Cecal rupture by Anoplocephala perfoliata infection in a thoroughbred horse in Seoul Race Park, South Korea.

The research study presents a case of a Thoroughbred horse that died from a ruptured gut, suspected to be caused by Anoplocephala perfoliata, a type of parasite. The horse was found to be infested with a variety of parasites, with the most common in 82.1% of samples being Strongylus spp, but it was the presence of A perfoliata that raises the necessity for further investigation of its link with horse colic.

Clinical Signs and Prognosis

• The horse was admitted to the Equine Hospital, Korea Racing Association showing signs of colic.
• An immediate prognosis was poor due to the size of the impactions, clinical signs and results from abdominal paracentesis (a procedure to remove fluid from the abdomen).
• The horse unfortunately died three hours after it was discharged.

Post-mortem Findings

• Post mortem examinations revealed that the caecum and large colon were fully filled with fecal contents and there was a 10 cm rupture in the latero-ventral caecum.
• The mucosa (lining) of the ileo-caecal and caeco-colic valves showed signs of hyperemia (excess blood), edema (swelling), and ulcers.
• The affected mucosa contained many tapeworms.
• Upon further histopathological examination, inflammation, ulceration and a deep necrotic inflammatory lesion were evident in the lining and underlying tissues of the ileo-caecal and caeco-colic valves.

Parasitic Examination

• One hundred and thirty-four faecal samples were collected from 16 stables and were submitted for parasite examination.
• The samples revealed the presence of four types of parasitic eggs: Strongylus spp (82.1%), Anoplocephala perfoliata (10.5%), Bovicola equi (0.7%) and Parascaris equorum (1.5%).

Study Implications

• This research highlights the presence of the tapeworm Anoplocephala perfoliata and its suspected association with colic in horses.
• The researchers suggest the need for an epidemiological survey to further investigate such parasitic infections and their potential role in causing colic, a common digestive disorder in horses that can lead to serious complications like a ruptured gut.