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New Zealand veterinary journal2006; 54(6); 338-343; doi: 10.1080/00480169.2006.36721

Acute small intestinal obstruction associated with Parascaris equorum infection in young horses: 25 cases (1985-2004).

Abstract: To retrospectively evaluate the medical and surgical records of horses with acute small intestinal obstructions associated with Parascaris equorum infection; to describe the gastrointestinal lesions; and to determine the outcome of cases with such lesions. Methods: Records of 25 horses with acute small intestinal obstruction associated with P. equorum between 1985 and 2004 were reviewed to determine signalment, history, physical examination, surgical or post-mortem findings, and outcome. Results: All horses except one were less than 12 months old. Standardbreds were over-represented in the population studied. Sixteen horses (72%) had been administered anthelmintics, including pyrantel (n=8), ivermectin (n=7), and trichlorphon (n=1), within 24 h prior to the onset of colic. Of the 25 cases reviewed, 16 had simple obstructive ascarid impactions (SOAIs), and nine had complicated obstructive ascarid impaction (COAI) including volvulus (n=6) or intussusception (n=3), both concurrent with ascarid impaction of the small intestine. Short-term survival (discharge from hospital) occurred in 79% of horses treated for SOAI, and was 64% for all horses. Long-term survival (>1 year) occurred in 33% of horses with SOAI, and the overall long-term survival was 27% for all horses. Formation of adhesions was the most frequent finding associated with death for horses that did not survive long-term. Conclusions: The incidence of anthelmintic treatment within 24 h of the onset of colic in this study population (72%) was higher than that previously reported. Resistance of P. equorum to ivermectin recently reported in Ontario may be associated with increased ascarid burdens, predisposing horses to ascarid impaction. The long-term survival of these horses was better than that reported previously.
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Publication Date: 2006-12-08 PubMed ID: 17151735DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2006.36721Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study explores the effect of Parascaris equorum, a type of parasite, on young horses, particularly its association with acute small intestinal obstructions. The research covers a period of almost two decades and aims to assess treatment outcomes and describe the related gastrointestinal conditions.

Study Design and Methodology

  • The study evaluated medical and surgical records of 25 horses with acute small intestinal obstructions caused by P. equorum infection from 1985 to 2004. It collected information on the animals’ backgrounds, health history, physical examination findings, surgical or autopsy outcomes, and treatment results.
  • All but one horse were less than a year old, and Standardbreds, a common horse breed, were found more than expected, indicating a potential vulnerability in this breed.
  • Detailed data were gathered and analyzed regarding anthelmintic (anti-parasitic) treatment administration, the type of intestinal obstruction present, and survival rates.

Results of the Study

  • Of the 25 horses, 16 had simple obstructive ascarid impactions (SOAIs), and nine had complicated obstructive ascarid impaction (COAI), including volvulus (twisting of the intestine) or intussusception (inversion of one portion of the intestine within another).
  • Findings revealed that most horses had been treated with anthelmintics, including pyrantel, ivermectin, and trichlorphon, before the onset of colic symptoms. This treatment incidence (72%) was significantly higher than previously reported.
  • The short-term survival rate (discharge from hospital) was 79% for horses treated for SOAI, with an overall survival rate of 64%. Long-term survival (>1 year) was noted in 33% of horses with SOAI and 27% overall.
  • The leading cause of death was the formation of adhesions – abnormal tissue that can develop after surgery. This was most common in horses that did not survive long-term.

Conclusion

  • The study concluded that the higher than expected presence of anthelmintic treatment before the onset of colic symptoms might be associated with increased ascarid burdens, potentially predisposing horses to ascarid impaction.
  • The resistance of P. equorum to ivermectin, as reported in Ontario, is also hinted to play a role in increased ascarid burdens.
  • Despite these challenges, the study suggests that the long-term survival rate of horses suffering from this condition has improved from past data.

Cite This Article

APA
Cribb NC, Cote NM, Bouré LP, Peregrine AS. (2006). Acute small intestinal obstruction associated with Parascaris equorum infection in young horses: 25 cases (1985-2004). N Z Vet J, 54(6), 338-343. https://doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2006.36721

Publication

New Zealand veterinary journal
ISSN: 0048-0169
NlmUniqueID: 0021406
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 54
Issue: 6
Pages: 338-343

Researcher Affiliations

Cribb, N C
  • Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1. ncribb@ovc.uoguelph.ca
Cote, N M
    Bouré, L P
      Peregrine, A S

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Animals, Newborn / parasitology
        • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
        • Ascaridida Infections / drug therapy
        • Ascaridida Infections / mortality
        • Ascaridida Infections / surgery
        • Ascaridida Infections / veterinary
        • Ascaridoidea
        • Colic / drug therapy
        • Colic / mortality
        • Colic / surgery
        • Colic / veterinary
        • Drug Resistance
        • Female
        • Horse Diseases / drug therapy
        • Horse Diseases / mortality
        • Horse Diseases / surgery
        • Horses
        • Intestinal Obstruction / drug therapy
        • Intestinal Obstruction / mortality
        • Intestinal Obstruction / surgery
        • Intestinal Obstruction / veterinary
        • Intestine, Small / parasitology
        • Intestine, Small / pathology
        • Intestine, Small / surgery
        • Male
        • Postoperative Complications / veterinary
        • Retrospective Studies
        • Survival Analysis
        • Time Factors
        • Treatment Outcome

        Citations

        This article has been cited 22 times.
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