An evaluation of the efficacy of oxfendazole against the common nematode parasites of the horse.

This research investigated the effectiveness of the drug oxfendazole in treating various types of worm infections in horses.

Study Design and Methodology

• The research was a controlled trial conducted on young ponies naturally-infected with different types of nematode parasites.
• Oxfendazole, an anthelmintic, was administered orally at varying doses—10 mg per kg and 50 mg per kg—to test its efficacy in eliminating the parasites.

Results of the Study

• The treatment resulted in complete elimination of several types of nematodes including Trichostrongylus axei, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi, and adult Strongylus vulgaris.
• All migrating Strongylus edentatus larvae recovered from the subperitoneal tissues of the ponies were also found to be dead, affirming the efficacy of oxfendazole in killing this type of larvae.
• The 10 mg per kg dose achieved near complete efficiency (99.8 percent) against small strongyle adults (Trichonema spp) and the 50 mg per kg dose completely eliminated developing small strongyle larvae.

Efficacy against S. vulgaris larvae

• The arterial damage caused by migrating S. vulgaris larvae was less severe in the treated ponies compared to untreated ones. However, the reduction in the number of larvae was only in the range of 49 to 59 percent.
• While the medication considerably reduced the parasites’ population, it didn’t completely eliminate these larvae, demonstrating a lesser degree of efficacy against this particular type of worm.

Overall Conclusion

• The study indicates that oxfendazole is highly effective in treating several common types of worm infections in horses when administered at appropriate doses.
• The findings support the use of this medication in a veterinary context for horses infected with nematode parasites, although its efficacy against certain types of nematodes (e.g., S. vulgaris larvae) may be limited.