Equine GI Parasitology

Question 1

What does Strongylus vulgaris cause?

Answer 1

Colic
Thrombosis of the cranial mesenteric artery
Non-strangulating infarction

Question 2

What is post-worming colic?

Answer 2

Anthelmintic treatment of horses with high worm burdens

Inflammation of the GIT due to death of large numbers of parasites

Question 3

Which parasite causes colic and respiratory signs due to migrating larvae?
What age group is it important in?

Answer 3

Parascaris equorum (ascarid)
Foals

Question 4

What is age group with the lowest risk for parasitic infection?

Answer 4

5-15 years
< 5 years (high risk)
> 15 years (moderate risk)

Question 5

On which class of parasites are benzimidazoles ineffective?

Answer 5

Strongyles

Question 6

In which class of parasites are diagnostics not routinely performed and why?

Answer 6

Strongyles

Can’t distinguish eggs from cyathostomins on FEC

Question 7

What is the treatment for tapeworm (anoplocephala perfoliata) and strongyles?
What can you use for both?

Answer 7

Tapeworm: Praziquantel
Strongyles: Moxidectin
Or double dose pyrantel

Question 8

What is the treatment for Parascaris equorum?

Answer 8

Fenbendazole

Question 9

What is the best treatment for cyathostomins?

Answer 9

Ivermectin, moxidectin

Fenbendazole and pyrantel resistance

Question 10

Which type of colic is often related to high parasite burdens?

Answer 10

Spasmodic colic

Question 11

What is the normal FWEC?

Answer 11

< 400epg

Question 12

How do eosinophils in horses differ from other species?

Answer 12

They are NOT raised in parasitic infections (raised in other species)