Combined moxidectin and environmental therapy do not eliminate Chorioptes bovis infestation in heavily feathered horses.

The study explores the efficacy of combined moxidectin and environmental therapy in treating Chorioptes bovis (a type of mite) infestation in horses with extensive feathering (long hair) on their lower limbs. Despite some decrease in skin crusting, the study concluded that this treatment was not effective in fully eliminating the mites and suggested need for better therapeutic strategies.

Background of the Study

• The research focuses on Chorioptes bovis infestation, which commonly induces pastern dermatitis, especially in draft horses and other horses with thick hair ‘feathers’ on lower limbs.
• It’s noted that treatment of this condition often leads to relapses, and successful treatment would have significant clinical value.
• Moreover, the C. bovis infestation also interferes with the progress of chronic pastern dermatitis, manifesting symptoms like swelling, lichenification, and excessive skin folds that may turn into verruciform lesions.

Methodology

• The study conducted was a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, meaning neither the participants nor the experimenters knew who was receiving a particular treatment.
• The subject of the study were 19 heavily feathered horses clinically diagnosed with pastern dermatitis and C. bovis infestation.
• The horses underwent treatment involving oral moxidectin given twice with a three-week interval, combined with environmental treatment using 4-chloro-3-methylphenol and propoxur.

Results and Conclusion

• The study noted that the treatment seemed to lessen skin crusting in comparison to the placebo group.
• However, there were no significant differences in other symptoms or the number of mites detected between the groups under treatment and the placebo.
• The researchers concluded that the combined therapy of moxidectin and environmental treatment, as described in this study, is ineffective in treating C. bovis infestation in horses with heavy feathering.

Implications

• The research adds to the understanding of the complexity and challenges in treating C. bovis infestation in horses, particularly those with heavy hair ‘feathers’ on their distal limbs.
• Further, it suggests that alternative or additional treatments may need to be explored for greater effectiveness in treating this condition, which could place emphasis on new therapeutic strategies for dealing with C. bovis in heavily feathered horses.