. Nielsen and Craig R. Reinemeyer. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Published 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc
2. Proudman CJ, Matthews JB. Control of Intestinal Parasites in Horses. In Practice. 2000; 22:90-97.
3. Corning, S. Equine cyathostomins: a review of biology, clinical significance and therapy. Parasites & Vectors 2009, 2(Suppl 2):S1 doi:10.1186/1756-3305-2-S2-S1
Parasite: Pinworms (Oxyuris equi)
Lifecycle:¹
Infective eggs are ingested on pasture and the larvae hatch in the small intestine. After further maturation they migrate to the cecum/colon of the horse. Adult female pinworms migrate up the rectum and out the anus to cement masses of eggs on the perineal area. The egg masses cause irritation, and environmental contamination occurs when horses rub the irritated area against posts and barn walls.
Clinical Signs:
Most common clinical sign is tail rubbing due to skin irritation in the perineal area.
Horses at greatest risk:
Young horses less than 18 months of age. Most horses develop immunity as they age.
References
1. Handbook of Equine Parasite Control, Second Edition. Martin K. Nielsen and Craig R. Reinemeyer. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Published 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc
Featured Products
SAFE-GUARD® (fenbendazole) Paste 10%
Labeled for the control of large and small strongyles (including migrating larvae), pinworms and ascarids (roundworms).
SAFE-GUARD® (fenbendazole) Equi-bits®
Feed and deworm in a single step with palatable alfalfa-based pellets.
Spread the Word
Share the power of fenbendazole mode of action today.
Important Safety Information
Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. When using Safe-Guard® (fenbendazole) Paste 10% concomitantly with trichlorfon, refer to the manufacturer’s labels for use and cautions for trichlorfon.
References
1. Kellar QA., Gokbulut C., Muzandu K., Benchaoui H. Fenbendazole Pharmacokinetics, Metabolism, and Potentiation in Horses. Drug Metabolism and Disposition. Vol. 30, No. 11: 1230-1239, 2002. 2. Lacey E. Mode of Action of Benzimidazoles. Parasitology Today, vol. 6, no. 4, 1990. 3. SAFE-GUARD® (fenbendazole) Paste 10% equine dewormer product label 4. McKellar QA., Gokbulut C., Muzandu K., Benchaoui H. Fenbendazole Pharmacokinetics, Metabolism, and Potentiation in Horses. Drug Metabolism and Disposition. Vol. 30, No. 11: 1230-1239, 2002.